Stay Safe By Keeping These 6 Things in Your Car at All Times

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Zores

For anyone who operates a vehicle, road safety should be at the top of the priority list. But being “road safe” doesn’t stop at safe driving; it also requires being prepared for emergencies, whether that’s a flat tire, stalled engine, dead battery, or something more catastrophic. Fortunately, you can better prepare yourself for unanticipated road emergencies by keep certain items in your vehicle at all times.

Continue reading to learn at least 6 items that can help you during your next road emergency.

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Jumper Cables

If your car battery dies, your jumper cables will save you from a major setback or costly tow. Always keep workable jumper cables in the trunk of your vehicle. Never remove them. Today, many jumper cables can be purchased in a nicely-compacted package that won’t take up too much space in your trunk. Be sure you also know how to jump start a dead car battery.

Spare Tire and Tools

In the case that you get a flat, it is quite possible to change your tire yourself, that is, if you have a spare one on hand. Most cars come with a factory spare, but if you bought your car used, it might be missing. Be sure to check your car for a spare, and if you do not have one, buy one that matches your make and model vehicle. Spare tires are available for sale at any local tire store or automotive parts store.

Flashlight or Lamp

If your car breaks down at night, especially if it’s due to a dead battery, it might be too dark to see what you are doing. Not only does this hinder your ability to identify and resolve the issue, but it can also put you and your passengers in danger of being hit by other vehicles. Avoid these problems by keeping a quality flashlight or lantern in your car, along with an extra set of batteries.

Blanket

In the case that your car breaks down in the middle of a cold season, and your heat does not work, you would be safer and more comfortable with a blanket. If you commonly have passengers with you, add more blankets.

Water

Just like blankets, water is another prime roadside emergency item to have. Keep a gallon jug or a 6-pack of bottled water in your trunk in the case that your engine overheats, or you are broken down for a long period of time without food or beverage.

Fully-Charged Portable Phone Charger

There are several portable phone chargers on the market to choose from. Be sure the one you add to your roadside emergency kit is a good quality brand. Be sure it is fully-charged, and then keep it in your vehicle at all times. Only use it for emergencies. You see, if your car breaks down because of a dead battery, you won’t be able to use your car to plug in your phone. A portable charger solves this common problem.

Indianapolis Indiana Roadside Assistance and Towing Services

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

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How to Tell if it is Time to Change Your Car Battery

Posted on November 5, 2020 by Zores

Although we are still in the midst of the fall season, winter is soon ahead, making now the perfect time to prepare our vehicles for cold, wintry weather commutes. One important responsibility is car battery maintenance. When the weather turns inclement, you do not want to be stuck on the side of the road all because a simple and highly-preventable auto part has failed. Before you are ever faced with such as dilemma, be sure your car’s battery is in good condition. Not sure what to look for?

Continue reading to learn how to tell if it is time to replace your car battery, and what you should do if you are ever in a roadside emergency predicament in Indiana.

Old and Defective Car Batteries Show Symptoms

Whether your car battery is old or defective, you will be able to spot the signs by simply taking a closer look. Here are the top indications that it is time to change your car battery:

⚠ Car Battery Age – How old is your car battery? Did you know that they are not designed to last long, which means that an old battery will soon be a dead battery? If your car battery is between 5 and 6 years old, you might be getting close to replacement time.

⚠ Road Mileage – How often to you drive your car? If you drive it a lot, or over long distances, you will need to replace your car battery much sooner than the average commuter. However, not driving much at all can also have the same effect. Driving charges car batteries, so if a car sits for long periods of time, the battery can atrophy.

⚠ Engine Turn Over – How many seconds does it take for your engine to start up after you turn the ignition key? This length of time can tell you how your car battery might be doing. If the engine starts to take longer, or seem to struggle, to turn over, then it might be a dying battery.

