Setting out on a towing journey can be an exhilarating experience, whether you're hauling a camper for weekend adventures or transporting belongings for a cross-country move. Amid all that excitement though, it’s easy to overlook the critical role that trailer hitch accessories play in your travels.
While the hitch receiver, ball mount, and trailer ball form the backbone of your bumper towing setup, it's the oft-overlooked accessories that help make the most of your towing capacity by improving handling, ensuring safety, and generally just making the whole experience a little more enjoyable.
So, before you hit the road, let's delve into the various types of trailer hitch accessories that are worth considering for your own rig – from the hitch pins that secure your connection to the safety chains that provide a (literal) lifeline in emergencies, and more.
Hitch Pins
Small but mighty, hitch pins are simple devices used to secure the ball mount or other hitch-mounted accessories to the hitch receiver. Typically, they insert through the hitch receiver and the accessory's mounting hole, securing in place with a clip or locking mechanism.
Even if you only plan to “hitch up” for cargo management purposes, like mounting a bike rack or cargo carrier, a hitch pin is essential as it will prevent those items from rattling or coming loose.
While the standard pin-and-clip configuration is both easy to use and very effective, there are some other hitch pin options on the market worth your consideration.
For example, if you regularly tow on bumpy roads, then you may want to check out CURT’s anti-rattle hitch pin and clamp kit. It features a threaded bolt, which you can tighten down on the ball mount and keep it from vibrating in the receiver.
Likewise, if you find yourself regularly having to go through the effort of hitching and unhitching a tow trailer or camp setup – like during an overlanding trip – then a quick-release hitch pin might be best for you. Factor55 offers a heavy-duty option for 2- and 2.5-inch hitch receivers that is weather-resistant and built right here in the USA.
Hitch Locks
Another very popular alternative to hitch pins are hitch locks. Simply put: these trailer accessories replace the standard hitch pin with one that locks, allowing you to secure them in place and prevent theft. They generally come in two styles: receiver-style hitch locks and coupler hitch locks.
Receiver hitch locks protect your camper, trailer, or hitch-mounted accessory from being stolen when it’s still attached to the vehicle. Like a hitch pin, they pass through the hitch receiver’s mounting hole, but then they slide into a locking mechanism on one side. Look for one constructed of sturdy steel and finished to resist rust and corrosion, like Blue Ox’s Trailer Hitch Pin.
A coupler hitch lock protects your RV from theft, whether or not it’s hitched. This is because it fits over the coupler on the trailer’s tongue and features a unique U-shape that prevents someone from simply hooking up a vehicle and driving away with your camper or trailer.
Trimax and Master Lock are two brands that won’t let you down in this arena, but if you’re looking for something a little innovative, check out BOLT Lock. The company’s solutions use your own vehicle’s ignition key to lock and unlock.
For the ultimate in protection, consider equipping your setup with both receiver and coupler locks – like in this Anti-Theft Lock Kit from Reese.
Safety Chains/Cables
Another critical part of your vehicle-to-trailer connection, safety chains and cables are designed to provide safety in case your trailer accidentally becomes uncoupled while driving down the road.
These emergency accessories keep your tow vehicle connected to the trailer, giving you time to slow down and safely bring both vehicle and towable to a stop. In fact, most states require them by law.
When determining what type of safety chains or cables to buy, make sure to purchase a set that is rated for the weight you will be towing. Additionally, look at those made from durable materials such as aircraft-grade steel. High-quality materials offer greater strength and resistance to wear and tear.
Ensure that the safety chains or cables are long enough to allow for full range of motion while towing, but not so long that they drag on the ground or become tangled. Some brands, like Demco, offer coiled designs that can help with this. Another thing to look for are sturdy attachment points, such as heavy-duty S-hooks or clamps.
Remember, safety chains and cables should be crossed underneath the trailer coupler to create a cradle that prevents the tongue from dropping to the road if it becomes disconnected.
Wiring Harnesses
Wiring harnesses safely connect the taillights, turn signals, brake lights and other necessary electrical systems from your tow vehicle to your trailer. These are required trailer hitch accessories for any vehicle towing a trailer for the safety of the tow vehicle and others on the road.
Often, trailer wiring is as easy as inserting the trailer plug into your vehicle’s pre-rigged system and thankfully, most vehicles capable of towing come prepped for this. In case your vehicle isn’t equipped, however, you’ll need to purchase a trailer wiring kit – like this one from Husky Towing – and either do it yourself or have a professional install it.
Brake Controllers
Towing thousands of extra pounds behind your vehicle is no easy feat, especially when you try to bring it all to a stop. That’s when brake controllers come in handy.
Many large trailers come with brakes of their own to assist with stopping power and safety. A brake controller helps keep the trailer stable by connecting the trailer’s electric brakes to the vehicle’s hydraulic brakes. Today’s brake controllers also constantly monitor the vehicle’s dynamics, sending the precise amount of voltage to the trailer’s electric brakes to make sure the speed of the trailer matches that of the tow vehicle. This makes driving – and stopping – a smoother, safer, and all-around more efficient process.
For years, brake controllers were mounted under the dash (and many still are), earning them the nickname “knee knockers.” Thankfully, companies have found innovative ways around this – like REDARC’s Tow-Pro. Not only are these brake controllers designed to mount unseen behind the dash with only a small control head visible, but they also allow users to switch between standard proportional braking for highway conditions and a manual mode for off-road towing.
If you like your trailer hitch accessories to be a little more high-tech, then check out CURT’s Echo Mobile Brake Controller and Tekonsha’s Prodigy iD Brake Controller. Both options sync with Apple or Android smartphones, allowing you to wirelessly monitor braking through an app.
Tow Mirrors
While not necessarily a hitch accessory, tow mirrors are still crucial when you’re towing a trailer. These mirrors are larger than standard side mirrors, extending further to improve the view on the sides of the tow vehicle and trailer. Some newer vehicles, particularly trucks, might offer tow mirrors but usually, they must be added as an aftermarket accessory.
Blind spots happen, but when you’re towing an RV or trailer, those blind spots become even bigger and more dangerous. Tow mirrors are essential when it comes to safety on the road. Find a wide variety of great options here at Parts Via, from brands like K-Source, Camco, CIPA USA, and Milenco.
Towing a trailer or hauling hitch-mounted accessories can be a daunting job, especially if you’re traveling new roads. Make it a more enjoyable and safe experience with towing solutions from Parts Via.