How a trailer hitch works. Replacement of coupling heads and locking devices for light trailers. What is a tow hitch

Many car owners sooner or later face the issue of transporting bulky goods. These can be personal items, building materials, harvest from the garden, furniture, goods for sale, etc. Naturally, not everything can be packed into the cabin or trunk of your car, especially if it is not a minibus, van or minivan. In such cases, the best solution to the problem is to use a trailer. It can be either personal or rented. Of course, to tow it, you will need such a thing as a tow hitch, or, as it is also called, a tow bar.

What is a tow hitch (TSU)

A tow hitch is a device for towing a trailer or trailer by a vehicle (tractor). Most modern cars have provided mounts for a towbar, or are equipped with one from the factory. The towing device is fixed to the car body or its elements by means of a bolted or welded connection, and can have both a rear (most often) and a front (for special cases) location. Usually, the towbar is located at the rear of the car. A car equipped with it can be recognized by a ball or hook protruding from under the bumper, to which, in fact, the trailer is attached.

But it is perfectly fair to say that evolution has taken place. The device has been the victim of great criticism, rumors and even promises of a ban or regulation a year, it is not surprising that the putsch began for some time to be directed and set off its target. Motorists from all over Brazil are looking for a safety device that contains and protects the rear of the car from "collision", but wrongly, as this can cause more serious damage, since the bumper damping function is canceled, giving the chassis the impact of the impact.

Types of trailers according to the method of attachment

Towbars according to the type of installation and fastening are divided into three types:

removable;
conditionally removable;
fixed.

The first type provides for quick dismantling (folding) not of the device itself, but of the trailer hook using a specially provided latch. This is the most convenient option, allowing you to install or dismantle (fold) the protruding element of the tow hitch at any time. The cost of such a removable towbar, of course, is two to three times more expensive than a fixed one.

With this fact, the true function of the clutches, i.e. towing, became secondary. Several home accessories have poor quality equipment with poor installation. Some clutches can only be secured with screws attached to the spare tire box, which can cause serious damage in the event of a collision. In addition to not playing the role of a hitch, the accessory can be used at any time to tow a trailer or trailer, resulting in a major disaster as it will not be prepared due to its physical resistance or fixation.

Conditionally removable devices make it possible to dismantle the trailer hook by unscrewing a few bolts. It takes a little longer, but the functionality of the design does not suffer from this at all.

A fixed (stationary) towbar differs from the above devices in that its hook is tightly welded to the tow hitch structure.

Another allegation was that pedestrians kicked and repeatedly injured parked cars. According to engineer Michel Ebel, director of the Simefra Trailer and Trailer Department, one of the most disastrous consequences of the measure, if approved, would be unemployment.

Today, the clutch industry has about 20,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout Brazil. In any case, the most disadvantaged will be trailer owners, who would have to spend double or triple what is usually spent to adapt to the new rules, which were to be installed in vehicles with only replacement couplings. One piece, already attached to the vehicle chassis, ends with a slot behind the last bumper line. The driver would then just place the ball assembly to the ground during towing.

Types of towbars by design

There are two types of trailers that differ in configuration:

European;
American.

The European type of towbars is characterized by the configuration of the coupling with the trailer, which is familiar to us - a metal ball. In Russia, according to GOST - 28248, the diameter of the coupling ball has a fixed diameter (50 mm). Everything domestic trailers equipped with a drawbar to this standard.

In addition to complicating the process, this would be another blow from the many trailers already provided to owners. Vehicles that already had a clutch to date will be released if they contain: a solid sphere, a socket provided with an electrical installation, a place to fix the chain, and no sharp ends.

Under these rules, transit agencies try to save the correct use of the equipment and the non-compliance of those who use the connection for other purposes. There are cars that even have hollow ball and glow ball couplings, even with no outlet or electrical wiring at all.

Why a ball? The fact is that this form allows you to perceive not only horizontal loads, but also vertical ones (for single-axle trailers), which makes it more versatile.

In Europe, ball joint standards may have slightly different dimensions, for example:

Manufacturers and importers Vehicle covered by this Resolution shall notify the Union's executive body responsible for the transit of vehicle models which have the capability to tow trailers and shall include the following information in the user's manual. Article 8º This resolution shall enter into force on the date of its publication, in force for the following periods. It is important for tourists to know that most of the issues addressed in the resolution are addressed to manufacturers.

For drivers who already have a hitch in their car, there are only 4 things to pay attention to. Solid ball to connect. - Socket and electrical installation for towing. - Chain fastening device - No sharp surfaces. All of these items are already in place for those who actually evacuate trucks, tents, trailers or boats. The big question is such "lights, correctly adjusted" and "nameplate". According to Alfredo Pérez da Silva, President of the National Council of Traffic and Director of the National Traffic Department, Alfredo Pérez da Silva, the quote refers to the care a driver must have with lighting standards in a vehicle.

47.6mm (1 7/8");
50.8 mm (2");
58.7mm (2 5/16").

Towbars with ball coupling are used for transporting trailers with a total weight of up to 3500 kg.

The American type of towbar has a slightly different clutch shape. It is a quadrangular shaft, into which the corresponding tip of the trailer drawbar enters with a characteristic locking mechanism in the form of a hook-shaped handle.

He states the same that one who has the headlights of the car in order will not need measures and still says that by standards there should be no existing lighting in the clutches. The license plate is obligatory from this date only for those who produce, exempt from the obligation of vehicles that already own the equipment. This Resolution No. 55 replaces the term "correctly adjusted lighting device" in Resolution 197 "Without lighting device". Please note that the issue of lighting and "hard surfaces" is still confusing and ambiguous.

The general classification of towbars looks like this:

class "A" - a hook with a clutch ball is fixed on 2 bolts (the load on the ball is not more than 150 kg with a total trailer weight of up to 1500 kg);
class "B" - removable hook with a ball (fastening on a nut);
class "C" - removable (foldable) hook on the eccentric;
class "BMA" - coupling ball with a quick-release connection (for luxury cars);
class "E" - connection under the American standard (up to 1500 kg);
class "H" - non-removable (welded construction);
class "FC" - ultralight (up to 750 kg);
class "GC" - with fastening on 4 bolts;
class "F" - a forged ball of a removable type with 2 bolts and the ability to adjust vertically;
class "G" - analogue of class "F" with fastening on 4 bolts;
class "V" - analogue of class "F" without adjustment.

Anyone who fails to comply with the decision will receive a penalty of five points and a fine. They are prohibited from using vehicles with a clutch, which are part of the list of models that will be released by the National Department of Roads on Monday for all children in Brazil. From the end of July last year, when the deadline for all manufacturers and importers of cars sold in Brazil, will send to the department a list of models technically capable of using the accessory, that dealers and vehicle owners are waiting for the list to be released, which will allow the use of equipment to be verified.

