Regardless of your rig setup — from tiny, single-axle utility trailers and RV “toads” to goose-necked horse trailers and fifth wheel-mounted toyhaulers — if you’re going to be towing, you’ve got to have the right equipment.
While the basics behind towing may not seem complicated, there is, in fact, much to consider, as there’s a lot riding on how you get this important job done. After all, towing is serious business, and when you hit the road, you want the rest of your rig to stay right where it belongs—safely behind you.
To that end, we compiled the top 32 towing-related products, all designed to make your next adventure a safer and more enjoyable one.
To help you get towed out of a tight spot, ARB offers a comprehensive recovery kit that includes a snatch strap, tree protector, winch line extension and dampener, two D-ring shackles, and leather work gloves — all housed in a rugged carry bag.
Details:
$390
(866) 293-9078
www.arbusa.com
The Max Coupler is a heavy-duty off-road trailer coupler that minimizes binding with its multi-axis design. Conservatively rated at 6,000 pounds, the black-powdercoated unit is machined from thick plate steel along with a 1.5-inch solid-steel center section. It features poly bushings for quiet operation.
Details:
$225
(626) 969-6805
www.kilbyenterprises.com
Lock-N-Roll hitches and couplers are designed to make backing up easy under any condition with a 360-degree range of rotational movement. A variety of sliding/bolt-on/weld-on versions are offered for standard, heavy-duty, marine, horse and off-road trailers.
Details:
$89-$108
(800) 399-5182
www.locknroll.com
Those looking to use one receiver-mounted winch for front and rear recoveries can do so safely using a Reese front mount hitch. Rated for line pulls up to 9,000 pounds, it accommodates a 2-inch slider, mounts solely to the frame, and is built to vehicle-specific measurements.
Details:
$175-$300
(800) 632-3290
www.reeseprod.com
Flat towing your four-wheeler just got easier and safer with the Tow-Rite tow bar. The rigid, bolt-on kit features a permanently-attached section with removable coupler, which can be stored in the vehicle out of sight when driving. Extended and lunette-style couplers also available.
Details:
$495 (black powdercoat)
$1,195 (polished stainless steel)
(760) 741-JEEP
www.tow-rite-towbars.com
Connect trailers easily with a TeleSwivel 210. Pull the 10,000-pound-rated coupler’s pin to extend the ball outward 4 inches and/or across 8 inches of sideways travel to the correct trailer loading position. Back up the tow vehicle to lock the coupler in place and voila!
Details:
$349-$499
(888) 835-7948
www.teleswivel.com
Give your car or light truck some style with a Class 1, 2 or 3 hitch that matches your factory paint job. All hitches are precision-welded and feature closed end tubes to avoid rusting. Color-matching, European-styled ball mounts also available.
Details:
$359-$479 (hitches)
$44 (ball mount)
(877) CURT-MFG
www.curtmfg.com
RVers can easily add a receiver hitch to their 2- or 4-inch channel steel bumpers. Powdercoated for a durable finish, the bolt-on units enable use of a standard 2-inch receiver and are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds with a 350-pound tongue weight. Mounting hardware included.
Details:
$89-$124
(877) CURT-MFG
www.curtmfg.com
Draw Tite's weld-together ultra frame receivers are designed for chase trucks or work-a-day rigs with service bodies. Kits available in 44 and 62-in widths with 7 or 16-inch long side brackets; crosstube end caps optional. Accepts 2-inch accessories; rating -- 16,000 pounds, 1,600-pound tongue weight.
Details:
$212-$315
(800)-632-3290
www.draw-tite.com
Heavier trailer loads and RVs often require hitches featuring load/sway controlling components to track safely. Reese's Strait-Line dual cam adjust kit is easy-to-install and tune, quiet, and automatic in function, and doesn't require relcation of most mainframe-mounted items. Self-center; available with or without hitch bar.
Details:
$705
$827 with hitch bar
(800)-632-3290
www.reeseprod.com
The ReadyBrute Elite stands apart from traditional RV tow bars by featuring a built-in surge brake. Easily stowed when not in use, the strong, lightweight aluminum system is rated to 8,000 pounds and bolts to all standard vehicles baseplate mounts. Includes safety cables/braking indicator system.
Details:
$984
(800)-933-3372
www.readybrake.com