Additional Signs to Look Out For:

⚠ Dimming Headlights and Interior Lights

⚠ Headlights Brighten When the Engine is Revved

⚠ Visible Corrosion on Battery Terminals and Cables

⚠ Slowly Operating Power Windows

Where to Get 24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance in Central Indiana

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Central Indiana. We open a family-owned and operated business for 90 years, so you can trust us for prompt and professional service. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so our certified tow truck operators can be there for you anytime, any day! Request free estimates, anytime.

How Does Tongue Weight Affect My Car?

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Zores

Tongue weight (TW) is incredibly important when it comes to towing and hauling cargo with your car. Improper tongue weight would make it very difficult to operate your vehicle, let alone do so safely. If you are not familiar with tongue weight calculations and recommendations, it is vital that you educate yourself before hitting the road with a trailer in tow.

Continue reading to learn how tongue weight effects a car’s ability to perform, and how to determine your make and model’s manufacturer’s instructions for tongue weights and towing capacity.

What is Tongue Weight?

Tongue weight (TW) is the amount of fixed force the trailer applies on the hitch ball of your vehicle. Without adhering to your vehicle’s manufacturer’s guidelines for tongue weight and towing capacity, you are at a much higher risk of accidents and property damage occurring during the tow. Simply put, it is not safe to tow a trailer that is not putting enough weight or too much weight on the hitch ball.

Without enough weight, the trailer is prone to swaying side to side, which is a leading cause of serious motor vehicle accidents in the country. While starting off as a first time tower, be sure to review what you should do if your trailer starts to sway, just to be prepared in the case of an emergency. If there is too much weight on the hitch ball, then you can risk putting too much force on the back tire of your car, which can cause the rear of the vehicle to sway or lift off of the ground.

Can you picture driving a car with elliptical wheels rather than circular wheels? The ride would most certainly feel unsteady and uncontrollable. Driving a car with improper tongue weight would be much like this. Forget navigating turns, taking corners, backing up, or even braking, successfully. Although this is just a brief explanation of tongue weight, you can see just how dangerous incorrect tongue weight calculations can be for drivers, as well as other pedestrians and passengers on the road.

How to Calculate Your Car and Trailer Tongue Weight

To determine your vehicle and trailer tongue weight guidelines, simply refer to your owners’ manual. The general rule of thumb is that the tongue weight should be approximately 10 to 15 percent of the towing vehicle’s total weight. Take a standard 2,400 lb. sedan loaded with 1,000 lbs. of freight, for instance. The recommended tongue weight would be between 340 and 510 pounds, which is 10 to 15% of the total 3,400 pounds being towed.

Some make and model vehicles require a hitch upgrade for tongue weights higher than a 700 or 800 pounds. One example of this would be the Sierra 1500 pickup truck, which requires owners to switch from a weight-carrying hitch to a weight-distributing hitch. Also, some gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers are designed for heavier loads, so their recommended tongue weights are generally between 15 and 30 percent, rather than 10 to 15 percent.

Where to Get 24 HR Towing and Roadside Assistance in Central Indiana

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. We are fully-equipped with the right fleets to assist cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, construction equipment, trailers, vans, semi-trucks, airplanes, and much more. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Here is Why Cars Get Towed Away Unexpectedly

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Zores

It happens to drivers every day, all across the country. It’s such a familiar tune that you can easily relate to anyone’s story. You park your car or truck outside in a public area, walk inside a store for just a minute, and when you return, your vehicle is long gone. And the first question that pops into your head is, “why did they tow my car?!” Well in actuality, the answer isn’t all too difficult to figure out. A simple matter of elimination will enlighten you as soon as you can gather your thoughts and start the investigation process.

Continue reading to learn some common reasons why cars are towed, and how to get yours back after the initial, involuntary panic resides.

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Parking Violations are a Top Cause

The most common, and probably the answer to your scenario, reason why civilian vehicles are towed is for parking violations. You know what these are: parking in handicap spots without a valid sticker, parking in spots that are labeled, “Reserved”, and let’s not forget fire lanes, no parking lanes, loading zones, private property parking, and abandoned vehicle parking. That last one refers to leaving your car in a public parking lot overnight. This is sometimes prohibited on certain lots and will result in property management towing. Look around for parking signs and street signs with towing information on them. Dial the number and you are sure to find your vehicle. If not, you might want to consider the next reason.

Police Impounds and Repossessions

If you are leasing or financing a vehicle, and you know you are behind in payments, a repossession is not a far reach. Your vehicle may have been towed away by the bank sponsoring your car loan, or the dealership that you are leasing from. If your car is paid for, then you might want to consider some legal possibilities. If your license plate is expired, police can tow it and impound it. Same goes for an expired registration. Also, if your vehicle is a suspected asset to a crime or something like it, it can be towed and impounded as soon as a warrant is signed by a judge. And that could very-well be during your lunch break at Apple Bees.

Suspended or Unlicensed Drivers

There are actually cases where your car can be towed without even parking it in the first place. During a routine traffic stop, if a police officer finds that your license is suspended, expired, or non-existent, they will have your vehicle towed and impounded on the spot.

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Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for prompt and affordable Indiana towing and recovery, roadside assistance, car auctions, and more. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. As a family owned business, you can trust that our prices are fair, and our customer support is sincere. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free quote or information, anytime.

Why Do Some Vehicles Have Spare Tires and Others Don’t?

Posted on September 25, 2020 by Zores

If you are on the hunt for a new vehicle, and a spare tire is something important to you, be sure to pay attention to everything your potential new car comes with. That is because many car manufacturers are not putting spare tires in newer model vehicles anymore. If you find this interesting, wait until you learn why some producers have chosen this practice.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 reasons why some new cars do not come with a spare tire option.

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1. Improved Fuel Efficiency

With the trending green movement becoming so popular that it is almost ingrained in most consumers shopping tendencies, it is no surprise that many car manufacturers are attempting to improve their vehicles fuel efficiency. One effort to accomplish this has been to eliminate the extra weight of a spare tire. This may seem like a trivial amount, but the absence of a spare tire can reduce a vehicle’s overall weight by 30 to 50 pounds. That is because you must also consider the additional weight of the jack and wrench. The benefits from this type of elimination also helps car manufacturers meet the strict EPA guidelines.

2. Increased Storage Space

Although it may not seem like a simple donut or spare can take up a lot of room, in smaller vehicles, its absence can make a huge difference. Vehicles like sports cars, compact cars, eco-conscious cars, electric cars, and even smaller-sized sedans, can all benefit from the lack of a spare. The added space allows for a more comfortable ride.

3. Batteries and Emissions Equipment

In contrast to adding more storage, eliminating a spare tire is a must for many car manufacturers because there is too much space occupied by other equipment. This includes hybrids, electric cars, and diesels. The batteries and emissions equipment of these vehicles takes up the space that would typically house a spare.

4. Decreased Manufacturing Costs

The elimination of a spare tire naturally saves car manufacturers money, hundreds of thousands, in fact. However, many car manufacturers use that savings to improve other performance, aesthetic, and mechanical features. So sometimes, it is a “give and take” situation.

If Your Car Does Not Come With a Spare

If you are the driver of a vehicle that lacks a spare, whether because it was manufactured that way to you just don’t have one, there are still options for you on the road. You can always purchase a properly-sized spare or donut for your vehicle, along with the proper tools (i.e. jack, torque wrench, road triangles, etc.).

Helpful Flat Tire Advice

If you ever find yourself with a flat on the side of the road without one, you can contact a 24 hour emergency roadside assistance service. Some insurance policies actually cover roadside assistance needs, or have their own roadside assistance service. Simply dial the number and wait for help to arrive. Most emergency roadside assistance services operate on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. That is why they are called “emergency” roadside assistance services.

Who to Trust for 24 Hour Towing and Roadside Assistance in Indiana

If your vehicle breaks down at any point during your trip, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for Indianapolis roadside assistance and towing recovery services you can trust. Our friendly Indiana tow truck operators are certified roadside emergency assistants, and are always waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

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A 4 Point Vehicle Check for Your Autumn Road Trip

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Zores

Autumn is a wonderful time to take a road trip. You don’t even need to get out of the car to enjoy yourself. Simply taking in all the surrounding, ever-evolving seasonal beauty is enough to make your trip worth it. Tall, verdant evergreens, billowing leafy canopies of golds and oranges, bright yellow foliage, and bustling streams in cold water creeks and river tributaries are just a few of the sites you’ll likely see this year on your Fall Indiana road trip. But if you really want to make the most out of your road trip, your first priority should be preparing the vehicle you intend to drive. After all, you and your passengers are the safest when your vehicle is in the best condition, and fully-equipped with the proper road safety supplies.

In fact, you can feel confident about your car and yourself as the driver by simply performing a 4 point, pre-trip check before hitting the road. Continue below to learn exactly how!

4-Point Vehicle Check List for Road Trips

Be sure to do your 6 point vehicular check at least one or two weeks prior to your planned departure date. This time frame will give you plenty of leeway to have needed automotive services or minor repairs done. After ensuring that your car does is operating normally, and does not need any minor repairs or factory scheduled maintenance work, you can move forward with your 4-Point Vehicle Check List!

#1 Automotive Fluids

Your first point to check during your pre-trip vehicular inspection is fluid levels. Be sure that your car, truck, van, or SUV is topped off with all 7 essential automotive fluids. These include battery fluid, transmission fluid, motor oil, power steering fluid, radiator fluid (coolant), brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. It is wise to keep an extra bottle of motor oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid in the trunk for emergency refills.

#2 Tires

It is critical to check your tire quality and condition before leaving on a long-distance road trip. First, be sure that your tires have been properly rotated and balanced. This is good for alignment, fuel efficiency, and drivability, and more. Next, be sure your tires are properly inflated. Under or over-inflated tires can cause several problems, and unexpected blow outs. Properly inflated tires prevent accidents and injuries, and improve fuel efficiency, vehicle performance, and more.

#3 Emergency Road Kit

Every vehicle should be equipped with an emergency roadside assistance kit, as well as, additional emergency supplies. As mentioned, it is wise to put an extra bottle of motor oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid for needed refills. Furthermore, long-distance trips are bound to bring on surprises, so be ready with a full roadside emergency kit. In addition to these items, be sure your vehicle also has a spare tire, jumper cables, bottled water, extra blankets, and if possible, GPS.

#4 Windows and Mirrors

The windows and mirrors on your vehicle are one of the most vital components for driving safety. Before heading out on your long-distance road trip, be sure that all windows are perfectly clean and clear. It is recommended to spray them with a water-repellent solution for extra clarity during a rainy drive. Additionally, be sure your mirrors are clean and positioned at the proper angles. If you plan to switch driver’s mid-way, be sure to repeat this step again.

Call Our Wrecker Operators for 24 Hour Roadside Assistance in Indiana

If your car breaks down in Indiana at any point during your autumn road trip, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and more. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Safety Tips for Towing a Camper or RV This Fall

Posted on September 10, 2020 by Zores

Prime camping season is approaching fast, which means avid travelers are planning road trips to through wine country, to the coast, and much more! When long road trips are on the itinerary, it is common for the voyage to include some type of towing or hauling. Common things to tow on road trips are boats, campers, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and more. When this is in the plan, be sure to catch up on some safety tips for towing one of these commodities before starting your journey. Making sure everyone and everything on board is safe is the most important part of towing and RV or camper.

Continue reading to learn the most common and basic tips for novice towers planning to hit the open road.

