As you probably discovered soon after completing your maiden towing voyage (or perhaps after going one mile down the road), there's usually room for improvement while towing or hauling. Maybe you weren't too impressed with how your truck rode with the trailer behind it, or you needed more pull on the grades. Then again, maybe you're satisfied in those departments and are just on the hunt for cool accessories or the hottest towing-related gadgets. Guess what? We've got it all here, for your truck and trailer, for performance or convenience.
| towing Accessories jc Whitney Tow Kit
Ultimate Tow KitThe word "ultimate" gets thrown around nowadays, but we couldn't really argue with its use to describe the Ultimate Tow Kit from DeadBolt/CT Johnson. Inside the hard storage case you'll find a ball mount with a pretorqued hitch ball, a keyed-alike receiver-style hitch lock/trailer coupler lock/cable lock, and two keys. It's around $70. JC Whitney; 800/603-4383.
www.jcwhitney.com
| towing Accessories AEM Power Brute Force HD Water Methanol Kit
Zen EngineTo reduce stress on the engine when towing and hauling, AEM introduced the Brute Force HD Water/Methanol Kit. It's said to lower air inlet temps and EGTs under load for better performance. Included is a Boost Safe feature for retarding timing or reducing boost; a variable-speed, controller-driven 150psi pump for boost-dependent variable flow; and three different jet sizes to match your power needs. It costs around $580. AEM; 310/484-2322.
www.aempower.com
| towing Accessories Swift Hitch Full Color Camera System
Camera-ReadyIt's portable. It's wireless. It's magnetic. It has built-in night vision. The Swift Hitch--a full-color camera system that will help you hitch up your trailer, camper, or whatever is going to cling to the back of your truck. Did we mention night vision? (Have you tried to hook up a trailer at night?) It's $309. PLM Trading Co.; 603/319-4909.
www.swifthitch.net
| towing Accessories Summit TCI Towing Combos
Performance Towing CombosSummit/TCI Towing Combos have at their heart the StreetFighter transmission with improved fluid flow and gear ratios picked for towing applications. The high-torque towing converter minimizes slippage and lowers transmission temps and even is said to improve fuel economy. For extra cooling capacity--and to extend transmission life--there's a tube-and-fin-style performance transmission cooler. It's available for vehicles equipped with the TH400, 700-R4, 4L60E, and 4L80E, with prices starting at about $1300. Summit Racing Equipment; 800/230-3030.
www.summitracing.com
| towing Accessories Wireless Tow Lights
Wireless Tow LightsWhen you modify your truck, there are a few words and phrases that sound good: "fast," "easy," and "no tools required," to name a few. The Wireless Tow-Light Kit covers all three. Simply place the transmitter on what you're towing, do some plugging in, then strap on the lights (or you can use magnetic mounts). Done. Then you'll have brakelights, turn signals, and flashers. The kit is around $170. Wireless Tow Lights; 800/687-4940.
www.wirelesstowlights.com
| towing Accessories ReadyLifts OE Style Rear Block Kits
Rear Block KitsReadyLift's OE-style rear block kits are targeted specifically at those who want to put a slight rake back for towing. The kits include the blocks, U-bolts, and nuts and washers. Depending on the application, the blocks will lift the rear one to three inches. Pricing is around $140, and models include Ford, GM, and Toyota. ReadyLift Suspension; 877/759-9991.
www.readylift.com
| towing Accessories Flex A Lite Electric Fan
Fan ClubLess load equals more engine power. That's fine--except that we're talking about towing here. One step you can take is to replace your factory clutch fan. Flex-a-lite offers this electric fan for various full-size Ford, Dodge, and GM vehicles. It's an electric dual-fan system with its own shroud and, to keep it lightweight and heat resistant, it's made from glass-reinforced, injection-molded nylon. One neat feature is the variable control module. The fan system retails for $663. Flex-a-lite; 800/851-1510.
