Tow vehicles and trailers must be compatible with hitching, braking, and wiring systems to ensure safety.

Hitching Systems

The trailer towing industry has developed a classification system that differentiates hitches according to the amount of weight they can tow. This system addresses tongue weight and total weight. Keep in mind that within each classification are numerous hitches made by a variety of manufacturers.

The three most common types of hitches are the weight-carrying hitch, the weight-distribut­ing (or load equalizer) hitch, and the fifth-wheel hitch, or gooseneck. Weight-carrying hitches are designed to carry all of the trailer's tongue weight. Weight-distributing hitches are used with a receiver hitch and special parts that distribute the tongue weight among all tow vehicle and trailer axles. Fifth-wheel hitches are designed for mounting the trailer connection point in the middle of the truck bed.

When purchasing a hitch, use the recommendations of the manufacturer of the tow vehicle and trailer based on the type and weight of the trailer. Make sure the hitch has provisions for the connection of safety chains,

required by most which states. are When connected, safety chains should have some slack to per­mit sharp turns but should not drag on road. In addition, they should cross under the trailer tongue to help prevent the tongue from the dropping to the road in the event the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.

Braking Systems

The selection of a brake system also depend on your tow vehicle and the will type fully loaded weight of your trailer. For a trailer and with a loaded weight of more than 1,500 pounds, many states require a separate braking system and a breakaway switch, located on the tongue of the trailer, to activate the trailer

brakes in the event the trailer separates from the tow vehicle. There are two basic types of

brake systems designed to activate the brakes on a trailer:

• Electronically controlled brakes usually provide automatic and manual control for trailer brakes. They require that the tow vehicle be equipped with a controlling device and additional wiring for electrical power. These brakes typically have a control box installed within reach of a the driver and can be manually or automati­cally applied. The control box require adjustment or "tuning in" may for vari­ations in trailer load.

• Surge brakes are independent hydraulic brakes activated by a master cylinder at the junction of the hitch and trailer tongue. These brakes are not controlled by the hydraulic fluid in the brake system of the tow vehicle. Note: The hydraulic system of the tow vehicle should never be directly connected to the hydraulic system of the trailer. These systems are self-compensating and do not require adjustment for variation in trailer load.

Follow the tow vehicle manufacturer's recom­mendations for brake selection. Some states require braking systems on all axles of the trail­er. So, check your state's requirements by con­tacting the motor vehicle administration.

Wiring Systems

Federal law requires trailers to have taillights, brake lights, side marker lights, turn signals, and side and rear reflectors. Some trailers also have backup lights. To provide Some trailers power to also these have blights, ac k up a four-way (or more) connector is hooked into the tow vehicle's electrical system. Many vehicle manufacturers offer a 7-way tow connector that may include an electric brake signal, power supply, and backup lights, in addition to the typ­ical four functions. Note: You must ensure that the signals on the electrical connector of the tow vehicle match the electrical connector of the trailer.

Because the wiring systems of many tow vehicles use separate wires for turn signals and stop lights, you may need to purchase a taillight converter. This converter will combine these wires so that they can be connected to the trailer lighting system. Most factory-installed towing packages include a trailer wire harness that will perform this function if required. If you tow more than one type of trailer, you also may need to purchase an adapter to accommodate differences in the wiring systems.