Classification of trailers by weight load

Naturally, any towbar is designed for a certain mass of the transported cargo (trailer). Using a tow hitch that is not suitable for the towed weight can lead to unpredictable consequences. For this reason, towbars are usually divided into three classes:

However, Denatran said the list should be expanded after clearing doubts with some manufacturers and importers. This means that not all vehicles on the list are free to use the connection, but those that are part of the relationship are already prohibited. The problem was that, after a deadline for manufacturers and importers to submit lists in July, Denatran did not disclose the relationship for fear of potential inspection issues. However, he said that he had come to the conclusion that the resolution had already given several deadlines and that there was no adjustment period.

for passenger cars mobiles (maximum weight of a towed trailer - 1500 kg);
for minivans and station wagons (2500 kg);
for SUVs and minibuses (3500 kg).

Features of the electrical connection of the trailer

The towed trailer or trailer must be connected to the vehicle's electrical circuit. Its optical signaling devices must work clearly and warn other road users about the maneuvers being made in a timely manner. For this towing device equipped with a special wiring kit. Some manufacturers of towbars offer wiring kits for the towbar, while others sell separately.

The agency also said the list is on an upward trend as some manufacturers weren't clear on the specifications of each model that the connection could use. Thus, they will again be consulted and new relationships, according to each trademark, may be divulged as doubts are cleared up.

As for models that cannot use a hitch, there is no doubt and the prohibition is already clear, as the manufacturer of the car itself does not recommend using it. When traveling or transporting objects, it is often necessary to have extra space in the vehicle. For vehicle owners who are tired of going through the "squeeze" when carrying luggage, a tow bar is the way to go.

The design of the wire designed to connect the electrics of the car and the trailer consists of two parts, one of which has a plug, and the second has a socket (socket). In order to connect the towed vehicle to the on-board circuit of the machine, it is enough to plug the plug into the socket. However, it should be borne in mind here that the connecting elements for towing devices are of two types: 7-pin and 13. In other words, if you purchase a trailer already equipped with 7-pin wiring, and the tow bar installed on your car provides a 13-pin connection, you will have to get a special adapter (adapter).

The automotive accessories market offers several options for transport trolleys according to the desired utility. But owners should be aware of the manufacturer's regularity and traffic law requirements. A trailer or coupler is considered an accessory to the car and its use is indicated for people who want to increase the carrying capacity of the car.

The price varies depending on the category of the car. Recreational vehicles with trailers carry between 400 kg and 500 kg and utilities up to 500 kg. The coupling must have a plate and its own documentation, registration certificate and vehicle license. Therefore, the driver has up to 30 days after installing the accessory to report changes to the car to the Department of Transit of the region in which he lives. A car owner who has a connected transport cart pays an annual license fee and is exempt from paying the cost of motor vehicle property tax and compulsory insurance.

Homemade TSU

Often on the roads you can find cars equipped with homemade towing devices. They are easy to visually distinguish from factory ones: non-standard sizes, shape, quality of welds, etc. The use of homemade towbars is not prohibited, but not recommended. It cannot be said that all homemade TSUs are unreliable, but there are certain requirements that it is undesirable to neglect. One of these requirements is OST 37.001.299, according to which each factory hitch passes a technical test for the fatigue strength of its design. It is impossible to conduct such tests at home. Naturally, none of the home-grown manufacturers of TSU will give you any guarantee for their product.

The National Transportation Board establishes some mandatory equipment for use transport trolley. These are: rear bumper, mudguards, lights, arrows and parking brake connected to the towed vehicle. In addition, they should have reflective stripes on the back and sides to avoid accidents while on the move. Penalties for not complying with this definition vary according to Article 230 of the Brazilian Transport Code.

The question of whether a trailer protects a car from damage in collision situations is a constant controversy. Therefore, engineer Gildson Dantas explained that this is a myth. The trailer in the event of a collision can cause even more damage to the vehicle composition, since it is not designed to absorb the impact. In a collision, it can cause a defect in the body and in the car unit.

Tow bar installation

For most passenger cars, the installation of the trailer hitch requires dismantling rear bumper and his amplifier. The latter is usually not mounted back, since its role is perfectly performed by the TSU beam. In the lower part of the bumper, a cutout is made for the beam and the towbar hook.
You want to buy hitches for your car, there are different systems. We will help you choose the one that suits your needs! On the site's website, simply enter your vehicle's registration plate and automatically compatible connectors will be offered to you directly.

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Removable nut with tool
Would you like to buy an auto hitch? Choose a removable gooseneck with tool, ideal for frequent use. It may happen that the trailer ball is identified as an obstacle by the kickback sensors if the vehicle is equipped with one. In this case, it is preferable to use a detachable hitch without tools.

Most often, the towbar is bolted to the side members of the car. In some cases - to the longitudinal beams or the body. Holes for fastening the towbar are recommended to be sealed with anti-corrosion agents.

TSU maintenance

Like any other design, the towbar requires timely maintenance. The TSU ball must be constantly lubricated. Only in this case will he be able to ensure the correct operation of the hitch. To prevent mechanical damage to the ball, it is better to protect it with a special cap, and the electrical connector with a plug. If the ball is worn, it should be replaced using a part from the same manufacturer with the same dimensions.

Removable standard tool trailer

Pull rod, vertical or horizontal, removable without tools

The detachable towbar can be dismantled with a lever, the ball joint can be locked and removed in seconds. The towing device of the car seat is fixed with an anti-theft wheel. called a retractable hitch, is almost invisible when its ball joint is disassembled.

The condition of the attachment of the TSU to the car body must be checked every 1000-1500 km of run.

Drawbar manufacturers

Towing devices are produced by dozens of companies, both domestic and foreign. Here are just a few of them:

Bosal is a Dutch company producing more than 200 types of towbars of different series for cars and trucks;
Brink is another Dutch manufacturer with subsidiaries throughout Europe. European market leader;
VFM - a number of enterprises in Russia and Turkey that are part of the Bosal group of companies;
Westfalia is Germany's largest manufacturer of towbars, trailers and trailers. Produces more than 800 types of tow bars for all brands of cars and trucks;
Aragon is a major Spanish manufacturer of towbars, one of the leaders in the European market;
HiddenHitch is one of the leaders in the trailer hitch market in North America;
AvtoS is a Russian enterprise (Kolomna, Moscow region) for the manufacture of budget towbars for domestic and imported cars;
BALTEX is a Russian company (St. Petersburg), specializing in the development, production and sale of towing devices.

The horizontal removable ball joint is differentiated, the mount remains visible behind the vehicle when the ball is removed, the most aesthetic vertical removable ball joint, the mount is invisibly patella removed. Looking for aesthetics and ease of use? Choose high quality sliding ball bearing. The advantage of this self-tightening hitch is that its ballpoint pen fits easily under the bumper when not in use thanks to its swivel mechanism.

What is auto-assistance tailored to my needs?