www.flex-a-lite.com
| towing Accessories Turnover Ball Gooseneck Hitch
Gooseneck HitchB&W promises its Turnover Ball Gooseneck Hitch will maximize towing capacity and bed space--music to our ears. It has a 30,000-pound towing capacity and 7500-pound tongue weight and can be installed in any full-size truck. A four-inch hole in the bed will be the only modification, as it mounts to the frame using existing holes, so you won't have to weld or drill on the frame. The ball is 2-5/16 inches and stores upside down in the socket when not in use, leaving the bed floor unobstructed. It has an MSRP of $449. B&W Trailer Hitches; 800/248-6564.
www.turnoverball.com
| towing Accessories BrakeBuddy Portable Auxiliary Braking
BrakeBuddy Portable Auxiliary BrakingThe BrakeBuddy Vantage Select can give an RV full or proportional braking capability. The full-brake setting takes the entire weight of the towed vehicle off a motorhome's brakes. Meanwhile, as proportional, "braking in the towed vehicle mirrors the same braking force as the motorhome." Control the braking sensitivity of the towed vehicle by way of an in-cab button, while you're driving. This all helps reduce the motorhome and hanger-on stopping distance. It's about $1500. BrakeBuddy; 800/470-2287.
www.brakebuddy.com
| towing Accessories TS Performance Power Module
TS Performance Power ModuleThe MP-8 Power Play module from TS Performance is said to improve horsepower and fuel economy--two things lost while towing. What makes the MP-8 work nicely for a tow rig is that it gives that bump in horsepower without increasing the engine's exhaust gas temperature. The system will automatically select the appropriate programming mode once you've plugged it into your late-model diesel truck's computer, and then it will provide options for performance levels from a dash-mounted knob. It has an MSRP of $495. TS Performance; 270/746-9999.
www.tsperformance.com
| towing Accessories Draw Tite Activator III
Brake Control - Draw-Tite Activator III The Activator III from Draw-Tite is electronic brake control. The good news is that it can be mounted in any position, has a digital output indicator, will warn if overload is detected, and allows you to adjust the brakes' aggressiveness. The great news is that it's plug-and-play. It costs about $132. Draw-Tite; 800/632-3290.
www.draw-tite.com
| towing Accessories Macs Ultra Pack Kit Tie Downs
Mac's Ultra Pack Kit Tie-DownsTrailering an off-road rig to an event? Clearly you want tie-down straps that are strong and will be secure. Mac's Ultra Pack Kit has four padded axle straps and four ratchet straps made with two-inch beefy webbing. The ratchets come in six- or eight-inch lengths and you can pick the color. The duffle bag for carrying the straps is thrown in--all for about $150. Mac's Custom Tie-Downs; 800/666-1586.
www.macscustomtiedowns.com
| towing Accessories Hotchkis GM SUV Sway Bar System
Sway Be GoneThe Hotchkis GM SUV Sway Bar System for 2007-and-up models was engineered to combat sway, improve towing control, reduce body roll, and improve cornering, steering, and chassis balance. The anti-roll bars are said to be 70 percent stiffer than stock (although they'll still fit in the factory location). The MSRP is $580. Hotchkis Performance; 877/466-7655.
www.hotchkis.net
| towing Accessories ATS Sub Zero Intercooler
Keep It Cool - ATS Sub Zero intercoolerAn upgrade to consider for towing is an intercooler. For the diesel Dodge trucks (and coming soon for Ford and GM), ATS has the Sub Zero intercooler, which is about $1200. When inlet air is cooled, air density increases and firing pressures are lowered--both will make the engine's work easier under load. ATS Diesel Performance; 800/949-6002.
www.atsdiesel.com
| towing Accessories MVS Anex Universal Tow Mirror
MVS-Anex Universal Tow MirrorThe MVS-Anex UTM is a fully adjustable, clamp-on mirror that will fit on your existing mirrors--no tools are needed for installation. The mirrors are aerodynamic and vibration-free. Standard flat glass or optional SQ wide-angle is available. You'll probably spend less than $30. RPM Innovations; 888/776-6758.
