Regardless of your rig setup — from tiny, single-axle utility trailers and RV “toads” to goose-necked horse trailers and fifth wheel-mounted toyhaulers — if you’re going to be towing, you’ve got to have the right equipment.
While the basics behind towing may not seem complicated, there is, in fact, much to consider, as there’s a lot riding on how you get this important job done. After all, towing is serious business, and when you hit the road, you want the rest of your rig to stay right where it belongs—safely behind you.
To that end, we compiled the top 32 towing-related products, all designed to make your next adventure a safer and more enjoyable one.
Off-Highway
To help you get towed out of a tight spot, ARB offers a comprehensive recovery kit that includes a snatch strap, tree protector, winch line extension and dampener, two D-ring shackles, and leather work gloves — all housed in a rugged carry bag.
Details:
$390
(866) 293-9078
www.arbusa.com
| 32 Towing Related Products arb Recovery Kit
The Max Coupler is a heavy-duty off-road trailer coupler that minimizes binding with its multi-axis design. Conservatively rated at 6,000 pounds, the black-powdercoated unit is machined from thick plate steel along with a 1.5-inch solid-steel center section. It features poly bushings for quiet operation.
Details:
$225
(626) 969-6805
www.kilbyenterprises.com
| 32 Towing Related Products max Coupler
Lock-N-Roll hitches and couplers are designed to make backing up easy under any condition with a 360-degree range of rotational movement. A variety of sliding/bolt-on/weld-on versions are offered for standard, heavy-duty, marine, horse and off-road trailers.
Details:
$89-$108
(800) 399-5182
www.locknroll.com
| 32 Towing Related Products lock N Roll Hitch
Those looking to use one receiver-mounted winch for front and rear recoveries can do so safely using a Reese front mount hitch. Rated for line pulls up to 9,000 pounds, it accommodates a 2-inch slider, mounts solely to the frame, and is built to vehicle-specific measurements.
Details:
$175-$300
(800) 632-3290
www.reeseprod.com
| 32 Towing Related Products reese Mount Hitch
Flat towing your four-wheeler just got easier and safer with the Tow-Rite tow bar. The rigid, bolt-on kit features a permanently-attached section with removable coupler, which can be stored in the vehicle out of sight when driving. Extended and lunette-style couplers also available.
Details:
$495 (black powdercoat)
$1,195 (polished stainless steel)
(760) 741-JEEP
www.tow-rite-towbars.com
| 32 Towing Related Products tow Rite Tow Bar
Bumper Pulls
Connect trailers easily with a TeleSwivel 210. Pull the 10,000-pound-rated coupler’s pin to extend the ball outward 4 inches and/or across 8 inches of sideways travel to the correct trailer loading position. Back up the tow vehicle to lock the coupler in place and voila!
Details:
$349-$499
(888) 835-7948
www.teleswivel.com
| 32 Towing Related Products teleswivel
Give your car or light truck some style with a Class 1, 2 or 3 hitch that matches your factory paint job. All hitches are precision-welded and feature closed end tubes to avoid rusting. Color-matching, European-styled ball mounts also available.
Details:
$359-$479 (hitches)
$44 (ball mount)
(877) CURT-MFG
www.curtmfg.com
| 32 Towing Related Products hitch
RVers can easily add a receiver hitch to their 2- or 4-inch channel steel bumpers. Powdercoated for a durable finish, the bolt-on units enable use of a standard 2-inch receiver and are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds with a 350-pound tongue weight. Mounting hardware included.
Details:
$89-$124
(877) CURT-MFG
www.curtmfg.com
| 32 Towing Related Products receiver Hitch
Draw Tite's weld-together ultra frame receivers are designed for chase trucks or work-a-day rigs with service bodies. Kits available in 44 and 62-in widths with 7 or 16-inch long side brackets; crosstube end caps optional. Accepts 2-inch accessories; rating -- 16,000 pounds, 1,600-pound tongue weight.
Details:
$212-$315
(800)-632-3290
www.draw-tite.com
| 32 Towing Related Products draw Tites Frame
Heavier trailer loads and RVs often require hitches featuring load/sway controlling components to track safely. Reese's Strait-Line dual cam adjust kit is easy-to-install and tune, quiet, and automatic in function, and doesn't require relcation of most mainframe-mounted items. Self-center; available with or without hitch bar.
