If you haven’t used your hitch in a few months, it's time to give it a thorough evaluation before hooking up your trailer, boat, or RV again for the coming summer months! The importance of checking your equipment is easy to know. Checking your hitch can be the difference between reaching point B with all you left point A with. The Hitch is the most important piece of your towing set up, it is the connection between what you are towing and your vehicle. Taking a few minutes to check everything can help avoid any trailer-related emergencies that could delay your adventure.
Safety Checklist:
This checklist is for those times where it has been a few months and you need to add a few extra steps into the mix. Following through this checklist will help to ensure that your hitch is ready to tow when you are!
You’ve checked and double checked now you are ready to hit the road! After months of inactivity, performing both your standard safety checks as well as additional checks is extremely important to ensure that you don’t have any trouble towing your trailer from point A to point B. Now before you go, check your trailer registration and insurance is up to date.
Happy Towing!
]]>Pulling into a spot:
If pulling into a spot there are a few things to remember. You should find a spot that fits both your vehicle and your trailer. Although you may need to take up multiple parking spaces across the parking lot, it is better to be out of the way to make sure you are able to effectively navigate the spot, the lot, and get out easily. Preferably, you would locate a level spot that is not on a grade. Here are some quick tips for parking with your travel trailer while pulling forward. Once you are in the spot, hold the brakes firmly while having a passenger place blocks behind the rear wheels of the trailer. The trailer will be more likely to roll if on a grade, which is why it is recommended to avoid this and park on level ground. Once the blocks are placed, that's when you will put your car in park as well as engage your parking brake.
Backing into a spot:
At campsites or sometimes even in a parking lot, pulling into a spot might not be the available option. Backing a trailer into a spot is a different story and requires a bit more finesse. Let’s take a pause to ask a very simple but important question, what direction does your trailer go when backing in?
When backing in, it is important to remember that your trailer will move opposite of the way that you are steering. You will want to take this much slower than pulling forward. Be sure to adjust your mirrors to avoid blind spots, don’t forget a spotter. Ideally, you will not be making much directional movement and will just be going straight back. WATCH OUT FOR JACKKNIFING! This is something super important to remember as if this occurs you need to stop backing up immediately in order to not cause damage to your vehicle. Jackknifing occurs when you have backed up your trailer too sharply in either direction. This has now caused the tongue to become almost parallel to the bumper of your vehicle. The quickest way to correct this is to slowly pull forward and straighten out. Pull as far back into the spot as possible and finish the parking the same way you would if going straight. Have your spotter place the blocks, put your car in park, and engage your parking brake.
Parking is an important part of safely towing because you will obviously not be moving 100% of the time but like everything, practice. Practice makes perfect! Take it slow and remember to breathe. The best thing you can do is take it slow to ensure you are good to go!
Happy Towing!
Now that you understand the towing weight capacity of your truck for a bumper pull, it's time to set it up with the right size hitch for your towing needs. Bulletproof Hitches is the highest quality adjustable drop hitch on the market.. BulletProof Hitches are available in 3 different tow capacities based on the amount of weight that can be towed by your vehicle. The Medium Duty hitch is rated up to 14,000 pounds, the shank of this hitch features Box Steel Construction which makes it overall a lighter hitch. The maximum tongue weight capacity of the Medium Duty Hitch is 2,000 pounds, this is important to note when towing in order to make sure that you do not overload the front of your trailer on the tongue. The Heavy Duty hitch is rated up to 22,000 pounds with 3,000 pounds of tongue weight capacity while the Extreme Duty hitch is rated up to 36,000 pounds and 6,000 pounds of tongue weight. Both the Heavy and Extreme Duty hitches have a solid steel shank and are overall much heavier. Although these hitches are rated to a specific weight, it is not recommended to exceed your truck's towing capacity. With the right hitch and the right vehicle, you are ready to pair it up to a new boat!
Happy Towing!
The Right Hitch for the Job
Are you towing with proper equipment? When it comes to choosing the right hitch for your truck and towing needs, there are a few things you must consider. Although many will own multiple hitches in order to account for their different trailers, BulletProof offers an adjustable drop hitch that allows you to have one hitch for all of your trailers based on a few measurements. Choosing the right size towing hitch is essential for towing safely as well as for towing level. Check out this Blog in order to make sure you have chosen the right hitch, it will walk you through determining your hitch based on receiver tube, height, and towing weight.
Know Your Vehicle
Now let’s get a little deeper. As previously mentioned, the range of potential harm can vary internally and externally. The potential harms to your vehicle if you are towing incorrectly can be any of the following: Engine damage from overheating, transmission damage from overheating, damage to the suspension and braking systems, undue stress to the frame, and others. We can talk about how we can prevent many of these from happening starting with not exceeding your vehicle's towing capacity. Your towing capacity is listed inside of the truck/tow vehicle on a sticker, there will be two numbers; one referencing how much you can hold inside of the vehicle. The one we are focusing on is the larger number, referring to how much weight you can safely pull behind your truck with a trailer. Understanding your towing capacity will help prevent you from overloading your trailers which will cause less strain on your transmission, your frame, and suspension.
Loading your Trailer
Trailer loading needs to be even and needs to be done correctly to ensure that the weight is on top of your trailers and not too far forward and placing pressure on the hitch’s tongue weight and creating unnecessary stress on the frame of your vehicle.
Overall, towing is something that has to be prepared for. You need to make sure you are using the right equipment and are prepared for the job at hand. Once you understand that, hit the open road!
Happy Towing!
1. Are you using the right hitch for your vehicle and towing needs?
Let’s start here. Do you have the right hitch for towing safe and level? BulletProof offers an adjustable drop hitch that allows you to have one hitch for all of your trailers based on a few measurements. The first thing you measured should have been your receiver tube opening. That should have given you one of three measurements; 2”, 2.5”, or 3”. Next you will want to measure the height from level ground to the bottom lip of that receiver tube opening. Both of these measurements can help you determine the amount of drop you will need. The last thing you want to consider besides the overall size of the hitch is the amount of weight you will be towing taking into account squatting. If your vehicle squats with the amount of weight you are generally towing, it is also important to make sure there is enough clearance (Minimum 10”) between the ground and the overall hitch size.
2.How much weight do you plan on towing?
After determining the measurements for a properly sized hitch, the next part of having a safe tow is making sure your hitch is capable of handling whatever you are towing. BulletProof Hitches are available in 3 different tow capacities based on the amount of weight that can be towed by your vehicle. The Medium Duty hitch is rated up to 14,000 pounds, the shank of this hitch features Box Steel Construction which makes it overall a lighter hitch. The Heavy Duty hitch is rated up to 22,000 pounds while the Extreme Duty hitch is rated up to 36,000 pounds; both the Heavy and Extreme Duty hitches have a solid steel shank. Although these hitches are rated to a specific weight, it is not recommended to exceed your truck's towing capacity.
3. What is your vehicle's towing capacity?
Now towing capacity was just mentioned, what does that mean? Bumper towing has a capacity that is determined by the type of truck you own. Inside of the truck there is a sticker that will inform you of your truck's towing capacity. It is referring to how much weight you can safely pull behind your truck with a trailer. Towing more can strain your engine, transmission, and cause other damage to your truck. We don’t want that! The capacity of your truck might be different from your neighbors so make sure you know your own!
4. Does your vehicle have airbags?
No no, we are not talking about the kind of airbags that go off if you’ve been in an accident. If your truck has rear helper airbags, this helps eliminate a few common problems experienced while towing. If your truck has airbags, it will eliminate squat which will stop your hitch from bottoming out. This is KEY when choosing your hitch as you want to make sure your hitch gets low enough to your coupler to tow level without running any risk of bottoming out! Although not necessary, rear helper airbags are utilized to help lift up and level your vehicle when towing heavy loads. These airbags can be inflated or deflated to suit your requirements.
5. What size ball is required for your trailer coupler? 2”, 2-5 /16” or 1-7/8”?
So you know what hitch you need. You know how much you can tow, but HOW do you tow it? It is important to determine what size ball you need to fit within your trailer coupler properly. There are typically 3 different size couplers. BulletProof Hitches has all the options on our website. the standard sizes are 1-7/8”, 2”, or 2-5/16”. BulletProof Hitches come standard with a 2" & 2-5/16" dual ball. This is the typical size of most trailer couplers. Have a smaller trailer for your jet skis ? BulletProof Hitches also offers a 1-7/8” single ball mount! All of our dual balls are compatible with the 3 types of hitches stated before under Question 2. They are sold by their weight rating as well.
6. Do you have all the accessories that you need?
Accessories are the best way to customize your towing experience. If this is your first hitch, do you have a 3rd pin to connect your hitch to your receiver. If not, you need a locking pin or you are not secure. The BulletProof Locking Pin is a great partner for your BulletProof Hitch because it is rated to the same towing capacity of your hitch, has a universal fit, and makes your hitch theft proof. Towing a trailer with a loop? Definitely going to need a Pintle Hitch - BulletProof designed their own pintle attachment that transforms the dual ball set up into a pintle hitch allowing it to be one hitch to tow any of your trailers. Have a lifted truck and need a longer drop hitch but want no wobble, look no further than the Frame- Mounted Hitch Stabilizer Bars. For any job that may need an accessory BulletProof Hitches has you covered with over 20 accessories to fully customize your towing experience.
7. Do you have grease? Where do you put it?
Any metal on metal contact will create friction and cause wear over time, especially when towing heavy loads or frequent towing. Anti-Friction Grease comes with every BulletProof Hitch but is often overlooked as not being key to a better towing experience. Anti-Friction grease aids in reducing the metal of metal contact between the ball and the trailer coupler. To prevent surface rust and wear on your powder coat and hitch, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of BulletProof Anti-Friction grease to your dual ball prior to towing, every time you tow. It is also recommended to apply some inside of your trailer coupler as it will help with the friction and can make locking/unlocking your trailer coupler much easier.
8. Do you know the towing laws of your state?
Towing laws are not often universal and should be investigated by your state. Prior to towing in your state, you should familiarize yourself with these laws and confirm you have such things as safety chains, reflectors, and license plate lights. You should also confirm that your tail lights, turn signal lights, and brake lights are all functioning properly. You will want to make sure that you are fully prepared to tow in order to avoid the awkward interaction of an officer pulling you over because you have a light out.
9. Do you understand braking, reversing, parking?
Towing makes your vehicle much heavier, is everything going to be the same as when you are not towing a trailer? No, so you need to be prepared. Everything should be done much slower and with a higher sense of cautiousness. When you are braking, you need to allow yourself ample time and space as you are now braking with more wheels. When you are parking you need to consider if you are pulling into a spot, reversing, or having to find a location with enough space for you to park as well as potentially unhook if you are wanting to leave your trailer but not your tow vehicle. The most important thing to learn how to do and know how to do before towing, REVERSING. You will want to go MUCH slower than normal. You will want to remember that the trailer will move opposite of the way you are steering. Be sure to adjust your mirrors and ideally you will want to line yourself up so that it is not necessary to make lots of movements. Do not overcorrect and watch out for jackknifing!! Correcting is easiest when you pull forward instead of steering. This is incredibly important for camping/towing an RV or parking lots.
10. Are your hitch and trailer set up correctly?
It is always important to do an overall safety check prior to towing in order to reduce risks such as tire blowouts or trailer detachment while towing. There are plenty of ways to check and DOUBLE check that you have set up your truck, hitch, and trailer properly. Once you are lined up and have gotten the trailer coupler on top of the ball you need to attach the proper pins to make sure everything is connected correctly. The proper pins would attach the hitch to the receiver tube as well as the ball to the channel. The next step after that is to secure safety chains, crossed to create a cradle and make sure the chains do not touch the ground. You also should ensure the integrity of your trailer's breakaway cable. That is there in order to ensure the function of your brakes are in-sync with your trailer or in the case of a disconnection from the trailer that the trailer brakes will activate. This is important as you want as many possible ways to prevent damage to your trailer, tow vehicle, and other vehicles on the road. Once you connect the electrical connectors, test to make sure that all lights work the way they are supposed to, double check the brake lights work and both turn signals (this goes along with Question 9).
WHERE ARE YOU GOING NOW?
If you’ve been able to answer these questions or if you did learn something new, it is just about time for you to go on the road.
Happy Towing!
]]>The first thing you want to look into is what your specific vehicle has in regards to towing, what the weight capacity is for your vehicle, is one of the most important. Next thing is, does your vehicle have a trailer hitch receiver already or do you need to get one installed. For your receiver tube it is likely that you will have a 2”,2.5” or 3” receiver. This determines which size hitch you will need in order to have a proper fit, with no reducing sleeves inside of the channel.
Now that you have the receiver, you can get yourself set up with a hitch! There are many different types of hitch but the most versatile would be the BulletProof Hitch. BulletProof Hitches come in 3 different weight capacities, Medium Duty, Heavy Duty and Extreme Duty. When it comes to selecting the right hitch for your truck it is important to note the maximum towing capacity of your truck. The Medium Duty offers box steel shank and is available from a 2” to a 6” drop and is rated up to 14,000 pounds maximum towing capacity. Heavy Duty and Extreme Duty hitches feature a solid steel shank, which makes these heavier in overall weight. Heavy Duty hitches are available from a 4” to a 16” drop and are rated up to 22,000 pounds. Extreme Duty hitches are available from 4” to 12” drop and are rated up to 36,000 pounds. All 3 classes have a tongue weight capacity of 2,000 to 6,000 pounds and are available in an offset hitch as well. Each hitch comes with a 2” & 2-5/16 ” dual ball. The dual ball allows you to interchange the sizes based on your trailer coupler size quickly and easily.
The hitch receiver is set and now you have the hitch, let’s talk about installation. When it comes to installing a BulletProof Hitch, they are manufactured to an incredibly tight tolerance for the size of the receiver. They simply slide into the receiver tube, there are 2 holes in the shank to allow for adjustability with an after-market bumper. These hitches are sent with 2 pins for the ball and you have the option of standard pins or locking pins. If this is the first hitch you have owned, you will need one more pin in order to secure the hitch to the vehicle. The standard pins are secured by an R-clip. Standard pins are not as secure as a locking pin for obvious reasons, but if theft is not an immediate concern they are a great option. BulletProof standard pins are made of heat treated steel and are corrosion resistant. Our Locking pins are stainless steel and also corrosion resistant. They are a great way to truly secure your hitch to the vehicle or for locking the dual ball to the hitch as well. In the case of locking pins, it is recommended that you order in packs in order to have them all keyed alike. Locking pins are a great way to reduce the chances of anything happening to your new hitch.
There is one very important thing that comes with a BulletProof Hitch that is often overlooked or forgotten about after the first use and that is anti-friction grease. Anti-friction grease aids in reducing the metal of metal contact between the ball and the trailer coupler. Each time prior to towing, it is recommended that you apply a thin layer of grease on the ball as well as the inside of the trailer coupler at points of contact between the two. All that's left now is to back up to your trailer coupler and hit the road! There is not much that goes into setting up and being ready to tow a trailer, the difficulty comes in the proper set up of your trailer and keeping that vehicle under control. It also takes practice, so get to practicing!
]]>A safe towing experience starts with the hitch you tow it on, you want to make sure that the hitch is the right fit for your truck and the right fit for your toy hauler. Whether you have a 2”, 2.5”, or 3” receiver, BulletProof Hitches are available in 3 different tow capacities based on the amount of weight that can be towed by your vehicle. The Medium Duty hitch is rated up to 14,000 pounds, the shank of this hitch features Box Steel Construction which makes it overall a lighter hitch. The Heavy Duty hitch is rated up to 22,000 pounds while the Extreme Duty hitch is rated up to 36,000 pounds; both the Heavy and Extreme Duty hitches have a solid steel shank and are overall much heavier.
Preparing your toy hauler is extremely important. A loaded toy hauler will be incredibly heavy and you want to take the time to check the condition of your toy hauler to prevent a serious accident from occurring on your trip.
Safety Checks
Depending what hauler you will be loading, whether it be a Forest River RV, Sandstorm, Wolfpack, Cherokee, Heartland RV, Pioneer, XLR, or any of the many other options you will want to make sure to do all safety checks before ever thinking about getting on the road. Begin by checking both your vehicle and your trailer's tire pressure, this will reduce your chances of suffering a blow out on the road. When you do this you should also check for bald spots, lodged objects or any other issues with your tires. Next attach your hauler to your tow vehicle, this is the time to make sure all connections are strong. Don’t forget to grease your dual ball and coupler before hooking up. Check your mirror to adjust for blind sports, and finally test your brake lights and turn signals.
