Towing Parts Buyer’s Guide

Buyer’s Guide
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Towing Parts Buyers Guide Hitchmount 19

Even if you never tow anything, a hitch receiver is beneficial as a convenient mount for racks, a winch, or tools—and a bonus for resale value. Herein, a wide variety of ideas to make your towing experience better and your hitch more useful.

Hitches, Balls, Mounts

towing parts buyers guide b w companion 2

B&W Companion

B&W’s “turnover” approach mounts a fifth-wheel (sliding or fixed) or gooseneck to the same under-bed point, leaving the bed completely clear when neither is needed (have a friend or hoist since fifth-wheels approach 300 pounds). Fixed and sliding fifth-wheels are also available to fit The Big Three puck systems.

B&W

turnoverball.com

800/248-6564

towing parts buyers guide b w t s 1

B&W Tow & Stow

B&W’s Tow & Stow line is available for 2- and 2.5-inch receivers in multiple ball sizes or with drop-down pintle shown open. This allows 14 inches of vertical adjustment, up to 16,000-pound trailer weight, and protected hardware when not towing, all with no loss of departure angle.

B&W

turnoverball.com

800/248-6564

towing parts buyers guide bphitch 55

BulletProof Hitches

From the go-big-or-go-home school, BulletProof offers this 3–6-inch drop solid USA “military-grade” steel ball mount rated for 30,000 pounds. Other hardware covers 2-, 2.5-, and 3-inch shanks, drops to 16 inches, and pintle and shackle attachments.

BulletProof Hitches

bulletproofhitches.com

941/251-8110

towing parts buyers guide curt ball 52

Curt Adjustable

This Curt Class V solid-shank channel mount for trailers up to 20,000 pounds offers two trailer ball sizes, two shank length choices, flip-over channel, and built-in anti-rattle system.

Curt Manufacturing

curtmfg.com

877/287-8634

towing parts buyers guide curt xd 53

Curt XD

Curt was first to adapt their puck-system legs for quick installation of any Curt fifth-wheel hitch into a Titan XD. They use a three-point anchoring system, drop in, and can be adjusted to eliminate chucking noise.

Curt Manufacturing

curtmfg.com

877/287-8634

towing parts buyers guide curt sd 54

Curt Super Duty

This Curt gooseneck for 2017 Super Duty pickups can be installed by one person with no frame drilling, no exhaust lowering, no truck bed removal, no spare tire removal, no bed flange trimming, and no welding. Maximum weight is 7,500 pounds on the pin and up to a 30,000-pound trailer.

Curt Manufacturing

curtmfg.com

877/287-8634

towing parts buyers guide dt multi fit 34

Draw-Tite Multi-Fit

The universal frame hardly exists below Class IV trucks, but the Draw-Tite Multi-Fit receiver does work on many pickups and SUVs. Rated up to 6,000 pounds weight-carrying and 10,000 weight-distributing, it’s powdercoated and has a limited lifetime warranty.

Draw-Tite

draw-tite.com

800/632-3290

towing parts buyers guide dt ball mount 35

Draw-Tite Adjustable Ball Mount

For 2-inch receivers and trailers to 14,000 pounds, Draw-Tite’s adjustable ball mounts are available with dual and triple-ball plus pintle-mount options. Note also the mount’s ribbed surfaces for better traction when used as step.

Draw-Tite

draw-tite.com

800/632-3290

towing parts buyers guide gen y 29

Gen-Y Hitch

Gen-Y rubber torsion hitches are said to significantly reduce trailer inertia transfer to smooth the ride. Available for 2-, 2.5- and 3-inch receivers, loads to 21,000 pounds (with built-in mechanical tongue weight scale), and 6–21-inch drop on the 2.5-inch models.

Gen-Y

genyhitch.com

574/218-6363

towing parts buyers guide hensley 50

Hensley Arrow

The Hensley Arrow hitch, for trailers 6,000-14,000 pounds (use Hensley Cub for 2,000-6,000), uses a unique design to eliminate trailer sway rather than limit it by friction—no side-to-side motion is applied to the tow ball—for improved driving dynamics and safety. Return within 60 days if you don’t like it.

Hensley Mfg.

hensleymfg.com

800/410-6580

towing parts buyers guide reese airborne 37

Reese Airborne/Sidewinder

This pin-box marries an air-ride system with the Sidewinder pin-box for minimizing clearance and maneuvering issues towing up to 16,000-pound fifth-wheels with a short-bed truck; many combinations can make a 90-degree turn.

