Hitch Balls

The flat end of the Trailer Coupler is connected to the bar (the trailer tongue) on front of your trailer. The rounded end of the coupler is connected to the ball on the Trailer Hitch at the rear end of your towing vehicle. If you are using an A-Frame coupler, you can attach a jack to the coupler to make the connection easier with heavier loads. The basic function of any coupler is to secure the towing vehicle to the trailer.

Different Types of Trailer Couplers

There are three different types of couplers; Straight Couplers, A-Frame Couplers, and Adjustable Couplers. The type of trailer you are towing will determine the type of coupler that best meets your needs.

Straight Couplers are the most important part of your towing mechanism. They enable you to safely attach your trailer to your tow vehicle. They must be of good quality and meet the load capacity requirements of your cargo. Straight Couplers are most often found on boat trailers and utility trailers that do not require a jacking system.

A-Frame Couplers are designed to accommodate trailers designed with a triangular hitch system. They also provide a perfect fit for an appropriate jacking mechanism. A-Frame Couplers are often found on trailers that require a jacking system. Large utility trailers, boat or horse trailers, and large motorcycle trailers usually use A-Frame Couplers.

Adjustable Couplers allow the trailer to be hitched to a variety of bumpers on different tow vehicles. The most common use for these couplers is when you are using a towing vehicle with a step bumper. The Adjustable Coupler avoids 'pinching' when turning the towing vehicle.

Maintaining Your Trailer Coupler

The Trailer Coupler is the most abused part of any trailer. It is often run over, jackknifed, bent or somehow broken. Be sure the latching mechanism is secure and that the coupler is the right size for the ball. Make sure the welds or bolts holding it to the trailer tongue are secure. Try to clean and lubricate the latching mechanism regularly. It is this mechanism that is securing your trailer to your vehicle; therefore it is of utmost importance that it is not rusted to the point of falling apart.

At www.ecustomhitch.com, we want you to find the best prices on the web. Call us on 1-800-966-5905 orClick Here To Contact Us with any of your questions. If you have any suggestions as to how to make our website more complete, please let us know. We can only improve our service with your comments.

« Return to index