Proper Loading
When loading a toy hauler you want a 60/40 ratio. This ratio should be that 60% of your cargo’s weight is up front and 40% towards the back while keeping a 50/50 ratio on the left and right in order to not put too much weight on one set of tires. Your vehicle is already being impacted by the weight of your toy hauler so making sure to have proper ratios in your load size will prevent imbalances at higher speeds. Planning out your weight distribution is incredibly important.
Now that you have planned it out it's time to load it up. Begin by making sure that you are parked on level ground and chock the wheels for additional stability. Your toy hauler gate will be converted into a loading ramp when lowered to make it easier to load. When loading your powersport vehicles, you will want to drive slowly but give just enough speed to get up the incline. Once you are up the incline, you will want to shut your engine off quickly in order to avoid inhaling fumes. Secure your vehicle inside the hauler so that it does not move. Many haulers come with some form of tie downs but you can always add more as you see fit. Use ratchet straps in order to keep it secured without having damage to your vehicle. Finally, tug on the straps and give it a little shake to check that it is secure.
If you’ve followed these steps and tips, you are safe and secure and ready for your next adventure! Towing, at the end of the day, is all about being careful but it can still be tricky so practice is one of the most important parts of making sure your next road trip is safe from the moment you leave the driveway.
Happy Towing!
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Tip #1 - Check the Engine
You’ve left your boat behind for a few months now, a top to bottom engine check should be the top priority on your list. You should also check your boat’s engine, propeller and hull for damage. It is essential to perform an oil change as well as replace the oil filter. This will help to ensure that through the warmer month your boat is running its best while also ensuring that there is no build up in there that could slow you down. Changing the filters as well as the oil will also prevent corrosion and rust over time. An oil change moves you into your next step of checking fuel lines, they have a tendency to crack or become damaged over the winter months. This is the same for any belts. A pressure test should be done to check if they have lost slack, this can be simply done by pressing on the belts.
These are all things to do first and ahead of time, not when you want to take the boat out. You may need to replace a line or a belt and that would mean a trip to the store or even waiting for a shipment to arrive, better to not chance it and do it before a weekend trip.
Tip #2 - Refill the cooling system
When it came time to put the boat away, you may have flushed the cooling system as part of your steps to winterize it; meaning it's time to refill. If you skipped this step you’ll want to now flush and drain the system.
After approximately every 200 hours of operation, you need to replace the water pump on the impeller. This is what keeps your engine cool. Like the water pump, the thermostat helps to cool your engine. You will want to follow this up by replacing the antifreeze. The standard method would be a 50/50 mixture of diluted coolant with equal parts water. As you do this, this is another chance to check the hoses and make sure there are no cracks, worn areas, or leaks. Now it's time to connect the wires of your spark plugs again.
Tip #3 - Check Battery
You will want to perform a battery test to see what the output is looking like. This will save you an enormous headache rather than finding out you have a dead battery after you’ve launched. There are options to hook your boat battery up to a trickle charge for the winter months but if that option doesn’t fit you, no worries! Just make sure your battery is charged or you are able to secure a new one for the season.
Tip #4 - Attach Electronics
Before it's time to hit the water, you need to test all your electronics to confirm they are functioning properly. This is the time to test your GPS, depth finders, any navigational gear, lighting systems or speakers. If it has a switch or knob on your boat, it needs a quick test!
This comes after testing your battery for obvious reasons.
Check your bilge pump now too, turn the battery back off and check to see if the automatic bilge pump float is working properly.
Tip #5 - Prepare your safety gear
This is a step you do not want to forget. As the owner of a boat, you are responsible for ensuring your passengers safety. This is a crucial step to ensure that you have everything on board that you could need.
-life jacket
-first aid kits
-fire extinguishers
-horns
-flares
Got that? Did you check the expiration dates. Make sure you are up to date with those and if the expiration date is coming up create a reminder and prepare a new location for the second set of safety gear.
Tip #6 - Trailer check in
Don’t forget about your trailer! This is what gets your boat from point A to point B! Check the tires, not just if they’re flat but also make sure they are properly filled for the pressure needed to support your boat. If your boat wasn’t on the trailer all season that's even more reason as you are adding more weight to it! Check the signals, this is likely a two man job. You should grab a spotter who can signal if the lights are working so you know where to replace bulbs if necessary.
Tip #7 - Finishing touches.
This is the time to polish up the boat and give it that new shine for the new season. It may seem like an unnecessary step but it helps to keep the integrity of the boat and prevent structural damage. Remove all dirt and mildew and then wax and polish.
Boat maintenance isn’t easy, take your time. Don’t rush this process, it’ll save you a headache and a repair bill later. These tips are a great baseline to de winterize your boat to have you out on the water in no time.
Happy Boating!
]]>We gave you the rundown on the best way to start your road trip safely.
Which means you’ve made it to your destination. You’ve made it to the campground, you’ve found your spot, now it's time to set up and secure your travel trailer to be usable for your stay. The first thing you need to determine is where all the hookups are for both the spot and your trailer. Backing into the spot is probably your best option and takes a bit more technical knowledge than pulling in. You will want to take it much slower and also make sure you are leaving room on both sides of your trailer for your stabilizers as well as any slide outs or pop outs. Try not to over-correct because this could lead to jackknifing. Jackknifing occurs when you have backed up your trailer too sharply in either direction. This has now caused the tongue to become almost parallel to the bumper of your vehicle. The quickest way to correct this is to slowly pull forward and straighten out.
Once you are in the spot you will need to put on the parking brake, Chock the wheels and finally disconnect your tow vehicle. You should put down your stabilizer jacks and begin connecting all of the hookups. Check that the electricity voltage is correct for your travel trailer. It should be above 105 volts and below 135 volts in order to not damage your appliances. Next, hook up your water regulator to the water supply, Use a water filter at the inlet of your fresh water tank. Now you can attach your white water hose to the camp supply and your travel trailer. No need to use the pump, the pump is only used to draw water from the fresh water tank when no other water source is available. Now check that your electricity and that your water is flowing. Everybody poops, we all know it. Grab your gloves and attach the sewer hose to the drain outlet, don’t forget your secondary seal to the sewer connection. Time to check the water heater and LPG tanks to make sure that you’re not running out of hot water and are able to cook. If you’re not really roughing it. hook up your TV to the coax cable or raise your antenna.
Now let the fun begin - get those sliders out, grab the RV mat, set up your chair and get the grill going. Sit back, relax and enjoy! Happy Camping!
]]>1. Overloaded vehicle and trailer:
It is important to load the vehicle and trailer correctly. You need to properly balance the load within the trailer, this would be placing heavier items towards the vehicle. Improper loading of the trailer will affect how it handles on the road. For this, the number one suggestion comes from a previous blog post. Your tongue weight should be a maximum of 15% of the total of your trailer weight. If the rear is overloaded it could cause damage to the trailer as well as your vehicle. Weight distribution is crucial in making sure your trailer is going to handle correctly. If your trailer is overloaded it could lead to trailer sway which is dangerous for not only you and your truck but for everyone else on the road. BulletProof Hitches offers a sway control system to assist in cutting down trailer sway with larger trailers to make the towing experience safer. It is also incredibly important to not only balance front to back but also side to side. Unbalanced on the left or the right could also lead to the risk of overturning the trailer while turning. Ensuring that you have properly loaded the trailer will create a smoother experience as well as a safer one.
2. Improper Tire Pressure:
Before going on a trip, you need to check the tire pressure not only on your vehicle but also on your travel trailer or what you are towing. Under inflated tires can be dangerous and you should consult your owner’s manual preventatively for the proper tire pressure. You should also never over inflate your tires past their PSI but you may want to increase the pressure past what you would normally put them at due to the fact that a loaded trailer will press the pressure out and allow for a smoother pull.
3. Improper set up of hitch and trailer coupler:
It is always important to do an overall safety check prior to towing in order to reduce risks such as tire blowouts or trailer detachment while towing. There are plenty of ways to check and DOUBLE check that you have set up your truck, hitch, and trailer properly. Once you are lined up and have gotten the trailer coupler on top of the ball you need to attach the proper pins to make sure everything is connected correctly. The proper pins would attach the hitch to the receiver tube as well as the ball to the channel. The next step after that is to secure safety chains, crossed to create a cradle and making sure the chains do not touch the ground. You also should ensure the integrity of your trailer's breakaway cable. This is here in order to ensure the function of your brakes are in-sync with your trailer or in the case of a disconnection from the trailer that the trailer brakes will activate.
Trailers on the hitch, but did you connect the electrical connector to your truck? Once you connect the electrical connectors, test to make sure that all lights work the way they are supposed to, double check the brake lights work and both turn signals.
4. Lubrication:
Although failing to lubricate the hitch and coupler will not necessarily result in failure while towing, it does cause metal on metal friction which is not good for either half of the set up. The friction will cause damage to both the hitch and the coupler. The technical team at BulletProof Hitches recommends using a thin layer of our anti-friction grease on the ball every time that you tow, it is also suggested that you place grease inside of the coupler. This will allow for the ball of the hitch to remain in solid condition while towing.
Towing is like a science, you have to find your correct formula to have the best towing experience. These are some simple tips that are commonly overlooked or forgotten and hanging onto these 4 tips will help you to have a safe tow.
Happy Towing!
]]>The next step is to make sure your Jet Ski is tightly strapped down to your trailer. You will want to use straps to hold it in place, make sure to check the guide for your specific trailer on how to strap it down properly. Time to back your truck up to the coupler. Don’t forget to lube it up! Take it slow and get it perfectly aligned before lowering the coupler to the ball. Make sure to check that you are level once you are hooked up to give yourself a smooth tow and keep yourself, your hitch, your trailer and your Jet Ski safe. You will want to be sure that your safety chains are crossed and at the proper length with enough slack for making turns. Before leaving for the boat ramp, there are a few more safety checks to make in order to get the best towing experience possible. You will want to check that your trailer tires are in good shape and are properly inflated and make sure your trailer lights are working properly. Phone, keys, wallet, sunglasses, the Jet Ski is on the trailer, trailers on your vehicle, what are you missing? Life Jackets! These are required for anyone operating or using a Jet Ski, grab those before you pull out of the driveway.
A smooth towing experience is what you hope for, right? Okay now for actually towing it. You won’t be traveling at the same speed you normally would in order to maintain safe operation. You will want to maintain proper speed so as to not lose control and to not cause any damage to your truck or trailer. There is not necessarily an average for all trailers, it is dependent on your vehicle, your trailer, and road or weather conditions; some roads will have posted trailer speeds but this isn’t a guarantee. Once you make it to the launch, you are going to want to do a few things before backing it down to the water. Remove all of your covers and tie downs except for the winch line and make sure your drain plugs are tightly placed. Double check that all of your gear is ready and easily accessible so that you are ready to go when it is your turn to launch. You want to make sure that you are ready to launch when it's your turn, nothing worse than forgetting something behind or making other people wait for you.
Following these quick steps will make a more efficient launch of your Jet Ski. Remember that when you are backing up your trailer will go OPPOSITE of the way you are steering. Launching your Jet Ski or boat takes practice, take a couple dry runs backing it up and check out this article for helpful tips. Back up until it starts to float, have someone securely hold the dock line to ensure that your ski doesn’t start its day on the water with you still on the dock! Secure your Jet Ski to the dock out of the way for the next person to use the launch and go park. Run through that gear checklist and finally go have yourself a fun day on the water, don’t forget the sunscreen!
]]>The first thing you must measure is the size of your receiver tube opening. To measure the receiver tube opening, you will place a tape measure on the inside lip and measure to the opposite side. This will give you the measurement of 2 inches, 2.5 inches, or 3 inches. The 3 inch will only be for 2017 and newer Fords and some RVs/ Semi-Trucks, although we all want to think ours is the biggest, make sure you’ve double checked. This measurement determines the shank size of the hitch, by measuring the opening there will be no need for reducing sleeves within the channel which allows for a more secure towing experience.
The next measurement you will need is the height to your receiver tube. To take this measurement you will park your truck on level ground and measure from the ground to the bottom inside lip of the receiver tube. With these two measurements, you are now able to determine what size hitch you will need. When it comes to choosing a BulletProof Hitch, they offer a true drop and it is necessary to recognize that the overall length of these hitches is 6 inches longer than the drop size (for example the 6” drop hitch is an overall 12” in length). BulletProof Hitches are available in drop sizes ranging from 2” to 16” and are adjustable, meaning that you can shift the ball mount up or down in the channel allowing you to adjust to the height of your trailer coupler.
The last thing you want to consider besides the overall size of the hitch is the amount of weight you will be towing taking into account squatting. If your vehicle squats with the amount of weight you are generally towing, it is also important to make sure there is enough clearance between the ground and the overall hitch size.
After determining the measurements for a properly sized hitch, the next part of having a safe tow is making sure your hitch is capable of handling whatever you are towing. BulletProof Hitches are available in 3 different tow capacities based on the amount of weight that can be towed by your vehicle. The Medium Duty hitch is rated up to 14,000 pounds, the shank of this hitch features Box Steel Construction which makes it overall a lighter hitch. The Heavy Duty hitch is rated up to 22,000 pounds while the Extreme Duty hitch is rated up to 36,000 pounds; both the Heavy and Extreme Duty hitches have a solid steel shank. Although these hitches are rated to a specific weight, it is not recommended to exceed your truck's towing capacity.
That’s really it. To break it down one more time:
Now you have what you need to be sure you have the right size hitch for your vehicle and setting yourself up for success when towing! If you have any questions about your measurements, or you have made modifications to your truck, give us a call at 941-251-8110 and we will be happy to help you get set-up with the Last Hitch You Will Ever Need!
]]>However, before we hitch our travel trailers and get towing, it’s important to understand how to do so safely. The following three tips will be indispensable to you on your next road trip towing adventure.
Safe road trip towing tip #1 – Loading
It’s important to understand the way you load your travel trailer for your upcoming road trip affects not only how it handles, but also the safety of other road users. The top tip here is that your tongue weight (the amount of force the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch) should be a maximum of 15% of the total of your trailer weight. When it comes to correct loading and weight distribution, you should consider using a BulletProof Hitch as an essential part of your overall towing setup. Our steel hitches are the strongest on the market and offer tongue weight ratings from 2,000 pounds to 6,000 pounds.
If you have ever experienced trailer sway, you will know how intense this experience can be as well as how hard it is to get back under control. You can prevent this issue from happening is by loading your travel trailer correctly and by using a weight distribution system.
Safe road trip towing tip #2 – Checking
The rule here is to conduct a routine towing safety check before you embark on your road trip. Ensuring things like tires are filled with the correct air pressure, brake and signal lights are working properly and that your tow hitch and coupling is in good working order are essential. On the coupler housing, don’t forget to check that your adjustment screw is set correctly. Undertaking routine safety checks of your overall towing setup helps reduce the risks of hazards such as tire blowout or trailer detachment whist towing.
Safe road trip towing tip #3 – Driving
You’ve planned your road trip taking care to pencil in the best route to avoid heavy traffic, as well as great places to pull your travel trailer up for a rest stop. Now it’s time to hit the open road! Remember: you are likely going to be the one of the slower vehicles on the road. Towing your travel trailer means slower acceleration and the need for increased braking distances to avert rear-ending the vehicle in front if they brake sharply. The important tip here is to give yourself plenty of time and space while driving on your road trip.
So, there you have it. 3 top tips to keep you and your loved ones safe on your next road trip. In the words of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers:
Road trippin'…
Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies
It's time to leave this town, it's time to steal away
Let's go get lost anywhere in the U.S.A.
P.S. don’t forget to pack the snacks and supplies and have a great time!
]]>The importance of hitch safety
As we well know, the hitch is the most important piece of equipment in your overall towing setup. That’s because it is the only thing connecting your tow vehicle and the load it is hauling. If not functioning properly, the tow hitch can cause the trailer to become unhitched during towing. This then becomes a deadly, out-of-control hazard to other motorists. In fact, hundreds of people are killed each year in trailer-related crashes. And the vast majority of these could have been avoided if a simple pre-towing hitch safety check was carried out.
