51
COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE
TOW VEHICLE
When equipping a new vehicle or an older vehicle to tow your trailer, ask the vehicle dealer for
the vehicle dealer.
Overall Carrying and Towing Capacity of Vehicle: Vehicle manufacturers will provide you with the maximum
towing capacities of their various models, as well as the GCWR. No amount of reinforcement
will give a 100 horsepower, 2,500 pound truck the towing capacity that a 300 horsepower,
5,000 pound truck has.
Towing Hitch: The towing hitch attached to your tow vehicle must have a capacity equal to or
greater than the load rating of the trailer you intend to tow. The hitch capacity must also be
matched to the tow vehicle capacity.
Suspension System: A tow vehicle equipped with a factory installed “Towing Package” likely comes
equipped with heavy duty springs, heavy duty tires and other suspension components which
are able to serve the size and weight of the trailer that the vehicle is rated to tow. However, the
addition of additional equipment may further improve the tow vehicle performance. These may
include adjustable air shocks, helper springs, etc.
Brake Controller: The brake controller is part of the tow vehicle and is essential in the operation
of the electric brakes on the trailer. If your trailer has electric brakes, it requires a brake
controller be installed at the driver’s position. The brake controller is not the same as the safety
breakaway brake system that is installed on the trailer.
Side View Mirrors: The size of the trailer that is being towed and your state law regulations determine
the size of the mirrors. However, some states prohibit extended mirrors on a tow vehicle,
except while a trailer is actually being towed. In this situation, detachable extended mirrors are
necessary. Check with your dealer or the appropriate state agency for mirror requirements.
Heavy Duty Flasher: A Heavy Duty Flasher is an electrical component that may be required when
Electrical Connector: An Electrical Connector connects the light and brake systems on the trailer
to the light and brake controls on the towing vehicle.
Heavy Duty Engine Oil Cooling System: The tow vehicle engine works harder when a trailer is being
towed. Depending on the size of the trailer, you may need to install a separate engine oil cooler.
Inadequate cooling may result in sudden engine failure. Ask the tow vehicle dealer if it is necessary
to install a heavy duty cooling system.
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler: The automatic transmission of a towing vehicle handles more
power when a trailer is being towed. Inadequate cooling will shorten transmission life, and may
result in sudden transmission failure. Ask the tow vehicle dealer if it is necessary to install a
separate oil cooler for the automatic transmission.
Fire Extinguisher: