Tag Archives: Ball Mounts

What Parts Do You Need to Tow a Trailer?

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Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing Company 317-247-8484

No matter what it is you intend to tow, there are principle accessories and parts required to turn, haul, and maneuver your trailer safely and smoothly. Without the necessary components, towing anything at all can be a very dangerous and risky choice. In fact, you probably wouldn’t get farther than the end of the driveway without the proper towing parts and fittings. If you are interested in purchasing a trailer, or simply want to brush up on towing rules and guidelines, start by reviewing the tools and parts
needed for a safe and legal tow.

Towing Accessories

There are six chief trappings you will need for any tow. These parts include a trailer hitch receiver, safety chains, pin and clip, ball mount, trailer hitch ball, and wiring harness. Although many towing guidelines will not mention safety chains as a “necessary” component for towing, they are actually mandatory under law. Beneath their description below, you’ll see why.

Trailer Hitch Receiver

The trailer hitch receiver is the portion that connects to the frame of a vehicle on its underside. They are made to “receive” certain types of tow ball mounts. They are assigned a “class” rating that defines their weight capacity, or the amount of weight a trailer is intended to pull. There are five classes, from Class I to Class V. It is vital to use the proper class hitch receiver for the safest and most effective towing possible.

Trailer Hitch Ball

Also called a tow ball or trailer ball, trailer hitch balls come in three different sizes and must also be matched according to weight capacity. The trailer coupler mounts and locks on top of the ball hitch, creating the link between the vehicle and the trailer. Sizes are measured in diameter and include 1-7/8”, 2”, or 2-5/16 inches.

Ball Mount

The ball mount, or drawbar, is the component that fits into the trailer hitch opening and provides a platform to mount the hitch ball. These come in different shapes, sizes, and styles depending on the type of tow you need.

Pin and Clip

The pin and clip is a device that holds the ball mount within the trailer hitch receiver. You can also purchase hitch locks for additional security. It helps to prevent theft of your towing accessories.

Wiring Harness

A wiring harness is used for connecting power to the lights for the trailer. This includes turn signals, flashers, brake lights, and parking lights. Not only are these mandatory under law, they are extremely important for road safety. These should be checked every single time a vehicle and trailer are driven, even multiple times per day.

Safety Chains

Although a trailer can be towed without using safety chains, it is like driving a car without wearing your seatbelt. Safety chains ensure that, in the case of an emergency, the trailer and hitch do not become completely separated from each other while on the road. They cross underneath the towing vehicle and trailer, securing the trailer load to the trailer hitch. Without them, a trailer could entirely detach from a vehicle and go awry on the road.

Zore’s Towing

Indianapolis Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for a professional tow truck services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We retain a full fleet of trucks and equipment, allowing our towing operators the ability to tow anything from airplanes to semi-trucks, and much more! We also offer emergency traffic clearance, storm damage clearance, emergency roadside assistance, free towing advice, junk car auctions, scrap metal recycling, and much more. Call 317-247-8484 to learn more about our Indianapolis towing services, today.

Do I Need a Hitch Ball When I Buy a New Ball Mount?

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Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

With the proper hitch and towing accessories, any vehicle can be made into a road-trip worthy, ready-to-go, hauling machine. Depending on the type of vehicle you intend to use for towing, you will need to be sure to properly match the right hitch and accessories and set-ups for safe and effective towing.

One of the most common questions drivers have in regards to towing has to do with ball mounts, hitches, and hitch balls. When a person buys a new ball mount, they often wonder which accessories they need to purchase along with it. Continue reading to learn more about ball mounts and hitches, and who to call for towing service and advice you can trust.

Ball Mounts

Ball mounts are commonly referred to as draw bars or stingers. They are the piece connected to the receiver that holds the hitch ball. They are a long, hollow square tube with a curved plate bolted at the end. The curved plate is the piece that holds the hitch ball. The come is a wide range of sizes and drop/lift levels, each fitting a certain type of trailer ball. Many are reversible, making them capable of providing drop and lift by simple turning them upside down.

Towing Accessories

The accessories that connect the ball mount to the receiver and keeps it in place are the hitch pins and clips. These are inserted through pre-made holes in the square-end of the ball mount that allows the pins and clips to hold the ball mount to the receiver. It is recommended to always use a hitch lock to prevent trailer theft.

What You Need

When you purchase a ball mount, most generally come with a hitch ball, hitch pin, and hitch clip. For this reason, there is usually no need to purchase extra towing accessories when all you need is a ball mount. However, it is highly recommended to buy a hitch lock, as mentioned before, to prevent people from simply removing the hitch pin and clip, and riding off with your trailer. Also, it is important to always use safety chains no matter which class receiver you are using. These ensure added safety and maneuverability on the road.

For professional towing advice or service, contact a local wrecker company with experience. An experienced and established towing company can provide the safest and most secure towing services for any type of vehicle, bike, equipment, and more.

Zore’s Towing

Indianapolis Towing

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Towing at 317-247-8484 for professional and prompt tow truck services in Indianapolis. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured wrecker company that has been in business for more than 75 years in Indiana. Are highly trained and licensed tow truck operators provide all types of towing; from light-weight to heavy-duty, to emergency towing, disaster response, traffic accident clearance, recovery services, and more. Call 317-247-8484 to learn more about our towing services and service areas in Indianapolis.