The hitch safety checklist
Performing a hitch safety check should be a top priority within your overall towing checklist. Follow the steps we’ve outlined below to carry out a hitch safety check in order to ensure your tow hitch is ready to tow when you are:
Maintenance
If you do happen to spot signs of rust during your hitch safety check, you can use a product like Evapo-Rust to help kill before it gets any worse. Some hitches on the market necessitate a lot of maintenance and will eventually fail. However, BulletProof Hitches™ are designed to be the last hitch you will ever need to buy. Put simply, our hitches are the highest quality on the planet.
As can be seen, after months of inactivity, performing a pre-towing hitch safety check is paramount. Use the hitch safety checklist above and don’t forget to also check that your trailer registration and insurance is up to date. Now you’re all set to tow!
]]>There’s an art to backing a boat trailer down a boat ramp and into the water. Boat ramps are usually extremely busy places, with everyone rushing to get their boat into the water and get their day underway. The last thing that anyone wants is to look silly trying to back their boat trailer down the ramp with a dozen angry boaters all waiting.
Towing any trailer starts with the right trailer hitch. BulletProof Hitches offers you a versatile and practical adjustable trailer hitch that makes reversing any trailer a dream. In the following article, we’ll cover the basics of getting your boat into the water to avoid any mishaps at the boat ramp and make your next day on the water get off to the right start.
Before we jump right into the trailer reversing tips, it’s vital to have your boat ready before you hit the ramp. While you’re waiting for your turn at the ramp, make sure that all the tie-down straps are removed, the bungs are in, and the boat is ready to go. It’ll save you time on the ramp, and those waiting behind you will appreciate the extra effort to speed things up.
Reversing any trailer starts with high-quality trailer hitches, components, and accessories. After that, it all comes down to practice, practice, and more practice! Learn to trust your mirrors and your instincts, and you’ll be reversing down that boat ramp like a professional in no time at all.
]]>Regularly maintaining both your tow vehicle and trailer is essential. Carrying out routine inspections and scheduling regular services will help reduce the likelihood of breakdowns as well as reduce dangers associated with wear and tear to your towing setup. As we’ve discussed before, towing a load (boat, RV, car trailer, etc.) comes with added responsibility in terms of road safety. Regular maintenance should be a top priority within your towing checklist. That way you can ensure that you are not a danger to yourself or other road users because of faulty equipment.
Are you driving on unsafe tires? In most states, the law stipulates that your tire tread depth is at least 2/32". However, it’s also important to know that your tires’ performance can be impacted by rain and snow before their tread depth is considered legally unsafe. Don’t have a tire tread depth gauge? You can use a penny! Place your penny into the tread grooves at several spots around the tire. You still have more than 2/32" of tread depth remaining if the tread covers part of Abe’s head.
Part of your towing checklist before you get going should be to check that you can safely stop. It’s important to make sure that your brake pads are in good working order. Not only that, if you’re using a brake controller, this needs to be setup correctly so that your trailer shares the same braking load as your tow vehicle. This is a critical step because if a difference in braking capacity can result in your trailer brakes overheating which can lead to further safety issues, such as brake fade and brake fluid boil.
When performing a suspension check as part of your towing checklist, it’s important to inspect for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks on things like: bolts, springs, pins, bushes as well as on any other moving parts. Don’t forget: in order to properly check your breaks and suspension your vehicle needs to be raised and tires removed.
The tow hitch is arguably the most important of your overall towing setup as it is the only connection between your tow vehicle and trailer. As such, it needs to be a priority within your towing checklist. On the coupling housing, check that your adjustment screw is set correctly. The adjustment screw ensures a tight fit between coupling and tow ball. If it’s not set correctly, the trailer can become unattached during operation. It’s also important to perform a visual inspection for signs of wear and tear. Look for any signs of rust, fatiguing or cracks in the housing.
The good news is that BulletProof Hitches™ are designed to be the last hitch you will ever need to buy. Every one of our hitches is engineered using the absolute best in materials, equipment, and highly skilled labor.
Having a great towing setup is important. But what’s also important is that this gets checked regularly. That way you will ensure that when it’s time to tow, you’re ready to go!
]]>Get into the right position
You can start the trailer hook up process and make life easier for yourself by ensuring there is adequate space around your trailer for the tow vehicle to maneuver into place. What’s more, it’s always a good idea to have both the tow vehicle and the trailer on level ground. Now it’s time to position your vehicle in front of and in a straight line with the trailer. Once in the correct position, begin to back up your vehicle in a straight line until it’s about 10 inches away from the trailer coupling. Now check that you have the proper alignment.
The trailer coupler should now be raised until it’s about 2 to 3 inches higher than your vehicle’s hitch. Next, the tow vehicle needs to be backed up carefully so that your hitch slides directly underneath the trailer coupling. Here’s where you might want to grab a buddy to guide you in. However, it is possible to perform this part of the trailer hook up process on your own. The best advice is to proceed slowly and to continually check that you’ve got the alignment right.
Hooking up
Now that you’re in position, it’s time to lower the trailer coupler down onto your vehicle’s hitch. Make sure that the hitch locking mechanism on your trailer is open. You will know if everything is in place when you can close the hitch locking mechanism fully. However, it’s worth double-checking that you can’t lift the trailer off the hitch. Now it’s time to connect the safety chains. These are an important safety feature that stop your trailer from completely detaching from your vehicle while in transit. Safety chains should be crossed over for added safety.
Now it’s just a matter of connecting the trailer plug, and checking that all of your trailer lights work (tail, tag, signal and hazard lights) are working.
Final check
Before you begin towing, carry out a quick check to make sure everything is secured and working correctly. It’s a good idea to follow these 4 steps when performing your final check:
Now that you know the steps involved in the trailer hook up process, it’s time to hit the road with your trailer in tow!
]]>Flat-spotted tires, low tire pressure, and even the dreaded dry rot, a lot can happen to your trailer wheels when not in use. That’s why it’s important to visibly check your tires for any rips or tears. If your tire sidewalls are brittle, harder than normal, or if cracking is evident, then you have dry rot. There is no remedy for this type of tire deterioration. The best thing to do is to replace your tires because of the inherent dangers of leaks, holes, and blow outs.
Once you’ve performed a check on your tires as part of your trailer checklist, and found them to be in good working order (don’t overlook the spare!), it’s time to check air pressure. If you do happen to have flat spots, the good news is that as you drive and as your tires rotate, they will warm up. This means that driving at highway speeds for approximately 20 minutes will offset most tire flat-spotting.
It’s pretty easy to perform this part of your trailer checklist. Start by jacking each of your trailer wheels off the ground. Now it’s time to see if you can physically wobble each tire. If you do get some movement, you may have to tighten the bearings. Next, spin each wheel. Hearing a rumbling noise means that the bearings will need to be replaced. Your trailer wheels should be silent when spinning. Furthermore, to keep your wheels spinning, it is important to re-torque the lug nuts.
The next step on the trailer checklist is to inspect the hitch. Look for signs of rust and use a product like Evapo-Rust to kill the rust before it gets worse. Furthermore, with a ball mount hitch, it’s important to ensure that all the moving parts are lubricated and moving freely. While some hitches require a lot of maintenance and will eventually fail, BulletProof Hitches™ are designed to be the last hitch you will ever need to buy. Every one of our hitches is made with solid steel that is chemically analyzed to ensure the highest quality possible.
The next part of the trailer checklist is to couple your trailer to check that all the lights and wiring are working properly. Especially if it has been exposed to the weather, we want to ensure all of the wires and connections are in good working order. Here’s a pro tip: clean your trailer’s tail light lenses. This will markedly increase their intensity, ultimately making you safer on the road. With the lens cover off, now is a good time to remove all globes and ensure that the connections are clean. If not, these can be cleaned by lightly rubbing with some very fine sand paper and a rag.
That’s it, you’re all set to tow! Using the trailer checklist above and ensuring all of your trailer registration and insurance is up to date means that you are now ready to hit the road with trailer in tow.
]]>Tip #1 – Check the engine
After a winter of sitting idle, a thorough engine check is in order. In order to prepare a boat for use across the warmer months it’s essential that you perform an oil change as well as replace the oil filter. This will help ensure your pride and joy is running as efficiently as possible, while simultaneously removing any potential sludge build-up. It’s also a good move to inspect the out oil drive to ensure that this is clean so that you know your engine is ready to start.