Towing a trailer, boat trailer or cyclist

Couplings are available individually or in packages with a universal or specific harness in 7 or 13 pins adapted to the vehicle. In case of occasional use, it is recommended to choose a detachable vertical ball without tools, which will be much more practical to use as well as more aesthetic than detachable shooting with a tool. Trailers for cars
(Courtesy of the collection "Useful pages" )

When operating a trailer, the owner will not only need specific driving skills, but some knowledge about its device will also come in handy.

Basic concepts

Trailer- a vehicle not equipped with an engine and intended to be driven in combination with a power-driven vehicle.
Tractor vehicle(hereinafter - the car) - a mechanical vehicle towing a trailer.
Trailer curb weight- its own weight with a spare wheel (if the trailer is equipped with it), without load.
Permissible maximum or full mass- the mass of the equipped vehicle with cargo, driver and passengers, set by the manufacturer as the maximum allowable.

light and heavy.
Lungs- trailers with a license maximum weight no more than 750 kg.
heavy- trailers with a maximum authorized mass of more than 750 kg. Mandatory equipped with a brake system.

Rules for registration of trailers for passenger cars in the Russian Federation

Trailers for cars must be registered with the traffic police. When selling through a retail network or during customs clearance, a vehicle passport (PTS), a reference account and a "Transit" license plate are issued for the trailer. The PTS contains information about the brand and model, as well as 1 identification number (VIN), year of manufacture, gross weight, body and/or frame number. A reference-invoice is a document confirming the right to own a trailer. transit numbers give the right to transport it to the place of permanent registration. The trailer must be registered at the place of residence of the owner no later than 5 days after its purchase, deregistration or customs clearance, or during the period of validity of the "Transit" registration plate. When registering at the place of residence, the owner is issued a certificate of registration and a registration plate.

Trailers are subject to technical inspection once every two years if no more than 5 years have passed since the year of their manufacture (including the year of manufacture), and once a year if more than 5 years have passed. The month of presentation of the trailer for inspection is indicated in the technical inspection coupon. As a rule, it is set the same as that of the car with which the trailer is operated, or is selected in accordance with the last digit of the state registration plate.

Operating rules

Drivers with a category "B", "C" or "D" driver's license may operate a light trailer. With category "B" you can use a trailer only if its maximum authorized mass does not exceed the mass of the equipped vehicle, and the sum of the maximum authorized masses of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3500 kg. Otherwise, and also for towing a heavy trailer, a category "E" driver's license is required.

Tractor vehicle equipment

To tow a trailer, the tractor vehicle must be equipped with a special towing device(hereinafter - TSU) and a socket for powering the trailer's electrical equipment. There are two main types of TSU:

loop-clip with lock. It consists of a bracket into which a ring is inserted, fixed on the trailer hitch assembly and a pin fixing the ring in the bracket. Widespread on trucks and vehicles with cross-country ability;
backlash-free ball coupling. It consists of a coupling ball with a diameter of 50 mm (standard in the Russian Federation OST 37.001.096-77, international standard ISO-1103-76) and a metal structure, with which the hitch is rigidly attached to the rear of the car body.

Various models of the tow hitch can be attached to the car body through the bumper brackets and (or) directly to the load-bearing elements of the body and the trunk floor. Among domestic cars, only the VAZ-2108-15 family has standard attachment points for the TSU. When installing the device on other vehicles, self-marking and drilling of mounting holes is assumed. On most vehicles, it is usually necessary to remove the rear bumper before installing the hitch.

There are collapsible designs of the hitch that allow you to remove the hook with the coupling ball.

The socket is fixed on a special bracket of the TSU. It connects to the appropriate wires in the vehicle's rear wiring harness (in the trunk near the reversing lights). The colors of the harness wires going to the corresponding lights are indicated in the car's electrical diagram. The most common contact diagram of the TSU socket for passenger cars is shown in fig. one.

If the trailer is wider than the tractor and closes the view through the standard rear-view mirrors, then rear-view mirrors on extended brackets must be installed on both sides of the car. The trailer must be equipped with two wheel chocks for installation under the wheels when stopping on slopes.

Classification of trailers by purpose

Trailers for passenger cars are divided into universal trucks designed for the transport of various goods, and special purpose trailers.

To trailers special purpose relate:

dump trucks for the transportation of bulk cargo;
cisterns for the transport of liquids;
trailers for transporting machinery- boats, hydro or motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc.;
car transporter trailers for transportation of cars;
travel trailers for luggage and comfortable rest of tourists;
caravan trailers- with a three-dimensional body, intended for rest and overnight stay of tourists in the parking lots. Usually equipped with a gas stove, water tanks, dry closet, etc.;
commercial trailers- mobile pavilions for trade, equipped with the necessary equipment (refrigerator, showcase, etc.);
animal trailers(e.g. racehorses).

Trailer device

The main components of the trailer - frame, drawbar, body and suspension.

Frame universal cargo trailers are usually made in the form of a metal welded structure, consisting of two longitudinal spars and two to four crossbars. Trailers for transporting equipment have a space frame.

drawbar- A-shaped or I-shaped horizontal arm mounted on the front side of the trailer frame. On the drawbar are hitch, safety cables, folding stand(for some trailers).

The drawbar can accommodate a trailer spare wheel. The drawbar can be folding (when folded it is removed under the bottom of the trailer) or removable and equipped with an extension for transporting long loads. Some types of folding drawbar allow you to tilt the body back without disconnecting the trailer from the tractor, which is convenient when unloading bulk cargo, such as sand.

bodywork universal cargo trailers are metal welded or prefabricated galvanized or painted. There are also models with a metal frame and wooden floor and sides. The tailgate, and sometimes the rest, can be folded down, making it easier to load and unload the trailer. Some models have extension boards, increasing the useful volume of the body. Most universal trailers are equipped with a removable rubberized awning, which is mounted on a collapsible metal frame.

Trailers for transporting equipment instead of a body are equipped with special, as a rule, adjustable lodgements (skids), on which the transported cargo is placed. The most expensive models have a fiberglass floor and roof, and are also equipped with winches and a lowering platform for easy loading and unloading of equipment.

In car transporter trailers, the body is a massive platform adapted for reliable fastening of the transported vehicle. Such trailers are equipped with a powerful winch, thrust racks that prevent the platform from lowering during loading, and perforated ladders that prevent the vehicle's wheels from slipping.

The bodies of caravans and commercial trailers are made from sandwich panels (so-called sandwich panels 2 ) mounted on a metal frame.

The body of a tourist trailer is a plastic or metal box, inside of which a folding tent house is placed.

Suspension

Trailers for cars can be uniaxial or biaxial. A trailer with two axles, the distance between which is less than 1 m, is called a trailer twin axle. On single-axle trailers, the following types of suspensions are most widely used.

Hubs and wheels

Manufacturers equip trailers with hubs of their own design or use a hub-like assembly passenger car(as a rule, Zhiguli, Moskvich-2140 or GAZ-31029). Some trailers allow the use of two types of wheels, both "Zhiguli" and "Moskvich". On the wheels of trailers are mounted, as a rule, tube tires, for which the norms are established residual height tire tread pattern, similar to the norms for tractor tires (correspondingly 1.6 mm for passenger cars). It is not allowed to install diagonal tires on one axle of the trailer together with radial tires, as well as tires with different tread patterns. The required tire pressure at different levels of trailer loading is sometimes indicated in the trailer's operating manual.

brakes

Trailers can be equipped with the following types of brake systems.