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Vital Weight Capacity and Distribution Tips

Always be sure to consider the weight capacity of your vehicle, and the distribution of all items inside the haul. This is very important in order to prevent a multitude of accidents on the road, as well as, damage to the vehicles. Your camper or RV should have come with a manual or guide. In here, you can find the total weight of the vehicle you are planning to tow. With this number in mind, compare it to the weight of the vehicle doing the towing. The heavier your vehicle is, the larger the load it can haul. If you have a lighter vehicle, it will only be able to tow light loads.

On the same topic, not only does your load weight need to be an appropriate match to your vehicle’s towing capacity, it is important to evenly distribute the weight in both vehicles. Many people pack up their cars, trucks, or mini vans with luggage and supplies for their vacation, however, it is common and convenient to also pack up the camper or RV with supplies and other cargoes. This is perfectly safe and acceptable so long as the weight ratios remain similar. Packing too much in the camper or RV can outweigh the vehicle towing it, causing distress on the hitch and the vehicle doing the hauling. Be careful when considering how to pack for a trip while hauling an RV or camper.

Proper Towing Hitches

It is vital to be wise when buying a trailer hitch for the type of haul you’ll be performing. It should be able to hold the total trailer weight of the RV or camper. A stabilizer bar is another tool that can greatly reduce the chances of swaying and swerving on the road. It is highly recommended to use a stabilizer bar along with your tow hitch to ensure a safe and secure ride.

If you are unsure about which tow hitch to use, ask a professional for advice. They can give you accurate information about using proper tow hitches, for free. Simply tell them what you are planning to haul, which vehicle is doing the hauling, and the weight of both. They can give you accurate information on which tow hitch to use. You can call a professional towing company, or a retail company that specializes in tow hitches and related towing accessories.

Smartly Position Your Towing Vehicle

Once you have the right hitch, it is helpful to simply back the vehicle up to the front of the RV or camper. The towing ball should be set directly under the hitch. Then you can lower the hitch over the ball and complete all the necessary connections. For example, the RV or camper latch must be secure and connected properly, safety chains should be used to provide extra security, and brake systems should be tested and inspected before any departures.

Who to Trust for 24 Hour Roadside Assistance and Emergency Towing in Indiana

If your towing vehicle breaks down while hauling a camper or RV in Central Indiana, call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour roadside assistance and emergency towing. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.

Suggested Cars and Trucks with High Towing Capacities

Posted on August 26, 2020 by Zores

If you need to tow a heavy load, an extra-large trailer, or something equally as big or hefty, it is vital that you use the appropriate vehicle for the job. Tow capacity can range anywhere from a few thousand pounds to six tons or more. It is important to know what your vehicle can handle in order to determine whether or not you need to find a different car or truck for a substantial tow. Cars, trucks, and SUV’s are all options, but for larger jobs, SUV’s and trucks are your best bet. They typically have the higher towing capacities and capabilities.

Continue reading to learn what the towing limits are for some popular make and model vehicles on the market today.

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Gross Vehicle Weight and Towing Limits

To calculate your vehicle’s tow limit, you must first determine its gross vehicle weight rating, or GVW. This number can often times be found on a label inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. Take the GVW and add it to the total weight of the trailer or load you intend to tow. This will give you the GCW, or gross combination weight of your truck. This number should not exceed the GCWR, or gross combination weight rating. This is the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can haul without jeopardizing the integrity of the transmission, brakes, suspension, engine, tires, and more.

High Towing Capacity Vehicles to Consider

If you are in the market for a new truck or SUV with a high hauling capacity, take a look at the following list for current market options for conventional ball and hitch towing. Keep in mind that these particular make and model vehicles come in a variety of cab styles, sizes, engines, and additional features and upgrades.

Ford Trucks:

F-450 DRW 4×4 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 = Up to 19,000 lbs.
F-350 DRW 4×4 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 = Up to 19,000 lbs.
F-250 SRW 4×4 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 = Up to 14,000 lbs.

Dodge Trucks:

Ram 3500 = Up to 11,900 lbs.
Ram 2500 = Up to 11,800 lbs.
Ram 1500 = Up to 9,000 lbs.