Tip #2 – Refill the cooling system
The first thing you want to do is check the hoses for cracks. Also, make sure you empty the strainer. Once everything is looking good, go ahead and refill the system. Pro tip: to prevent your boat’s coolant line from freezing over, drain the cooling system before hibernating your boat for the winter.
Tip #3 – Check the battery
No one wants to tow their boat all the way to the water’s edge only to realize the battery is dead. In order to properly prepare a boat for regular use a battery check should be carried out. Use a battery tester to check level of your battery’s charge. Obviously, if it’s low than it needs to be charged. However, if the battery won’t hold a charge than you need to replace it. Pro tip: top up battery fluid levels using distilled water.
Tip #4 – Check water pumps and thermostat
After approximately every 200 hours of operation, you need to replace the water pump on the impeller. This is what keeps your engine cool. So, it is important that it is in good working order. Otherwise, you could overheat and seize up your boat’s engine.
Like the water pump, the thermostat helps to cool your engine. That is why it also needs replacement every 200 hours of use so that it remains in good working order.
Tip #5 – Prepare your safety gear
This is potentially the most important tip on the list and one that could save a life. As a boat owner it is your responsibility to ensure your passengers’ safety. That is why it is crucial to check that you have all of the required safety equipment like life jackets, EPIRBs, fire extinguishers, horns, flares, etc. What’s more, you need to ensure that your safety equipment has not expired or is damaged in any way.
Following the tips outlined above should have you out on the water safely and successfully in no time. Happy boating!
]]>One of the most crucial camper towing tips ever: purchase your tow vehicle with your trailer in mind. It’s no good buying a brand new SUV or truck that hasn’t got enough towing capacity to haul your camper. Always check the towing capacity of any new vehicle you are considering purchasing to ensure it has enough power.
It’s important to practice towing a new trailer in an empty parking lot before setting out on your journey. Getting used to braking while towing your travel trailer will ensure you can pull both your tow vehicle and trailer to a dead stop at the same time. One of the more essential towing tips is to practice your turns, backing up, and parking before going on any long distance trips!
When it comes to towing your camper, weight distribution is key. Never place more than 15% of your overall load at the front of your travel trailer as this will overload the tongue weight. However, not enough tongue weight, or downward force on your tow vehicle’s hitch ball can equal trailer sway (more on that later). Ensure you purchase a high quality hitch designed for heavy duty towing. All of our hitches feature solid steel construction and are backed by a life-time warranty.
Take trailer sway out of the equation by investing in towing accessories such as a sway control system. These will dramatically increase the overall steering performance and make your towing experience safer.
Take the stress out of your toy hauler towing experience by mapping out your journey beforehand. Pencil in the most efficient way to get to your destination, factoring in such things as fuel and rest stops. That way you can hopefully avoid having to haul your trailer through too much inner-city traffic. One of the more overlooked towing tips is to check if there are bridges along your route so that you can ensure your trailer will fit underneath them!
Remember the tortoise and the hare? Be like the tortoise. Don’t try to keep pace with anything other than your own carefully designed travel plans. You will get to your destination in good time. Towing a camper means that you’ve got extra weight to haul. It also means that you will takes longer to accelerate, slow down, and (most importantly) stop. Keep at least 4 seconds between your vehicle and the one in front. Also, keep to the right when it comes to choosing your lane. Look at what the commercial truckers are doing and follow their lead.
Following these 5 travel trailer towing tips will hopefully ensure that you and your loved ones enjoy a safe towing experience. The aim is to get to your camper to its destination safely and securely so that you can let the real unwinding begin!
]]>The first question to consider is: what type of trailer do I need? At the entry level, most 5ft x 12ft utility trailers are going to be just enough when it comes to towing a side-by-side or ATV. That’s because towing a side-by-side or ATV is really all about the width. Most ATVs are 48 inches wide, and most side-by-sides are around 60 inches wide. There are bigger units available on the market obviously (like the 72 inch RZR Pro XP); however, most basic models only require you to have a trailer that’s 5ft x 12ft. If you are going to upsize eventually, you might want to consider getting a bigger trailer to begin with.
Now that you’ve got your trailer sorted, it’s time to hitch it up and tie down your side-by-side or ATV so you can start hitting those trails! In the first instance, choose a high quality hitch. Depending on your tow vehicle, you will need either a 2″, 2.5″ or 3″ sized shank. You can check out our helpful guide in order to determine what size hitch you need.
When it comes to trailering a side-by-side or ATV, you need to pay attention to weight distribution. When placing your side-by-side or ATV onto the trailer be careful not to have it to far forward as this will overload the tongue weight. This means the weight that a loaded trailer pushes down onto your tow vehicle’s hitch. Your tongue weight should be a maximum of 15% of the total of your trailer weight. When it comes to weight distribution, you should also consider another piece of essential equipment: a sway control system. These are especially important if you intend on trailering your side-side or ATV at highway speeds. Sway control systems can improve your overall steering control and braking performance when towing a side-by-side or ATV.
Using these tips will give you not only a safe but also enjoyable towing experience. Towing a side-by-side or ATV needs to be done both legally and safely so that you can get to your off road destination and let the real fun begin!
Happy trails!
]]>Know the essential acronyms and what they mean. UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight), GVW (gross vehicle weight), GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), and GCWR (gross combination weight rating).
Your first haul.
Before your first haul, be sure to know your vehicle's towing weight limit. Every vehicle has a posted maximum tow rating; it's important to ensure that your vehicle can handle the job. Make sure that you have the correct hitch for your vehicle and the trailer you plan to haul. Having the right size and fit can make the experience seamless. Check that your trailer hitch was installed correctly. Proper trailer hitch installation is critical for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
How’s your trailer hitch?
Having the correct length hitch paired with the proper size ball is critical to a safe towing experience. BulletProof Hitches carries a wide variety of hitches (we carry 2”, 2.5”, and 3” Receiver Shanks) to accommodate any size truck lift or towing capacity. Selecting the right length hitch will ensure your trailer is level and that your trailer correctly tracks as you travel down the road. Pairing that hitch with the correct size ball is also important. BulletProof Hitches offers versatile two-sided balls rated for almost any towing capacity. This pairing ensures that your trailer is secure and applies the proper amount of force your tow package is rated for.
Don’t blow your load.
Balance your load! 10%-15% of the trailer weight should be the tongue weight of the trailer; with 60% of your total load weight towards the front half of your trailer. If your trailer is open-aired, ensure that your load is tied down with safety straps or tie-downs. If your load is not properly secured, it can shift and cause the trailer to sway. Your trailer should be level while towing to prevent any swaying while driving. Having a level trailer also keeps the tires from uneven wear. Be sure that you monitor tire pressure on both the vehicle and the trailer.
Worried about driving with a trailer?
Don't be! It can be easy to end up on autopilot while hauling your trailer. While driving with a trailer, the time required to safely turn and stop increases. It's essential to remain aware of your surroundings and allow extra space for your vehicle and trailer to maneuver safely. While changing lanes, be mindful of how far your trailer extends and that you have room to maneuver. Driving a trailer doesn't need to be stressful— slow down and take time to recall the basics.
Looking for the right hitch for the job?
Call our expert team at BulletProof Hitches today at 941-251-8110. Or, you can fill out our easy-to-use online form to find out more!
]]>The fourth generation of the F-250 and F-350 and up (2017 – present) are Super Duty in both name and performance. When Ford went about updating the design and functionality of their much beloved pick-up they decided to go with a 3” hitch receiver tube. Why? The 3” receivers offer the highest weight ratings. Meaning they are an essential bit of gear if you intend on doing some heavy duty towing.
Problems with the new Ford receiver size
The towing capacity of your application is always dictated by the lowest-rated piece in your overall setup. When you are in the business of heavy duty towing, you can’t afford for your hitch to be anything other than the toughest on the market.
At present, Ford is sending their F-250 Diesel and F-350 and up Super Duty trucks off the lot in Kentucky with two reducing sleeves: 3" to 2.5" and 2.5" to 2". A lot of Ford truck owners are quite content in using these reducing sleeves so that the more commonly available hitches on the market still fits their truck. However, using these reducing sleeves creates a lot of problems with slop and rattle. The solution? Ditch the reducing sleeves and instead use a hitch with a 3" shank. Now you have a smoother, safer, and better-performing towing experience.