Service brake system - designed to brake the trailer when towing. She is not related to work. braking system car, and comes into operation depending on the load acting on the coupling unit (the so-called overrun brake of inertial type). The system consists of a control device (Fig. 2) located on the hitch assembly and wheel brakes (usually drum brakes). When the car slows down, the trailer begins to "catch up" with it, resting against the hitch assembly. This force through the piston and the system of levers and rods actuates the wheel brakes. When the braking of the vehicle stops, the "pushing" force on the hitch assembly disappears and the brakes stop working. Longitudinal vibrations of the trailer, which can cause the brake system to work, are damped by a horizontal shock absorber. This design allows you to transfer to the wheels of the trailer braking force proportional to the deceleration of the car. When reversing, most trailers require forcibly disengaging the service brake system, however, there are models whose mechanics of the service brake system “distinguishes” the braking and driving mode in reverse.

Parking brake system - designed to brake the trailer in the parking lot, both together with the car, and separately from it. Consists of a parking brake lever, similar to a car's handbrake, which acts on the drive of the service brake system.

Emergency braking system - designed for emergency braking of the trailer in case of violation of the coupling with the tractor. It is carried out in the form of an additional safety cable, which includes the drive of the wheel brake mechanisms in the event of a break in the tow hitch during movement.

red colors 4 ;

two rear triangular reflector red (the vertices of the triangles should be directed upwards);

two front white;

two side non-triangular retroreflectors orange.

In addition, trailers wider than 1.6 m must have two front position lamp white, and trailers longer than 6 m - two side marker lights orange.

Electrical appliances are powered from the car through the socket on the TSU. To do this, a plug is attached to the drawbar of the trailer. As a rule, trailer wiring is carried out according to a single-wire circuit: minus ("ground") - on the trailer body, and plus - through wires).

Caravan and commercial trailers are equipped with internal electrical equipment: interior lighting (12 V emergency lighting), on-board plug and cable socket for connecting to an external 220 V network, switchboard, showcase lighting, forced exhaust ventilation and other additional equipment. The electrical equipment of such trailers is usually carried out according to a two-wire circuit.

Recommendations

When choosing a trailer For cars, please note the following:

its dimensions must correspond to the intended place of storage of the trailer;
the same standard size of the wheel hubs of the trailer and the car will allow you to get by with one spare wheel. Otherwise, you will have to carry additional spare wheel.

Immediately after purchase, the trailer should be equipped with a jack. Many trailers do not have standard jack sockets on the body, and the use of most standard car jacks is difficult. Such trailers are best lifted with a hydraulic telescopic or rhombic jack with an extended handle, substituting it under the trailer suspension arm or beam.

When installing TSU per car preferably:

process the holes for its fasteners with an anti-corrosion compound (for example, "Movil");
connecting the TSU socket to the vehicle wiring, solder and carefully insulate all connections;
generously lubricate the coupling ball with grease (for example, "Litol-24");
close the coupling ball with a cap, which will reduce the adherence of dust and sand to it, leading to abrasive wear of the ball and the coupling assembly. In addition, it will help not to get dirty when loading or unloading the trunk of the car. A homemade cap can be made, for example, from a tennis ball.

largely determines traffic safety. The load should be placed evenly so that its center of gravity is above the axle (or between the axles) of the trailer. Shifting the center of gravity forward will cause excessive load on the towbar and the entire rear of the vehicle, reducing the traction of the steered wheels with the road. Moving rearward will cause the rear of the vehicle to rise, which will reduce rear wheel traction. The higher the center of gravity of the load, the more prone the trailer is to pitch and roll, which impairs handling. All cargo must be securely fastened.

Ultimately permissible load per tow ball is indicated in the trailer and vehicle operation manual and, as a rule, ranges from 30 to 90 kg. The load is easy to measure with a floor scale. To do this, install a board 35-45 cm long with one end under the hitch assembly, and with the other - on the floor scales. To adjust the weight distribution of a loaded trailer, you can use a small load and a spare wheel.

Driving with a trailer has a number of significant differences from conventional driving.

At trailer service special attention should be paid to the hitch assembly. The cause of knocking in the area of the hitch may be the play between the hitch assembly and the hitch ball. If there is no wear indicator, then the play is determined on the trailer connected to the vehicle by a sharp vertical swing of the drawbar.

Before every departure necessary:

check the presence of lubrication in the hitch assembly mechanism;
check and, if necessary, eliminate by adjusting the play between the coupling unit and the coupling ball;
adjust tire pressure;
make sure that the safety ropes or chains are connected securely;
Check the operation of the trailer lights.

The editors would like to thank the trailer manufacturers who provided technical data for pivot table.

1 Some manufacturers did not assign VINs to trailers; it is possible to record "the year of issue is not established"; in the absence of information from the manufacturer, the gross weight may not be indicated; body and / or frame number may be missing (in this case, the mark "w / n" is put).
2 For example, the outer side is painted aluminum or plastic, the filler is a heat-insulating material, inner side- plywood.
3 For vehicles whose production was started before 01/01/1981.
4 It is allowed to operate previously produced trailers in which the device is not provided by the manufacturer.

When it comes to trailers, novice motorists confidently discuss the issues of carrying capacity and maneuverability. But the questions of the towing device are perplexing only because of the definition of the concept. Is it a hitch for a light trailer, or a trailer coupling head, or maybe a drawbar - is it a tow bar ?!

The benefit of acquiring a branded towbar for a car is understandable. What is a towing hitch (drawbar) or a towbar - this is a hook with a metal ball sticking out below the bumper for throwing a hitch head on it, mounted on the end of a straight or V-shaped trailer drawbar. When there is a need to transport cargo that does not fit in the passenger compartment or trunk, the choice of a trailer is accompanied by questions about the tow bar. After all, depending on the fastening, the permissible load on the car frame is calculated. Of course, the weight tables are on the certificates and on the back of the bonnet. But what if the hitch is not installed?

Definitely:

Look for a suitable or native brand;
In the absence of custom-made or independently.

What is a tow hitch

In practice, two types of TSU have taken root in Russia:

The advantage of this design is the possibility of equipping the trailer with a brake system that will work by means of transmitting mechanical vibrations through the ball to the coupling head and ensure leveling of speed differences on the road: the car slows down, the trailer presses the lever on the ball by inertia, the brakes are turned on.

Homemade TSUs try to fit into the specific features of the destination. Otherwise, operation may be prohibited. There are many models on the market. All of them are different:

By weight classification;
By design;
fastening method;
Electrical fastening features.

Towing with non-standard values can lead to bad consequences. Therefore, the classification of towbars begins with the weight load. Fitting in with your group will ensure long-term viability.