Reese Products

reeseprod.com

800/632-3290

towing parts buyers guide reese steadi 38

Reese Steadi-Flex

This weight-distribution hitch (max. 1,400 pounds tongue, 14,000 trailer) has friction-pad sway control built in. The no-drill system is said to provide a smooth, quiet ride and use a pin-and-clip assembly to reduce wear on the head and friction pads.

Reese Products

reeseprod.com

800/632-3290

Electronics

towing parts buyers guide bargman 31

Bargman Adapter Harness

The Bargman 90-degree adapter will add a fifth-wheel/gooseneck plug to virtually any pickup and many flatbeds with a seven-way, 9-foot insulated cable (UL listed 10/2, 12/1, and 14/4 jacketed).

Bargman

bargman.com

800/632-3290

towing parts buyers guide garmin 11

Garmin dezlCam

The Garmin dezlCam provides navigation and continuous HD video recording, automatically saved to the 8GB micro SD card when internal sensors detect a collision. It provides lifetime updated maps, custom routing for your truck’s size and weight, and warnings for bridge heights, weight limits, steep grades, and so on.

Garmin International

garmin.com

913/397-8200

towing parts buyers guide magellan 7

Magellan TRX7 CS

A one-stop shop for outdoor recreation, the TRX7 CS offers turn-by-turn navigation, more than 115,000 pre-loaded motorized-vehicle trails that don’t require cellular data, companion app (iOS and Android) HD camera/video, photo geo-tagging, a 7-inch display, and lifetime free map and software updates.

Magellan GPS

magellangps.com

towing parts buyers guide tek p2 39

Tekonsha Prodigy P2

The P2 offers proportional electric (and electric-over-hydrualic) braking for up to four axles. It features numerous mounting options, quick-disconnect, continual diagnostic checks, and a “boost” function to apply more initial braking action with heavier trailers.

Tekonsha

tekonsha.com

800/632-3290

towing parts buyers guide tek zci 40

Tekonsha ModuLite ZCI

For modern vehicles with fussy electronics, the Zero Contact Interface sensors simply snap around truck light wires—no cuts, splices, interference, blown parking light fuses, or melted headlight switches. It works on multiplexed, pulse-width modulation systems and 2/3-wire systems and is rated for 4.2-amp turn/stop and 7.5-amp running light circuits; simply add relays for higher loads.

Tekonsha

tekonsha.com

800/632-3290

Hitch-Mount Carriers

Towing Parts Buyers Guide Hitchmount 19

Hitchmount RACK V.2

The Hitchmount Rack is made entirely of USA components and carries up to 140 pounds or 12-foot loads without additional stability controls. An extendable base section allows wide-tire clearance, and the one-inch square crossbars fit most Yakima and Thule attachments.

Hitchmount-Rack

hitchmount-rack.com

888/993-6783

towing parts buyers guide thule 27

Thule Transporter Combi

Thule’s enclosed hitch (1¼- or 2-inch) box essentially adds 13 cubic feet and 150 pounds to trunk capacity. The Transporter Combi is lockable and weather-tight (but not submersible), has 4-pin rear lights (no backup), and tilts down for easier truck access.

Thule Inc.

thule.com

800/238-2388

towing parts buyers guide nt steel 43

Ultra-Tow Cargo Carrier

This tube steel rack from Ultra-Tow carries up to 500 pounds on its 60x20-inch deck with 6-inch walls, enough for a 50-gallon cooler full of water or anything that won’t fit, or you don’t want, inside. It folds upwards to extend less than a foot behind your truck when not needed.

Northern Tool

northerntool.com

800/221-0516

towing parts buyers guide nt alum mc rack 44

Alloy Cycle Rack

When you haven’t got room in your short bed for another bike or a regular rack won’t handle your e-bike, Ultra-Tow’s aluminum motorcycle rack will carry a 400-pound bike, loaded easily with included ramp and weighing in around 50 pounds.

Northern Tool

northerntool.com

800/221-0516

towing parts buyers guide yakima longhaul 3

Yakima Longhaul

The Longhaul rack carries up to four bikes and incorporates Yakima’s ZipStrips, antisway cradles, folding arms, and same-key system, but it’s built to take the added abuse of being mounted on an RV with long overhang, all tested to 1.5 times their normal standard.