Solutions to the new Ford receiver size: BulletProof Hitches
BulletProof Hitches has solved the dilemma for Ford F-250 Diesel and F-350 and up truck owners by designing and manufacturing the last hitch you’ll ever need. These hitches are both extremely well built and super tough. In fact, there has never been a reported failure of these hitches in use! Take for instance their 3.0" heavy duty 6″ drop/rise hitch. This Class 5 Hitch features a solid steel shank and possesses a 22,000 lb maximum towing capacity. Meaning it is the perfect first point of contact within your overall heavy duty towing setup. Ford will allow owners to opt for a smaller receiver size when ordering, it is suggested to use the Measuring Guide to confirm the receiver size before placing your order!
Not a lot of Ford F-250 Diesel and F-350 and up truck owners are aware of the benefits of getting rid of the reducing sleeves and opting instead for a 3” shank hitch that is specifically designed for them. So, hopefully now you know that BulletProof Hitches have designed a great option for you to make your overall towing setup extremely tough and super duty.
]]>You own a truck for a number of reasons. You like its durability. Owning a truck means having the extra space for carrying your gear. Owning a truck means having the functionality of going off-road whenever you choose. It means you can tow a travel trailer. It also means you have the option of towing heavy equipment whenever the need arises.
When the job calls for it, owning a truck means that you can tow heavy equipment like boats, cars, other trucks, mobile generators, mini excavators and skid steers. But what towing equipment do you need for heavy duty towing? And what are some tips for pulling a heavy load safely?
What towing equipment do I need for heavy duty towing?
The first piece of equipment you need to haul heavy equipment is a high quality hitch designed for heavy or even extreme duty towing. Next, you’ll need something to attach that hitch to, namely a trailer. Before deciding upon a trailer you will need to know your truck’s towing capacity as well as the weight and dimensions of the payload you will be hauling. Choose a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that’s up to the job. The total weight you are towing (including the trailer) must not exceed your trailer’s GVWR.
Another piece of essential equipment for heavy duty towing are hitch stabilizer bars. This bit of essential towing equipment will improve steering and stop your trailer from applying any undue force to the tow vehicle, as in vehicle sway. Finally, when hauling heavy equipment it’s vital that you secure the payload using safety chains. These vital pieces of safety equipment are usually an afterthought when it comes to preparing your heavy duty towing setup. Our safety chains feature solid steel construction for maximum strength and durability. They are specifically made for heavy or even extreme duty towing.
Safety tips for towing heavy equipment
Towing heavy equipment comes with added responsibility. Being well versed in how to load and haul heavy equipment safely is essential. Transporting heavy machinery needs to be done not only safely, but also legally. Failing to tow heavy equipment properly can result in overloading your trailer’s GVWR, potentially leading to such dangers as brake failure or blown tires. Or, you may even being be fined. The following tips will help get you and your payload to your destination safely and efficiently:
So there you have it, when it comes to towing heavy equipment, it’s vital to not only have the right equipment but also abide by correct safety precautions. That way that you guarantee arriving at your destination with your heavy equipment in tow without being a danger to yourself or other road users.
]]>We'll break it all down for you here.
While tons of people make a fuss about towing capacity, there are usually two surefire ways to figure out what your vehicle can handle. First, you can check the owner's manual.
Just about every SUV and truck on the market has an owner's manual that breaks down exactly how much each it can tow – but you need to be careful if the manufacturer has an optional tow package for that vehicle.
The owner's manual will often highlight the towing capacity for the tow package – even if you have the stock version. If that's the case, check what the towing package includes – if they are components that you can upgrade yourself, you're still in luck.
If you've lost the owner's manual or don't want to spend the time tracking it down, another option you have is to check the door jamb for your vehicle data plate. The same plate that displays your vehicle's VIN will typically display the vehicle's towing capacity too!
Tires are one of the most overlooked parts of the towing process. But selecting the correct tire will have a significant impact on how much your vehicle can tow! Smaller tires give you more torque than larger ones, but the brand and style of tire matter too.
Cheap tires get worse traction, which leads to a decrease in towing efficiency. Furthermore, tires with more tread give you more traction too!
Just because the manufacturer rated your vehicle for a specific weight doesn't mean you should throw that much on the hitch and call it a day. That's because elevation has a significant impact on your vehicle's overall towing capacity.
The most significant and often overlooked factor is elevation. For every thousand feet of elevation, your vehicle loses 2% of its towing capacity. This is especially important if you're traveling to places with extreme altitudes as you can easily lose 20% of your towing capacity.
You should account for at least a 10% buffer zone on your towing capacity for most trips, so you don't accidentally overload your vehicle.
Not only does the elevation that you're driving at matter, but the height of your vehicle plays a significant role in your towing capacity too! Each component in your lift kit has to be able to handle the specific towing capacity, and you'll need a drop hitch to connect to your trailer.
Luckily BulletProof Hitches offers some great drop hitches for you to choose from!
In short, very important. If you overload your vehicle, you're putting extra stress on the engine and transmission that can lead to overheating and long-term damage. More importantly, towing capacity affects how effectively you can handle your vehicle and brake when you need to.
So, while you might be able to get away with overloading your vehicle for a time or two, it only takes one person to cut you off for you to get into an otherwise avoidable accident. Don't take the risk; buy a vehicle that can handle the weight, and ensure that it has the best towing equipment available.
While there are tons of people out there that over-complicate finding your vehicle's towing capacity, you don't need to be an engineer to figure it out.
Instead, trust the engineers that the manufacturer hired for the job and keep it simple on your end! Just remember to have a buffer zone, so you don't accidentally damage your vehicle on your next trip!
]]>But what exactly are you looking for when you service a trailer, and how often should you do it? We'll break it all down for you here.
Just like your vehicle, each trailer has a maintenance schedule that you should follow for proper operation. But if you can't track down your trailer's service manual, you should service your trailer at least every six months.
However, there are some features that manufacturers recommend checking more often. These features include wheel torque, tire pressure, and breakaway functionality.
If you don't know where to start with your trailer service, you have two options. First, you can take your trailer to a service center and have them take care of it. If you don't know how to adjust brakes or tell if you have a faulty component, this is probably the best bet.
However, if you're looking to save a little money, you can utilize a trailer maintenance checklist. While each manufacturer puts out their own trailer checklist, if you can't find one for your specific trailer, you can always use one from a different manufacturer – just double check that it has all the same components as your trailer!
This checklist from Felling Trailers covers the basic things you should be checking for at each interval. Keep in mind that your specific trailer checklists might be slightly different.
The most significant factor affecting how often you should grease your trailer wheel bearings is the trailer's size. With smaller travel trailers, you should grease the wheel bearings every 2,000 miles.
However, with most trailers, every 10,000 to 12,000 miles will suffice. If you don't use your trailer often, you still need to grease the wheel bearings every six months.
If your trailer has any other grease points throughout, you should grease these areas at the same time.
Trailer tires are among the most overlooked parts of your trailer maintenance schedule. When checking your trailer's tires, there are a few things that you need to check for.
First, you need to make sure that there is enough tread on the tires. The legal minimum for tread depth in the United States is 2/32", and tires are required to have wear bars. Once the tire has reached that wear bar, you need to replace it.
Second, you need to check the tire pressure. Tire pressure changes as the weather changes with the seasons, so it's essential to check your tire pressure frequently.
Finally, you need to check your tires for cracks or dry rotting. If you notice that your tire has cracks along the sidewall, you need to replace the tire.
Servicing your trailer is just as important as servicing your vehicle. While most vehicles have done away with external grease points, have self-adjusting brakes, lubed-for life wheel bearings, and a variety of other features, most trailers don't have these same things.
That means if you don't keep up with the service intervals on your trailer, you'll run into problems in no time!
Next time you plan on taking your trailer out for a trip or a job, ask yourself, when was the last time you serviced it? If you can't come up with an answer, start a service schedule today and stick to it!
It might seem a little tedious and time consuming, but it might be what prevents your next accident as you drive down the road.