www.rpminnovations.com
| towing Accessories Hidden Hitch Ball Mounts
Hidden Hitch Ball MountsHidden Hitch has a line of solid, one-piece, forged-aluminum ball mounts. You can get them in your choice of drops: two, four, six, or eight inches. Figure you'll spend anywhere from $53 to $83. Hidden Hitch; 800/632-3290.
www.hiddenhitch.com
| towing Accessories Hawk Performance Brake Pads
Hawk Performance Brake PadsWhen you have a heavy haul behind you, you need to be sure the brakes can handle it--and those from the factory might not give you a whole lot of confidence. Hawk has various friction materials available based on your needs: LTS brake pads have a higher coefficient of friction for towing and are said to offer extended pad and rotor life with low dust. Meanwhile, the SuperDuty brake pads were engineered for trucks that are constantly towing or hauling heavy loads. Pads are for 2007 GMC/Chevy Duramax pickups, and pricing runs up to about $118. Hawk Performance; 800/542-0972.
www.hawkperformance.com
| towing Accessories Justice Brothers Super Radiator Cooler
Liquid Cool - Justice Brothers' Super Radiator CoolerWhen you're towing, it's all about temperature control. Justice Brothers' Super Radiator Cooler improves the wetting ability of the water. Reducing radiator heat also can bring down the temp of the transmission if you have a trans cooler in the radiator. Additionally, Super Radiator Cooler is said to protect against internal engine corrosion. It's around nine bucks. Justice Brothers; 626/359-9174.
www.justicebrothers.com
| towing Accessories ACT High Performance Clutch Kit
Hi-Po Clutch - ACT high-performance clutch kitThe key ingredient in this high-performance clutch kit from ACT is a heavy-duty pressure plate and performance organic disc. The plate uses hardened diaphragm fingers, while the disc has special friction materials. The kit is available for 2001-2003 Dodge Rams with the 5.9-liter Cummins and the 1994-2003 Ram with the 8.1- and 8.3-liter engines, and runs about $980. Advanced Clutch Technology; 661/940-7555.
www.advancedclutch.com
| towing Accessories Tow Ready Fifth Wheel And Gooseneck Harnesses
Tow Ready Fifth-Wheel and Gooseneck HarnessesTow Ready has a bunch of electrical components available designed just for towing, including harnesses for RVs and horse trailers. The kits plug into the factory wiring harness and reach seven feet into the truck's bed for easy plug-in. Prices are around $40. Tow Ready; 800/632-3290.
www.towready.com
| towing Accessories Magna Chargers Radix Max Supercharger Package
More Towing PowerMagna Charger's Radix Max supercharger package is said to add 124 horsepower at the wheels, which is always welcome to combat power-robbing loads. All components for installation are included: the supercharger, high-flow fuel injectors, a handheld computer reprogrammer, a high-velocity port intake manifold with water-to-air intercooler, and hardware/specialty tools. The supercharger has a four-lobe, high-helix design for cooler discharge temps, which helps with that power boost and results in quieter operation. The MSRP is $5950. Magna Charger; 805/289-0044.
www.magnacharger.com
| towing Accessories Endurance Trailer And Vehicle Connectors
Get ConnectedEndurance trailer and vehicle connectors are more than just connectors: They're seven-way connectors. The trailer connector has a pistol grip for easy installation and removal and an impact-resistant design. Plus, corrosion and precipitation issues are nonexistent. The vehicle connector has a hinge that opens to 180 degrees, and the hinge mechanism won't rust. Each runs $15. Hopkins Mfg.; 800/524-1458.
