Preparing your Car to Tow
We know that getting your vehicle geared up to tow your new trailer can often be an intimidating process with a lot of confusion involved. We have assembled this short list of what equipment you will need in order to tow your trailer, as well as recommendations for additional equipment to help make your towing experience as stress-free as possible.
Required Equipment
RECEIVER
Drop / Rise Hitch
Also known as a ball mount, the drop or riser hitch is a removable metal tube that slides into the receiver opening and provides the support for a trailer ball.
If you have an All-Road or Off-Road package Timberleaf Trailer this is what you need. You do not need the ball but must have a one-inch hole.
Click here to learn how to calculate the hitch height for your trailer & vehicle.
Tow BALL
The tow ball is attached to the ball mount, the tow ball comes in sizes which include 1-7/8″, 2″, 2-5/16″ and 3″.
You will need a two-inch ball for the Standard Suspension package.
Click here to learn how to calculate the hitch height for your trailer & vehicle.
PIN & CLIP
A steel pin which locks the ball mount to the hitch tube keeping everything secure.
You will need a hitch pin for your vehicle, typically a 5/8″ pin.
WIRING
This connects your trailer’s lights to the tow vehicle. While they mainly supply tail, turn, and stop lights, the 7-way RV connector shown here, and used on our trailers, allows for additional functionality such as electronic trailer brakes and battery charging off of the vehicle’s alternator.
You will need a 7-way RV connector, shown below.
Additional Recommended Equipment
TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER
Our All-Road and Off-Road trailers are equipped with electronic trailer brakes. In order to take advantage of the brakes, your vehicle will need to be outfitted with a trailer brake controller. These are not commonly found in the “Tow Package” for most vehicles, and will need to be installed by your mechanic or dealer.
The brake controller allows automated control of the trailer’s brakes in sync with the vehicle’s braking. There is also a manual option for additional control in a variety of situations. Brake controllers are available in two common types: Time-Delay and Proportional. We recommend proportional for the smoothest braking experience while towing your trailer.
Example shown below.
CHARGE LINE
The charge line is a heavy-gauge wire installed from the vehicle’s alternator to the trailer connector. This allows the trailer battery to charge while you are towing. Charge lines are not commonly available on factory “Tow Package” wiring, so you may need to have your mechanic or dealer install one for you.
Reverse Lights
Among the many functions of the 7-pin connector is the ability to operate reverse lights on the trailer. New for 2022, our rear tail lights will have a built-in reverse light to help illuminate the area behind you and signal those behind you or near the trailer that you are in reverse and preparing to maneuver the trailer backwards. While not a requirement, this added functionality adds a level of safety.