For cars with allowable weight trailer 1.5 t;
For station wagons, minivans with a similar value up to 2.5 tons;
For minibuses, SUVs up to 3.5 tons.

TSU classification:

European design. The difference from domestic ones is the size of the ball, which is marked in inches:

1- 7/8 is equal to 47.6 mm;
2 is equal to 50.8 mm;
2-5/16 - 58.7 mm.

American design. It's a slightly different story. They have the shape of a quadrangular shaft, into which a drawbar tip is inserted with a lock in the form of a hook-shaped handle.

The mounting method involves three types of devices:

Classification of towbars:

The tow hitch is the meeting point of the automotive electrics and the trailer. A socket with 7, 13 or 15 pins is usually mounted on the towbar, and the trailer wiring assumes a similar plug. It happens that the plug and socket turn out to be with different contact options. Choosing a trailer with the right pinout in advance will eliminate the problem. But if this happens, an adapter comes to the rescue.
Manufacturers of towbars, offering their products to the mass consumer, are responsible for the quality of the material and the resistance of the elements in the assembly, which can only be checked in the factory. The requirements of OST 37.001.299 regulate the characteristics. Handicraft towbars live and successfully disguise themselves as original samples. It is good if the craftsman knows the formula for weight distribution relative to the car body and the installation of fastening points, but no one guarantees the reliability of the metal.

How to install a hitch

Mounting a towbar on a car

TSU is attached to the frame or body of the car. The bumper is usually removed and its role goes to the main beam of the trailer. In some cases, it is necessary to drill a spar and install embedded plates. But installing a native towbar is a simple matter. If the car manufacturer has provided mounting points, holes and other elements for installing the towbar, and there is also a document (usually a certificate upon purchase) with the characteristics of the original device, then self-assembly is quite legal and logical. The service will offer a certain price. This will pay off if it is planned to drill additional holes or install a non-native towbar, but suitable in terms of characteristics. The service will issue a written opinion on compliance with the standards.

The condition of the ball and the TSU itself requires constant checking for the presence of:

Loose, stripped nuts or bolts (grover will prevent loosening, but not stalling);
ball lubricants;
Cleanliness of the outlet;
Weld seams.

The ball experiences critical loads and is subject to wear. It is necessary to measure the diameter every 1-1.5 thousand kilometers.

Tow hitch manufacturers

Finally, a list well-known manufacturers TSU:

Bosal - 200 samples for cars and trucks from Belgium;
Brink - the leading position from Holland;
VFM is a Russian association under the flag of Bosal;
Westfalia is a large German company. More than 800 items;
Aragon - Spanish leader;
HiddenHitch is a North American company;
AvtoS - Russian company produces trailers and towbars;
BALTEX is a domestic company from St. Petersburg.

Video review of towbars Bosal

When the picture is clear, there is no point in wasting time inventing what is already in the best option. A sound approach to the solution of cargo transportation and competent installation of the towbar will certainly lead to success. And lovers of inventions should at least focus on the owners of golden hands.

When operating a trailer, the owner will not only need specific driving skills, but some knowledge about its device will also come in handy.

Basic concepts

Trailer - a vehicle not equipped with an engine and intended for movement in combination with a power-driven vehicle.
A tractor vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a car) is a mechanical vehicle towing a trailer.
The curb weight of the trailer is its own weight with a spare wheel (if the trailer is equipped with it), without cargo.
Permissible maximum or gross weight - the weight of the equipped vehicle with cargo, driver and passengers, established by the manufacturer as the maximum allowable.

Trailers for cars are divided into light and heavy.
Light - trailers with a maximum authorized mass of not more than 750 kg.
Heavy - trailers with a maximum authorized mass of more than 750 kg. It is mandatory to be equipped with a brake system.

Rules for registration of trailers for passenger cars in the Russian Federation

Trailers for cars must be registered with the traffic police. When selling through a retail network or during customs clearance, a vehicle passport (PTS), a reference account and a "Transit" license plate are issued for the trailer. The PTS contains information about the make and model, as well as 1 identification number (VIN), year of manufacture, gross weight, body and / or frame number. A reference-invoice is a document confirming the right to own a trailer. Transit numbers give the right to transport it to the place of permanent registration. The trailer must be registered at the place of residence of the owner no later than 5 days after its purchase, deregistration or customs clearance, or during the period of validity of the "Transit" registration plate. When registering at the place of residence, the owner is issued a certificate of registration and register sign.

Trailers are subject to technical inspection once every two years if no more than 5 years have passed since the year of their manufacture (including the year of manufacture), and once a year if more than 5 years have passed. The month of presentation of the trailer for inspection is indicated in the coupon technical inspection. As a rule, it is set the same as that of the car with which the trailer is operated, or is selected in accordance with the last digit of the state registration plate.

Operating rules

Drivers with a category "B", "C" or "D" driving license may operate a light trailer. With category "B" you can use a trailer only if its maximum authorized mass does not exceed the mass of the equipped vehicle, and the sum of the maximum authorized masses of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3500 kg. Otherwise, and also for towing a heavy trailer, a category "E" driver's license is required.

Tractor vehicle equipment

To tow a trailer, the tractor vehicle must be equipped with a special towing device (hereinafter referred to as the Hitch) and a socket for powering the trailer's electrical equipment. There are two main types of TSU:

loop-bracket with a clamp. It consists of a bracket into which a ring is inserted, fixed on the trailer hitch assembly and a pin fixing the ring in the bracket. Widespread in trucks and vehicles with increased cross-country ability;
backlash-free ball coupling. It consists of a coupling ball with a diameter of 50 mm (standard in the Russian Federation OST 37.001.096-77, international standard ISO-1103-76) and a metal structure, with which the hitch is rigidly attached to the rear of the car body.

Various models of the tow hitch can be attached to the car body through the bumper brackets and (or) directly to the load-bearing elements of the body and the trunk floor. Among domestic cars Only the VAZ-2108-15 family has standard attachment points for the TSU. When installing the device on other vehicles, self-marking and drilling of mounting holes is assumed. On most vehicles, it is usually necessary to remove the rear bumper before installing the hitch.

There are collapsible designs of the hitch that allow you to remove the hook with the coupling ball.

Classification of trailers by purpose

Trailers for passenger cars are divided into universal trucks, designed to transport various goods, and special-purpose trailers.

Special purpose trailers include:

dump trucks for transportation of bulk cargoes;
tanks for the transport of liquids;
trailers for transporting equipment - boats, hydro or motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc.;
trailers-car carriers for transportation of cars;
tourist trailers for luggage and comfortable rest of tourists;
trailers-dachas - with a volumetric body, designed for rest and overnight stay of tourists in the parking lots. Usually equipped with a gas stove, water tanks, dry closet, etc.;
commercial trailers - mobile pavilions for trade, equipped with the necessary equipment (refrigerator, display case, etc.);
trailers for transporting animals (for example, racehorses).