GMC Trucks:

Sierra 3500HD = Up to 13,000 lbs.
Sierra 2500HD = Up to 13,000 lbs.
Sierra 1500HD = Up to 8,000 lbs.

Chevrolet Trucks:

Silverado 3500HD = Up to 13,000 lbs.
Silverado 2500HD = Up to 13,000 lbs.
Silverado 1500HD = Up to 8,000 lbs.

⚠ Never exceed your car or truck’s towing capacity! Consult a professional Indianapolis Indiana wrecker company for accurate information and advice on gross vehicle weights and guidelines.

Central Indiana Towing and Recovery Service You Can Truly Count On

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for safe and affordable Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust. Our licensed and insured tow truck operators provide punctual and prompt tow truck services, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! We also provide numerous community services, roadside assistance services, wrecker and recovery services, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, anytime!

How to Save Money on Gasoline for Your Car

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Zores

Even though gasoline prices are the lowest they’ve been for years, drivers are still looking for ways to save money on car fuel. Saving money on gasoline is not only great for your wallet, it is beneficial for the environment. It is in every driver’s best interest to do what they can to reduce fuel consumption and save money on fuel costs.

Continue reading to learn some effective methods for doing just that!

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Do Not Use Premium Gasoline!

Never use premium fuel unless your car specifically requires it. And if your owners’ manual mentions premium fuel, look closer whether it’s “premium recommended” or “premium required”, because there is a difference. If it is a premium-recommended vehicle, you should still just stick to unleaded gas and save yourself money. The only cars that require premium fuel incudes high performance vehicles like 2016 Audi’s and BMW’s, Aston Martins, Alfa Romero’s, and similar luxury foreign cars. Aside from premium-required cars, there is no benefit to using premium grade gasoline, especially in terms of performance and gas mileage. Unleaded gasoline is perfectly safe for your vehicle, and will save you a lot of money on fuel.

Do Not Use the “Top-Off” Method

When filling up the gas tank, many drivers choose to continue filling after the nozzle clicks. Whether to “top it off” or hit an even number, this method of filling up the tank is a wasteful one. The extra fuel will never be used to power the engine, and instead, slosh out and make a mess everywhere. The worst part is that you are paying for fuel you don’t get to use. As soon as the nozzle clicks, your tank is perfectly full. There is no need to top of the tank with additional gasoline.

Double-Check the Gas Cap

After filling up, it is important to double-check the gas cap. Forgetting to replace it is a common mistake, but making sure it’s there is not the only thing to look for. It is also important to make sure the cap is screwed on tight and fully-closed. A loose or missing gas cap will allow fuel to evaporate, wasting your hard-earned, cautiously-spent money.

Park in the Shade

Loose gas caps are not the only thing that can cause your fuel to evaporate. The hot summer sun will do the same! To avoid wasting your fuel, park in shady areas on hot sunny days. If you are not able to park in shade, it is helpful to purchase a windshield cover to reduce the amount of sun exposure inside your car. These are inexpensive and easy to use.

Keep Your Tires Inflated

Deflated tires are a common cause of wasted fuel. When the tires are not properly inflated, your vehicle has to work harder to go, causing the need to use more fuel. Be sure to check your tire pressure once a month to avoid this problem. Never use the maximum pressure recommendations on the side of the tire. The proper tire pressure for your car or truck can be found on the factory sticker on the inside of the door jam on the driver’s side. If it’s not there, check the inside of the glove compartment.

Did You Run Out of Gas in Indianapolis, Indiana?

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for friendly 24 hour roadside assistance, including fuel fill-ups, in Indianapolis, or throughout Central Indiana. We open a family-owned and operated business for 90 years, so you can trust us for prompt and professional service. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, so our certified tow truck operators can be there for you anytime, any day! Request free estimates, anytime.