]]>Having safety chains of the correct length is extremely important for safety. You should ALWAYS crisscross your safety chains beneath the hitch and coupler. While crisscrossing them, be sure that you’ve allowed enough slack in the chains to turn. Do not confuse this with twisting the chains. You should NEVER twist the chains, this can lead to them becoming damaged and ultimately failing to work effectively. You also want to be sure that the chains will hold the tongue up if the trailer were to come loose. If a ball or coupler failure arises, the safety chains ensure that your tow vehicle and trailer remain connected until you can safely stop. Examples of coupler failures include the coupler coming off the ball, the ball coming off the hitch, the hitch coming out of the vehicle receiver, and the coupler becoming detached from the trailer drawbar.
On long trips, you should be stopping regularly to check your chains. Stopping to get gas? Check the chains!! Replace any safety chains that show wear and tear, as worn chains can become defective and ultimately fail when needed. Safety chains should NEVER drag as your drive.
As you’re connecting the trailer, make sure the chain to the emergency brake box (Breakaway Actuator) is shorter than the trailer safety chains. The brake box will fail to activate if the chain to the box is longer than the safety chains.
Check that your safety chains meet the correct classification according to Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). GVWR is the vehicle manufacturer's weight limit indicating the total amount the vehicle can weigh to operate safely. The strength rating of each length of the safety chain or its equivalent and its attachments needs to be equal to or exceed in minimum breaking force the GVWR of the trailer.
Safety Chain or Trailer Classification |
Breaking Force Minimum |
Class 1 |
2,000 Ibs |
Class 2 |
3,500 Ibs |
Class 3 |
5,000 Ibs |
Class 4 |
10,000 Ibs |
Many states require by law that safety chains be used while towing. Be sure to refer to the laws regarding safety chains in your state prior to installing your chains and towing.
Questions about safety chains? Call our expert team at BulletProof Hitches today at 941-251-8110. Or, you can fill out our easy-to-use online form to find out more!
]]>Simply put: yes they are!
The aerodynamic design of an Airstream produces less wind friction, or drag, when being towed compared to other more conventional travel trailers. This means not only greater stability and fuel efficiency, but also a more effortless towing experience.
Here’s a fact for you: approximately 65% of every Airstream camper ever purchased is still in use. This is because they are built to last. Sure, they may come with a slightly higher price tag than other campers, but the design and durability of an Airstream makes it a much sought after luxury option. They really are the best option for the camper who wants to set themselves apart from the herd, both in style and functionality.
What towing capacity do you need for an Airstream?
This is where some simple math comes in handy. Essentially, you want to ensure your vehicle’s towing capacity is greater than your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). GVWR is the maximum amount of weight that your vehicle can handle safely, including passengers, cargo, as well as the vehicle itself. Exceeding GVWR is a risky move as it makes your vehicle difficult to control or stop.
The GVWR for selected Airstream campers is as follows:
When assessing whether your vehicle can tow a selected Airstream, it is a good idea to ensure that the GVWR you will be towing is in the middle of your vehicle’s towing capacity. This will ensure that not only has your vehicle got more than enough torque to get your Airstream moving, it will also have sufficient power to control and stop it.
Towing an Airstream: How to
With your newly purchased Airstream in tow, it’s time to set out on the vacation of a lifetime. However, first things first: it’s time to hitch and load your Airstream camper loaded. A good rule of thumb is to place about 15% of your overall load at the front of the Airstream. Space the remainder evenly spaced throughout the rest of the camper. The benefit of this is the weight at the front adds load to your hitch, which will help ensure its correct functionality when driving.
Just like we advised in our Winter Towing Tips article, it’s important to practice towing your Airstream before setting out on any grand adventure. Aim to get familiar with using your vehicle’s brake pedal slowly but consistently. That way you will pull both vehicle and camper to a dead stop at the same time. Parking is another aspect that requires practice. Set up some witches hats and test your ability to tow and park your Airstream without knocking them down!
Another great tip is to hit the highway with an empty Airstream a handful of times before you set off on vacation with your nearest and dearest. This will enable you to get more familiar with the experience of towing an Airstream. You will also have to allow for double the normal following distance between you and the car ahead, because of the fact that you cannot brake as fast. Furthermore, get out on the open highway and experience what how the wind will affect your handling while towing.
The most important thing is to stay focused on driving your vehicle. You should feel confident when it comes to towing an Airstream. And this confidence will only come through correct practice and preparation.
]]>You’ve checked the weather reports, planned out your trip (including rest stops), and put together a great winter towing set up for your vehicle. Now it’s time to follow the 7 Ps to prepare for a successful season of winter towing.
When it comes to getting ready to tow in snow or icy conditions, it’s all about the weight. Obviously, you not only need to know how much your vehicle is capable of towing, you also need to be sure how much your travel trailer or boat weighs when fully loaded. Moreover, proper weight distribution is never more important than when towing in snow and ice.
Another useful tip to help you prepare for winter towing is to ensure you have installed a quality sway control system. No one wants to experience vehicle sway when driving their family down the highway with a fully loaded trailer in tow!
The first time you drive on snow or ice is an unforgettable experience. As your wheels leave the certainty of the asphalt behind and begin to slip and slide, you will no doubt feel your heart rate quicken! This is even truer if you happen to be pulling a trailer. To avoid towing in snow and icy conditions becoming a nightmare experience, it’s important to practice first.
For instance, the first time you fit snow chains on your vehicle or trailer should not be right before you encounter an icy section of road on your travels. Learn how to correctly fit snow chains at home first before leaving on your winter towing journey.
Freezing conditions can wreak havoc upon your engine. Diesel has a tendency to change consistency at very low temperatures and can lead to serious engine malfunction. A great option is to pack a special winter fuel additive, to prevent the problems associated with gelling. Furthermore, packing emergency gear such as a shovel and vehicle recovery device is essential.
Winter weather can turn on a dime. In an instant you can go from driving in light snow to ploughing through blizzard conditions. Ensuring everyone’s safety must be your top priority. That’s why it is also a good idea to take plenty of warm clothing, blankets and enough food for a few days. Doing so will prevent you from getting caught short on your winter towing expedition.
Having a great winter towing set up and ensuring your tongue weight is balanced is important. However, what matters most is your winter towing preparedness. If you aren’t confident behind the wheel when it comes to towing in snow and icy conditions then you can become a danger to everyone in your vehicle plus all other road users. Follow these winter towing tips and have a successful trip!
]]>Unlike many other ball hitches on the market, the correct answer is yes!
One of the first rules of towing is that your trailer and vehicle must remain level at all times—that’s where an adjustable ball hitch comes in handy.
The adjustable channel on the BulletProof Hitch™ offers the ability to move the dual ball to different ride heights to help make up any necessary height differences between a trailer and your vehicle.
While most of our customers tend to use their BulletProof Hitch™ in the drop position on their lifted or even stock height truck, there are situations that would call for the ball to actually sit above the receiver. In these situations, you can simply flip your BulletProof Hitch 180 degrees and insert the shank into the receiver in the rise position. This will give you the same towing capacity as it would in the drop position.
A few examples of situations that usually call for a "rise hitch" include towing with:
While many drivers think they can just switch any standard ball hitch into the rise position, this isn’t always the best option. If a hitch is not built to be used ain that position, it can weaken the hitch's integrity and make for an unsafe towing experience.
Thankfully, however, any of our products at BulletProof Hitches™ work just as well in the drop or rise position, proving once again that the BulletProof Hitch is the last hitch you will ever need!
While it’s great to have the option to turn your hitch around in the receiver to create a rise or drop ball hitch, this isn’t always the most convenient option. That’s why BulletProof Hitches is proud to offer one of the most innovative towing products on the market—our Offset Hitch!
Constructed with the shank in the middle of the device, offset hitches can be used in the rise or drop position, without the annoyance of taking it out and switching it around.
Each of our offset hitch products are considered our “Extreme Duty” hitches and can tow up to 30,000 lbs. They’re also available in all three height options: 2”, 2.5”, and 3”.
If you want to create the most versatile towing experience available for your vehicle, this state-of-the-art solid steel trailer hitch is the best option available!
With summer coming up, you’re bound to be doing more towing than usual. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is outfitted with a trailer hitch that can meet all of your towing wants and needs. Whether you think you’ll primarily need a drop position hitch or a rise position hitch, why not go with a product that can handle both?
If you’d like more information on safely towing in the rise position, call our expert team at BulletProof Hitches today at 941-202-1352. Or, you can fill out our easy-to-use online form to find out more!
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