Trailer device

The main components of the trailer are the frame, drawbar, body and suspension.

The frame of universal cargo trailers is usually made in the form of a metal welded structure, consisting of two longitudinal spars and two to four crossbars. Trailers for transporting equipment have a space frame.

Drawbar - A-shaped or I-shaped horizontal arm mounted on the front side of the trailer frame. On the drawbar there is a hitch assembly, safety cables, a folding stand (for some trailers).

The bodies of universal cargo trailers are metal welded or prefabricated galvanized or painted. There are also models with a metal frame and wooden floor and sides. The tailgate, and sometimes the rest, can be folded down, making it easier to load and unload the trailer. Some models have extension boards that increase the usable volume of the body. Most universal trailers are equipped with a removable rubberized awning, which is mounted on a collapsible metal frame.

Bodies of caravans and commercial trailers are made of multilayer panels (so-called sandwich panels 2) mounted on a metal frame.

The body of a tourist trailer is a plastic or metal box, inside of which a folding tent house is placed.

Suspension

Trailers for passenger cars can be single-axle or two-axle. A trailer with two axles, the distance between which is less than 1 m, is called a twin axle trailer. On single-axle trailers, the following types of suspensions are most widely used.

Hubs and wheels

Manufacturers equip trailers with hubs of their own design or use a hub similar to a car hub (usually Zhiguli, Moskvich-2140 or GAZ-31029). Some trailers allow the use of two types of wheels, both "Zhiguli" and "Moskvich". As a rule, tube tires are mounted on the wheels of trailers, for which the norms of the residual height of the tire tread pattern are set, similar to the norms for tractor tires (correspondingly 1.6 mm for cars). It is not allowed to install diagonal tires on one axle of the trailer together with radial tires, as well as tires with different tread patterns. The required tire pressure at different levels of trailer loading is sometimes indicated in the trailer's operating manual.

brakes

Trailers can be equipped with the following types of brake systems.

Service brake system - designed to brake the trailer when towing. It is not linked to the working brake system of the car, but comes into operation depending on the load acting on the hitch assembly (the so-called inertial type overrun brake). The system consists of a control device (Fig. 2) located on the hitch assembly and wheel brakes (usually drum brakes). When the car slows down, the trailer begins to "catch up" with it, resting against the hitch assembly. This force through the piston and the system of levers and rods actuates the wheel brakes. When the braking of the vehicle stops, the "pushing" force on the hitch assembly disappears and the brakes stop working. Longitudinal vibrations of the trailer, which can cause the brake system to work, are damped by a horizontal shock absorber. This design allows you to transfer to the wheels of the trailer braking force proportional to the deceleration of the car. When reversing, most trailers require a forcible disengagement of the service brake system, however, there are models whose service brake system mechanics “distinguishes” between braking and reversing.

Parking brake system - designed to brake the trailer in the parking lot, both together with the car, and separately from it. Consists of a lever parking brake, similar hand brake car, which acts on the drive of the service brake system.

Emergency braking system - designed for emergency braking of the trailer in case of violation of the coupling with the tractor. It is carried out in the form of an additional safety cable, which includes the drive of the wheel brake mechanisms in the event of a break in the tow hitch during movement.

According to the SDA, the braking distance of a car with a trailer, both equipped with a working brake system and without it, when braking on even dry asphalt from a speed of 40 km / h to a complete stop, should be no more than 13.6 (14.5) m 3.

Light signaling and electrical equipment of trailers

All trailers are equipped with light signaling devices. Mandatory devices include:

two rear direction indicators in orange;
two rear brake lights in red;
two rear marker lights in red;
white license plate light;
one or two red rear fog lamps 4 ;
two rear triangular red reflectors (the tops of the triangles must be directed upwards);
two front non-triangular white reflectors;
two lateral non-triangular orange reflectors.

In addition, trailers wider than 1.6 m must have two white front marker lights, and trailers longer than 6 m two orange side marker lights.

Caravan trailers and commercial trailers are equipped with internal electrical equipment: interior lighting (standby lighting 12 V), on-board plug and cable socket for connecting to an external 220 V network, switchboard, showcase lighting, forced exhaust ventilation and others additional equipment. The electrical equipment of such trailers is usually carried out according to a two-wire circuit.

Recommendations

When choosing a trailer for a car, you should pay attention to the following:

its dimensions must correspond to the intended place of storage of the trailer;
the same standard size of the wheel hubs of the trailer and the car will allow you to get by with one spare wheel. Otherwise, you will have to carry an additional spare tire.

When installing the TSU on a car, it is desirable:

process the holes for its fasteners with an anti-corrosion compound (for example, "Movil");
connecting the TSU socket to the vehicle wiring, solder and carefully insulate all connections;
generously lubricate the coupling ball with grease (for example, "Litol-24");
close the coupling ball with a cap, which will reduce the adherence of dust and sand to it, leading to abrasive wear of the ball and the coupling assembly. In addition, it will help not to get dirty when loading or unloading the trunk of the car. A homemade cap can be made, for example, from a tennis ball.

Proper trailer loading largely determines traffic safety. The load should be placed evenly so that its center of gravity is above the axle (or between the axles) of the trailer. Shifting the center of gravity forward will cause excessive load on the towbar and the entire rear of the vehicle, reducing the traction of the steered wheels with the road. Moving rearward will cause the rear of the vehicle to rise, which will reduce traction. rear wheels. The higher the center of gravity of the load, the more prone the trailer is to pitch and roll, which impairs handling. All cargo must be securely fastened.

The maximum permissible load on the tow ball is indicated in the trailer and car manual and, as a rule, ranges from 30 to 90 kg. The load is easy to measure with a floor scale. To do this, install a board 35-45 cm long with one end under the hitch assembly, and with the other - on the floor scales. To adjust the weight distribution of a loaded trailer, you can use a small load and a spare wheel.

Driving with a trailer has a number of significant differences from conventional driving.

When servicing a trailer Special attention should be given to the hitch assembly. The cause of knocking in the area of the hitch may be the play between the hitch assembly and the hitch ball. If there is no wear indicator, then the play is determined on the trailer connected to the vehicle by a sharp vertical swing of the drawbar.

Before each trip you must:

check the presence of lubrication in the hitch assembly mechanism;
check and, if necessary, eliminate by adjusting the play between the coupling unit and the coupling ball;
adjust tire pressure;
make sure that the safety ropes or chains are connected securely;
Check the operation of the trailer lights.

The editors would like to thank the trailer manufacturers who provided technical data for the summary table for their help in preparing the materials.

1 Some manufacturers did not assign VINs to trailers; it is possible to record "the year of issue is not established"; in the absence of information from the manufacturer, the gross weight may not be indicated; body and / or frame number may be missing (in this case, the mark "w / n" is put).
2 For example, the outer side is painted aluminum or plastic, the filler is heat-insulating material, the inner side is plywood.
3 For vehicles whose production was started before 01/01/1981.
4 It is allowed to operate previously produced trailers in which the device is not provided by the manufacturer.