Recommended Tow Hitch Fittings You’ll Need for Long Distance Hauls

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Zores

There are several hitch accessories that are recommended for drivers to use when towing a trailer longer distances. Although there are several hitch accessories you don’t necessarily need for shorter hauls, long distance towing is a more serious undertaking, especially when using highways and interstates at high speeds. Continue reading to learn a little about some of the most popular and recommended tow hitch accessories, and who to contact for additional towing advice and information you can trust.

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What You Should Have for Trailer Towing

➾ Ball Mounts

The hitch receiver and ball mounts are entirely separate assemblies. A ball mount should slide into a hitch receiver and be secured with a locking pin. Always be sure to use a ball mount that matches your hitch class. This is the amount of weight your truck can pull, of course. Class I hitch pulls up to 2,000 pounds, Class II hitches pull up to 3,500 pounds, Class III’s pull up to 5,000 pounds, and so forth. You can find class V hitches that can pull more than ten thousand pounds!

➾ Hitch Balls

Hitch ball shanks fit through a hole in a ball mount, and secured with nuts and washers. Because these holes in ball mounts come in different sizes, it is important to check the shank diameter of your hitch balls before trying them out or purchasing them.

➾ Couplers

Although couplers are technically part of a trailer, they are an important accessory to mention because a trailer cannot be connected to a vehicle without them. They are attached at the end of the tongue, and must match the size of hitch ball diameter. They must also be able to handle that total weight of the load in haul. This is called the gross trailer weight, or GTW.

➾ Safety Chains

One of the most highly recommended accessories for any tow are safety chains. Just like couplers, safety chains are located at the tongue of the trailer, but on each side. They serve the purpose of keeping a trailer connected to a vehicle, while providing extra security and safety when towing a trailer. In fact, most states require them under law.

➾ Locks, Pins, and Clips

As mentioned before, pins are used to secure ball mounts to hitch receivers. Then a clip is placed over the head of the pin to prevent it from slipping out of place. Hitch locks are popular alternatives to pins and clips, as they do the job of both; but they also protect the ball mounts from thieves.

➾ Tube Covers

Customizable and fun to use, hitch tube covers are another popular and useful accessory for towing a trailer. When tow hitches aren’t being used, they can collect dirt, mud, and grime. This exposure can cause pre-mature corrosion and deterioration of your tow hitch. The solution for this issue is using a hitch cover! They are steel or plastic tube covers that protect your tow hitch from overexposure to natural elements and harsh weather conditions. Simply insert them into the ball mount hole when not in use. They are fun because they come in a variety of colors and patterns that you can match to your truck or your personality!

➾ Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers

Hitch-mounted cargo carriers are another accessory that can be useful when not towing a trailer. They are like a mini-flatbed trailer because they offer a flattened platform capable of holding up to 600 pounds of cargo weight. Cargo carriers simply connect to the hitch receiver on one side, providing the platform deck on the other! There are two types of carriers, open-style and enclosed. Talk to your local wrecker service for details and advice on which style to use for your truck or SUV.

➾ Extenders and Adapters

Extenders and adapters are used as accessories to hitch-mounted accessories, like cargo carriers. When a ball mount doesn’t fit the size of a receiver, a tow adapter might be used. And when you need to increase the clearance of a cargo carrier or other hitch-mounted device, an extender might be used for this. Extenders are important for trucks and vehicles that have something hanging over the bumper, like a tire or camper shell.

➾ Weight Distribution Systems

Weight distribution systems are great towing accessories to consider when you need to tow a large amount of weight. This means loads heavier than 3,000 pounds or so. In this case, you would of course need a Class VI or V trailer hitch. These systems come with shanks, hitch heads, and spring bars.

➾ Trailer Jacks

Trailer jacks do not actually mount to the hitch, but they make the hitching process much safer and much easier. They are mounted to the trailer, on the tongue, in close proximity to the coupler. They allow you to raise and lower the trailer from the hitch ball with a crank.

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Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing and roadside assistance in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our friendly staff is waiting by the phones, ready to help you get back on the road, safe and sound. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so you can always count on us. Request a free estimate, today.