Details:
$705
$827 with hitch bar
(800)-632-3290
www.reeseprod.com
| 32 Towing Related Products dual Cam Adjusting Kit
The ReadyBrute Elite stands apart from traditional RV tow bars by featuring a built-in surge brake. Easily stowed when not in use, the strong, lightweight aluminum system is rated to 8,000 pounds and bolts to all standard vehicles baseplate mounts. Includes safety cables/braking indicator system.
Details:
$984
(800)-933-3372
www.readybrake.com
| 32 Towing Related Products readybrute Tow Bar
5th Wheel/Gooseneck
This high-capacity gooseneck mount installs under the bed and out of sight. Capable of hauling 30,000 pounds with a 6,000-pound pin weight, the pinned 2-5/16-inch ball folds up and down as needed and is easily serviced via a built-in grease fitting. Installation kits sold separately.
Details:
$349-$399
(877) CURT-MFG
www.curtmfg.com
| 32 Towing Related Products gooseneck
New this year is Curt Manufacturing’s Q24/R24 fifth-wheel mount that boasts 24,000-pound towing and 6,000-pound pin-weight capacities. It features a new spherical head design for smooth operation, a color-coded safety indicator and 10-year warranty. Hitch and roller available separately or in kit form.
Details:
$949 (roller only)
$1,089 (hitch only)
$1,749 (combo)
(877) CURT-MFG
www.curtmfg.com
| 32 Towing Related Products curt Fifth Wheel Mount
Recently redesigned for Ford and Dodge newest trucks, Reese Elite Gooseneck Hitch not only used a quick release ball mount but is fifth wheel ready. The ball head incorporates a ball bearing release that eliminates wheel well-mounted handles. Rated to 25,000 pounds with a 6,250-pound pin weight.
Details:
$885
(800)-632-3290
www.reeseprod.com
| 32 Towing Related Products reese Elite Gooseneck
This kit can be used to convert many existing gooseneck hitches into 18,000-pound-rated fifth-wheel mounts with a 4,500-pound pin capacity. The unit features a self-latching jaw and offers a variety of adjustments for a secure and tuned fit. Accommodates both round and square gooseneck posts.
Details:
$1,125
(800) 632-3290
www.bulldogproducts.net
| 32 Towing Related Products bulldog Hi Rise Conversion
Drivers of short bed-equipped trucks can incorporate Reese’s Airborne Sidewinder and make 90-degree turns without issue. Featuring a pivoting pinbox for easy hook-ups, the locking kingpin relocates the pivot point 22 inches rearward while centering the load over the axle. Available in 16,000- or 19,000-pound ratings.
Details:
$1,483
(800) 632-3290
www.reeseprod.com
| 32 Towing Related Products reese Elite Sidewinder
Braking
Use your diesel truck’s exhaust system to beef up your stopping power with a Banks Brake. Once installed, the low-maintenance unit reduces overall braking distance by up to 52 percent. Available for trucks with both manual and automatic transmissions; automatic transmission controller offered as option.
Details:
$687-$1,542
(800) 601-8072
www.bankspower.com
| 32 Towing Related Products banks Brake
The Tekonsha P3 electronic brake control makes stopping up to four-axle trailers a safer experience. The tunable, easy-to-install unit’s LCD display clearly indicates brake status and conducts ongoing diagnostics of all circuits. Compatible with electric and electric-over-hydraulic systems. Vehicle-specific adapters and installation kits optional.
Details:
$190
(800) 632-3290
www.tekonsha.com
| 32 Towing Related Products tekonsha P3
Put the brakes on a runaway trailer with Bargman’s Breakaway kit. Should a trailer disconnect while driving, the easy-to-install kit automatically engages the trailer brakes (up to three axles). Includes battery and charger. Weather-resistant; DOT-approved.
Details:
$33
(800) 632-3290
www.bargman.com
| 32 Towing Related Products bargman Beakaway System
Suspension
Designed to increase both towing capacity and comport, Firestone has introduced its R4Tech suspension systems that feature a tuned combination of air bags and leaf springs. The variable system is easily adjusted to accommodate loads and trailers; kits available for scores of 2WD/4WD/cab/bed configurations.
Details:
$2,750-$2,900
(800) 888-0650
www.ride-rite.com
| 32 Towing Related Products firestone R4tech
Boost load capacity while leveling your truck or RV with SumoSprings. The durable polyurethane springs are maintenance-free and offered in a variety of load/stiffness ratings. Once installed, they can compress up to 80 percent and stretch up to 50 percent in length. Direct airbag replacements also available.