"Useful pages", 2001, issue 9, p. 202

Catalog of trailers for cars

Tow hitch catalog

In road trains, for the articulated connection of the tractor and trailer and the possibility of their quick coupling and uncoupling, as well as the transfer of vertical and longitudinal loads, towing devices of various designs are used.

A significant number of manufacturing companies are engaged in the release of towing devices (TSU), among which the most famous Jost, Rockinger (since 2001 part of Jost. - Note. ed.), Ringfeder (part of VBG since 1997 – Ed.), Helmut Buer GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Georg Fisher (Switzerland), Coder Ture (France), V. Orlandi (Italy), VBG (Sweden), York (UK), Fontaine Truck Equipment, SAF-Holland, Utility Trailer (USA), etc. Russian manufacturers should also be added to this list.

Drawbars are designed to transfer large longitudinal and small vertical forces, which should not exceed 10 ... 15 kN. This is their main functional feature. Such mechanisms must be highly reliable, provide appropriate folding angles of the road train, the possibility of quick and safe coupling and uncoupling, and damping of dynamic loads during the movement of the road train. Fundamentally, the tow hitch consists of detachable-coupling and shock-absorbing mechanisms, as well as fastening elements. It is clear that the design of traction coupling devices significantly affects such important operational qualities of a road train as controllability, directional stability, maneuverability, smooth running, cross-country ability, reliability and safety.

According to the type of detachable coupling mechanism, the hitch is divided into three main types: hook (hook-loop pair), fork or pivot (pivot-loop pair) and ball (ball-hemisphere pair). Other varieties of significant distribution in commercial vehicles have not been found, and therefore are not considered.

TSU ball type

Tow hitches of the ball-hemisphere (ball-loop) type are often, although somewhat erroneously, called towbars. They are used for towing caravans and light trailers with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons by a vehicle. Structurally, such mechanisms are made in the form of single-axle trailers or trailers with a double or three-axle centrally located bogie. Typically, the role of tractors are cars, pickups, minibuses and light trucks. All requirements for this type of TSU are set out in the ISO 1103 standard and the corresponding domestic GOST 28248-89, GOST 30600-97 and OST 37.001.096-84.

A coupling ball is installed on the tractor vehicle (GOST 28248 provides for a single ball diameter of 50 mm), and a mating coupling head (sphere) is mounted on the drawbar of the towed trailer. An important point for the entire design of the TSU is its fastening to such elements of the body or frame of the tractor that can withstand the required number of loading cycles by periodic loads and ultimate static loads. Therefore, sufficient load bearing capacity The TSU is determined by the correct choice of its structural dimensions, i.e., by the compliance of the strength of the device with the loads acting on it during operation. TSU ball type according to the requirements of the standards must be tested for fatigue strength of the structure. In addition to the mechanical connection, the towing device provides an electrical connection between the electrical equipment of the traction vehicle and the equipment of the towed trailer.

Towed trailers are divided into light and heavy - the maximum permitted weight, respectively, is not more than 750 and more than 750 kg. By the type of ball and fastening, the ball-type hitch hitch differs in versions - A, B, C, F, G, H and N. Small-tonnage "Sables", "GAZelles" and "Bulls" in most cases are equipped with a hitch of type F with a load capacity of up to 2 tons, equipped with a forged ball with two mounting holes.

Hook hitch

In our country, hook-and-loop devices are most widely used due to far from optimal road conditions. Such DHs are characterized by simple design, ease of manufacture, relatively low weight and large flex angles. The latter circumstance makes them indispensable for the movement of road trains in difficult road conditions and on terrain with a variety of terrain. The described design implies the presence of large gaps (up to 10 mm) in the hook-and-loop connection to facilitate hitching and uncoupling. These gaps lead to an increase in dynamic loads and intensive wear of the device parts (mating pair), and also cause the hitch (hook and drawbar loop) to fail. The design of hook devices provides, as a rule, manual coupling-uncoupling of the links of the road train.

The standard size of the hook hitch is selected depending on gross weight trailer. The main parameters are regulated by international standards ISO 1102, ISO 3584 and ISO 8755 or national regulations. Hook-and-loop devices are produced for the internal diameter of the loop 76, 85 and 95 mm. The diameter of the loop bar of the first size is 42 mm, the other two - 50 mm each. The coupling of tractors and trailers equipped with towing devices of various dimensions is ensured by replacing the corresponding elements of these mechanisms or by installing transitional devices. The weight of the hook-type hitch usually does not exceed 30 kg.

In practice, the “hook-loop” device allows the coupling loop to be rotated around the horizontal longitudinal axis of the hook by 360°, rotated in the vertical plane by ±45°, and rotated in the horizontal plane by ±90°. There are manual and semi-automatic designs of hook hitches. The latter are less common due to their great complexity and increased mass.

In Russia, GOST 2349-75 is in force. Depending on the standard size of the tow hitch, the installation height above the supporting surface and connecting dimensions. For hook hitches sizes 0 to 3 geometric parameters the mating surfaces of the mouth of the hook and loop are the same (the diameter of the loop bar is 42 mm). Size 4 provides for the use of a hinge made of a bar with a diameter of 45 mm. According to the domestic standard, hook devices must provide flexibility angles relative to the transverse axis passing through the mouth of the hook, not less than ±40°, relative to the vertical axis ±55° (for general transport vehicles with high cross-country use, not less than ±62°) and longitudinal axis ±15°. The hook must rotate freely around its longitudinal axis, and at the request of the consumer, it can be equipped with locking devices that allow it to be fixed when the trailer is uncoupled. The design of the lock must exclude the possibility of self-uncoupling of the road train while driving, and also have at least two safety mechanisms that operate independently of each other, and at least one of them must not be under the influence of forces that appear during the movement of the vehicle.

For the first four categories of standard sizes, one throat size is adopted, equal to 48 mm, the jaw size is 74 mm, which allows using a wide range of tractors and trailers when completing road trains. In the fifth group, the opening size is 52 mm, while the jaw geometry remains the same.

The standard hook-type coupling, equipped with double-sided shock absorption, consists of a towing hook mounted on the tractor and a rigid drawbar with a drawbar connected to the trailer. The towing hook is usually mounted on the drawbeam, but on some vehicles it can perform its function just as effectively when located on front bumper(cross member) of the frame or on the rear cross member of a trailer (semi-trailer) for towing a second trailer. The "hook-loop" system consists of the hook itself, a cap latch, a safety lock with a locking cotter pin. The presence of a safety lock and cotter pin prevent spontaneous uncoupling of the road train during movement. At the front end of the hook rod, installed in the sleeve, a nut is screwed, which, together with the sleeve, ensures the correct longitudinal movement of the hook. Inside the case, a rubber elastic element in the form of a hyperboloid is inserted, crimped by washers. When compressed, it changes shape in such a way that it fills the space in the case. In other designs of traction hooks, ring, helical cylindrical or conical springs are used as elastic elements.