www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com
| towing Accessories Royal Purple High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil
Don't Overheat - Royal Purple high-performance synthetic motor oilWe've said it before, we'll say it again: When towing, you want to keep the engine/fluid temperatures low. An affordable way (about $9/quart) is to upgrade the motor oil. Royal Purple carries high-performance synthetic motor oil with a lower coefficient of friction and improved heat-transfer characteristics. R.P. says its own testing brought engine temps down by as much as 12 percent. Royal Purple; 281/354-8600.
www.royalpurple.com
| towing Accessories Ranchos MyRide Tuning System
Tune for Towing - Rancho's MyRide Tuning SystemOne day your truck might be a commuter. The next day it might be a tow rig. And it sure isn't going to ride the same on either of those days. Rancho's MyRide Tuning System is for remote adjusting of RS9000XL series or QuickLIFT shocks. Choose from firm to soft or various positions in between. You can mount the controller anywhere in your truck. MyRide starts at $259. Rancho Suspension; 734/384-7804.
www.gorancho.com
| towing Accessories Tilting Hitch
Tilting HitchSometimes there are product inventions that make you slap your forehead for not being quick enough to make money off the idea first. That'll probably be the case with Tilt-a-Hitch. It's a load-leveling hitch that helps angle the trailer as you use your trailer jack. Just tilt, load, then level out the trailer. It's constructed from 32 pounds of heavy steel and mounts to a standard two-inch receiver, works on any ball-mount trailer, and will soon come in pintle-hook style. It costs about $160. Tilt-A-Hitch; 618/616-1790.
www.tiltahitch.com
| towing Accessories Towtector Shield
Protection While TowingThe Towtector Shield has super-thick brush strips that keep debris and rocks from smacking the car, boat, or whatever it is you're towing. Various brush lengths are available depending on your truck's height. The Shield attaches to the ball mount or tow bar for quick installation. Prices start at about $309. Towtector; 888/735-3553.
www.towtector.com
| towing Accessories SC Weight Distributing Hitch
SC Weight-Distributing HitchThis is the SC Weight Distribution with Built-In Friction Sway Control. That it's built in means you don't have to add the friction sway controls. There's a heavy-duty shank bar, tapered springs for a smooth ride and improved weight transfer, universal spring bar brackets that'll fit pretty much every trailer frame out there, a new lift handle, and friction-coated pad hangers. The SC is compatible with surge-brake couplers and comes in 600-, 800-, 1200-, and 1500-pound tongue weight ratings. Prices start at about $497. Reese; 800/632-3290.
www.reeseprod.com
| towing Accessories CURT Round Bar And Trunnion Hitches
CURT Round-Bar and Trunnion HitchesThe CURT weight-distribution hitches help with steering and braking by spreading the load more evenly between trailer wheels and the tow rig's wheels. The hitches have forged solid-steel spring bars, heavy-duty adjustable formed heads, an adjustable shank, safety chains, brackets, and more. Both styles are available with an 800- or 1000-pound tongue-weight rating. They start at about $250. CURT Mfg.; 800/738-7213.
www.curtmfg.com
| towing Accessories Superlift
Handling UpgradeHave a lifted 2005-or-newer Ford F-250 or F-350 4x4? Since caster can be lost as the rear end squats from towing or hauling, Superlift makes an upgrade--a four-link setup to replace the factory radius arms. One other bonus of the switch: The four-link creates less bind as the suspension travels, which will help with ride quality. MSRP starts at around $768. Superlift Suspension Systems; 800/551-4955.
www.superlift.com
| towing Accessories Valley Odyssey II Brake Controller
Valley Odyssey II brake controllerValley calls its Odyssey II brake controller "ultramodern." Here's why: You can save the brake-controller settings (load level and output gain), and there's a pressure-sensitive switch for manual trailer-brake activation. It's super compact for easy mounting, and it has an integrated harness connector for plug-and-play use. The display panel has LED lights and an enhanced display panel. Its dual-axis accelerometer technology can recognize changes in terrain or vehicle deceleration and will act appropriately with braking force. That's only half of its ultramodern-ness. It's around $225. Valley; 800/344-3112.
www.valley.us.com