Details:
$114-$589 front kits
$176-$625 rear kits
(800) 898-0705
www.supersprings.com
| 32 Towing Related Products sumosprings
Electrical
These tough cords are made using heavy gauge wire, weather-proof sheathing, and high-quality connectors for power couplings that are built to last. Colorful six/seven-wire connectors are formed in tightly wound spirals to eliminate dragging and are long enough for RV and fifth-wheel use.
Details:
$79.50-$89.99
(877) 673-3339
www.jetconnex.com
| 32 Towing Related Products jet Connex Wiring
Make it “plug-and-play” to hook up any number of trailers with Cequent’s line of four-, five-, and seven-way adapters. The various models feature wiring extensions (up to 42 inches), power-on LED lights, integrated dust caps, weatherproofing and durable bonded wiring.
Details:
$21- $58
(800) 632-3290
www.cequentgroup.com
| 32 Towing Related Products reese Plug N Play
Make quick work of finding non-functioning lights or circuits in your trailer wiring with Curt’s plug testers. Simply plug one in and LED lights indicate if each wire and connector is functioning properly. Available for popular four- to five-way flat connectors and six- to seven-way round connectors.
Details:
$4.99-$15.99
(877) CURT-MFG
www.curtmfg.com
| 32 Towing Related Products plug Tester
Nobody likes cranking the landing gear of a heavy rig by hand or trusting old, failing electronics. Upgrade your RV or trailer with Venture’s heavy-duty motor gearboxes, which can be retrofitted to most jacks. The 12-volt, clutch-protected systems are rated at 5,000 pounds each, duals at 8,000 pounds.
Details:
$125 (per unit)
(866) 365-1957
www.venturemfgco.com
| 32 Towing Related Products jack Motor
Accessories
Designed for RVs and vehicle/trailer combos up to 22 wheels, the TireMinder Wireless pressure monitoring system warns of potential blowouts and/or poor performance and mileage. Easy to install and service, it detects 0 to 145 psi and high-temperature readings. System includes wireless display, bracket, charger, and transmitters.
Details:
$249
(772) 463-6522
www.minderresearch.com
| 32 Towing Related Products tireminder Wireless Tpms
Manage your rearward visibility with up to four cameras thanks to the Hindsight backup system. Controller connects without wires and features a 2.4-inch LCD color screen, nightvision mode, microphone and speaker, magnetic mounting system, and storage case.
Details:
$343
(800) 632-3290
www.tekonsha.com
| 32 Towing Related Products hindsight Backup Camera
Unload your load in camp safely with Bulldog’s powered landing gear assemblies. The 40-inch-tall, 10,000-pound-rated legs have spring-loaded pins and dual-output power motors for either high-speed (9 inches per minute) or high-torque operation. Sold with switches, wiring harness, and mounting hardware.
Details:
$882
(800) 632-3290
www.bulldogproducts.net
| 32 Towing Related Products bulldog Landing Gear
Safely pull your boat or trailer-load on board with Fulton’s new F2 multi-speed trailer winch. Made using an aluminum frame and corrosion-free materials, the F2 uses a planetary gear system to achieve a 3,200-pound capacity with high and low speeds.
Details:
$218
(800) 632-3290
www.fultonperformance.com
| 32 Towing Related Products fulton Trailer Winch
Security
Secure your valuable trailers with one of Trimax’s unattended trailer locks. The oversized, hardened steel unit slips into the trailer tongue and is secured with a top-mounted shackle that is locked into place. Fits a wide range of couplers, from 1-7/8- to 2-5/16-inch sizes.
Details:
$49.95-$79.95
(866) 796-8500
www.trimaxlocks.com
| 32 Towing Related Products trimax Trailer Lock
Secure your rolling stock at home or away with a heavy-duty locking wheel chock. Each chock comes with three high-security keys; models available in two sizes to cover a range of sizes, from narrow motorcycle and trailer tires to wider, 33-inch off-road versions.
Details:
$85.99-$95.99
(866) 796-8500
www.trimaxlocks.com
| 32 Towing Related Products wheel Lock
Steal Armor’s portable security systems are designed to create a 400-square-foot perimeter around your trailer, RV, toyhauler, boat, or campsite. Breaching the RF field triggers a 120db siren and sends alerts to the optional key fobs. Operates for seven days off a 12-volt rechargeable sealed battery.
Details:
$425-$525
(866) 424-0575
www.stealarmor.com
| 32 Towing Related Products steal Armor Portable Security System