During operation, the nut cannot be used to adjust the axial movement of the hook, since its screwing in and out leads to an increase in the axial movement of the hook. When shrinkage of the rubber buffer occurs, additional ring gaskets are installed between the flanges and the rubber buffer. The use of a trailer coupling eye with a smaller section increases wear and reduces the service life of the tow hitch, as well as the rear cross member of the vehicle frame.

Despite the inherent shortcomings of hook-and-loop hitches, all leading manufacturers of such products continue to improve and produce them. Hook devices are distinguished by a wide variety of designs of both the hook itself and the lock. To implement backlash-free coupling, a number of companies have developed special hook-and-loop designs in which the gap can be selected automatically using conical rollers (Coder Ture) or using springs or pneumatic devices according to the “backlash-free hook” or “backlash-free loop” principle (Utility Trailer). Similar systems for hook hitches are produced by V. Orlandi and SAF-Holland. They are equipped with a pneumatic drive that automatically selects the gap in the lock of the device. As a power element, a pneumatic chamber with a movable rod is used, mounted on the rear side of the rear cross member of the frame. Nevertheless, backlash-free couplings have not found wide application due to the significant complication of design and maintenance, as well as an increase in their own weight (up to 60 kg).

In order to increase the possibilities of transportation by conventional vehicles, a towed platform can be used, on which various loads can be placed, depending on the specifics.

You can attach it for towing using a special design called a tow hitch for a car trailer. The safety and reliability of the movement of the road train depends on its characteristics, purpose and quality.

Hitch mechanism for car trailer

A tow hitch for a car is a metal structure of two connecting elements, one of which is called a hook. It is attached to the back of the car (it is often called a tow bar). The second element is located on the front of the tug (lock).

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The connection point for all existing models is made in a spherical shape. It is on it that the locking device for the trailer of a car is fixed. It compresses the ball, providing a stable connection, but at the same time retains the ability to turn when moving.

Classification and characteristics

Which models are most often used on VAZ cars

A trailer without a towbar is sold because of the variety of different hooks and balls that fit some vehicle models and are not at all suitable for installation on others.

Towbars for passenger cars are divided into different classes depending on the attachment, the shape of the hook, whether the towbar can be adjusted, and also into categories depending on how much weight can be towed with them.

The following fasteners of non-removable hooks can be distinguished (such hooks are either impossible to dismantle, or for this you need to use a tool - unscrew the bolt fasteners):

Conventional designation and type of ball "A". It is one of the most popular due to its low price and simplicity of design. It is very easy to mount it with your own hands, since the mount itself consists of two bolts, for which there is a separate place on modern brands of vehicles. A towing device for a light trailer with such a towbar is designed for a tug weighing 1-1.5 tons, and the maximum pressure on the ball should not be more than 100 kg if the towing device is planned to be used for a long time. Exceeding this parameter can lead to rapid destruction of the structure and rendering it unusable.

Conventional designation and type of ball "F". special kind, the adjustment of which involves two possible levels height and requires a pre-installed special 4-hole socket.

Conventional designation and type of ball "G". The installation location for it is identical, as for the previous type "F" the same 4 bolt holes, however, they are all used during installation. In this regard, there is no possibility of height adjustment. Thus, for types "F" and "G", the installation site can be the same type and they can be used in different cases, depending on the needs.

These trailers for passenger cars differ from standard systems in their increased performance. With their help, you can safely tow as much as 2 tons, and the maximum possible pressure on the ball is 150 kg. Installing it yourself is quite difficult and it is better to entrust this procedure to car service specialists.

Conventional designation and type of ball "H". A rare hitch for a car trailer that can be found on cars domestic production, including brands of vases. Assumes the use of a welded joint. It will be impossible to dismantle it in the future. Usually it is an integral part of the structure, connected to the body with bolts. Usually, it can be used to tow loads weighing no more than 900 kg. You cannot install such a structure yourself, you will need the help of a welder.

Removable mechanisms used in domestic and foreign-made machines are mainly represented by manually unscrewed nuts or hooks fixed with switches.

This a good choice for car enthusiasts who do not want to spoil the everyday look of their car and can remove or put back the hitch hook. However, such systems usually do not allow you to take a load weighing more than 1 ton for towing.

Coupling

Hitch for a trailer, which is fixed on the tow ball. Its replacement is usually required only in the event of a breakdown or the need to increase the size of the allowable mass.

These lock designs are also designed to tow various loads, weighing from 750 kg to 3.5 tons. The capabilities of such a lock must correspond to the characteristics of the installed hook.

How to make the right choice at the right price

On the Russian market Coupling mechanisms produced by various domestic companies are presented. Among them:

Baltex is a manufacturer from St. Petersburg, which is famous for towbars with stainless lining for SUVs.
The leader-plus is the Taganrog company, which has been operating for more than 20 years. Offers various types of trailers at the best price-quality ratio.
Soyuz - 96 - the company is located in St. Petersburg. Its products include tow hitches with stainless steel hooks, single and double hooks.
The products of foreign manufacturers have gained the greatest popularity. Among them are Aftohak, Brink, Westphalia.
Avtohack is a Polish company that promptly establishes the production of trailers for all foreign-made vehicles, including trucks.
Brink is a Dutch manufacturer with many handy quick hook options.
Westfalia is a German manufacturer trusted by motorists around the world. It is he who holds world brand championship in the production of high-quality coupling devices. It was this company that first introduced the world to removable frakop devices.

The price of a tow hitch for a light trailer, depending on the characteristics and brand, can vary greatly and on average vary from 2 to 15 thousand rubles.

At the same time, options for brands of foreign production usually cost 1.5-2 times more than domestic ones.

To choose the right hitch for a light trailer, you must first determine the purpose of use.

If it is planned to operate rare flights for the transportation of household and construction supplies several times a year, models costing from 2 to 5 thousand rubles are suitable.

If you need regular trips with a towed load, you should pay attention to the towing device for a light trailer on models priced at 5-10 thousand rubles, as they will last much longer and their use will minimize the risk of breakdowns.

A trailer hitch for a car trailer, which allows you to move loads and a vehicle weighing 3.5 tons, is usually used only big companies on special purpose vehicles. Its cost is an average of 15 - 20 thousand rubles.

It is important to choose trailers for passenger cars not only on the basis of their own characteristics. The type of vehicle should also be taken into account. For example, it does not make sense to put an expensive mechanism with great transportation capabilities on a small machine. Its power is still not enough to safely transport a heavy load.

A specific model is also selected based on the capabilities of the machine and the purpose of use. When choosing a more expensive imported model, do not forget that replacing parts, for example, springs for a car trailer, will be very expensive, unlike most domestic counterparts.

Is it worth it to do the installation and adjustment yourself

It is also worth thinking a few times before using homemade hitches. In most cases, such use leads to significant damage to one's own and other people's property, life and health of people.

Power socket

If you still need to install it yourself, you can use the following algorithm of actions.