Yakima

yakima.com

888/925-4621

Suspension

towing parts buyers guide air lift 16

Air Lift Bags

The Load Lifter 5000 Ultimate setup, which offers up to 5,000-pound capacity across most popular pickup lines, uses air springs with internal jounce bumpers to mitigate harsh impacts on rough roads or run safely empty with zero air pressure. The system fits vehicles with integrated fifth-wheel gooseneck options.

Air Lift

airliftcompany.com

800/248-0892

towing parts buyers guide hellwig 17

Hellwig Big Wig

With a 2,800-pound bag for each side, the Big Wig air spring kit for ’17-plus Super Dutys allows big loads at moderate spring rates, variable side-to-side, compressor/tank optional. Available stock height for 250/350 SRW 2WD and duallys, with < 2-inch lift and 2¬- to 4-inch lift kits for SRW 4WD. Pair with a Big Wig adjustable rear sway bar for large trailers.

Hellwig Products

hellwigproducts.com

800/435-5944

towing parts buyers guide kelderman 4

Kelderman F-SD

This ’17 4WD-only Super Duty 4-link air system from Kelderman includes all the hardware necessary to convert to adjustable rear air suspension, capable of dropping 3.5-4 inches for easier hitching or tailgate loading. Pair it with an optional control system and it will automatically level the truck regardless of load.

Kelderman

kelderman.com

800/334-6150

towing parts buyers guide rancho 18

Rancho RS9000XL

Regardless of spring material the shock controls it and the RS9000XL varies control across nine settings for better ride and control whether you’re towing a heavy load at speed or empty walking across moguls and want the best softness and flexibility.

Rancho

gorancho.com

734/384-7804

towing parts buyers guide timbren 12

Timbren Trailer Suspension

Timbren’s “Axle-Less” rubber-spring suspension is rated at 2,000 pounds (per pair/one “axle”), offers 1.625 inches of compression travel and comes with a 4-inch lift spindle to fit wider, and has taller tires and mounting flange for various braking options.

Timbren

timbren.com

800/263-3113

Performance

towing parts buyers guide ats aurora 42

ATS Aurora

The Aurora 4000 fits tuned 2011-2014 6.7 Power Stroke pickups and cab/chassis (use 3000 for stock trucks), supports up to 700 hp, and is said to control EGT while maintaining stock spool-up. The drop-in kit includes upgraded up-pipes, hardware, and gaskets; uses stock plumbing; and has 5-yr/500,000-mile warranty.

ATS

atsdiesel.com

866/209-3695

towing parts buyers guide ats 68rfe 41

ATS Stage II Ram 68RFE

The Stage II six-speed automatic transmission, for two- or four-wheel drive, is designed for towing and up to 600 hp, with a “Five-Star” torque converter rated for 2500 lb-ft input. It uses reinforced hubs, shafts, planetary assembly, case, and clutch packs; deep pan, and a valve body that safely adds and controls line pressure. Limited 5-year/500,000-mile warranty.

ATS

atsdiesel.com

866/209-3695

towing parts buyers guide bd tap shift 47

BD TapShifter

This kit gives fingertip lever shifting (using factory shift arms) and full manual control for 6.0 Power Stroke and ’01-’05 Duramax. Designed to be equally useful towing or doing dyno runs, the Ford kit uses the VVT for exhaust brake function with up to 70 psi backpressure, much like later 6.7 Power Stroke.

BD Diesel Performance

dieselperformance.com

800/887-5030

towing parts buyers guide bd 2 low 48

BD 2Low Unloc

The 2Low Unloc system is basically an electric version of manual-locking hubs for a 4WD, allowing low-range reduction without driveline binding. Better throttle modulation and greater available torque make an easier job of low-speed maneuvering on inclines and controlling axle wrap while backing your large trailer.

BD Diesel Performance

dieselperformance.com

800/887-5030

towing parts buyers guide bd cooler 49

BD ATF Cooler

The BD transmission fluid cooler uses the same extruded bar design as their charge air coolers, with 200 passages for heat transfer rated at 33,930 Btu/hr. Furnace brazed rails handle 300 psi, 5/8-inch ports accept 5/16-, 3/8-, and 5/8-inch line, and the 800-cfm fan comes prewired with a loomed harness.

BD Diesel Performance

dieselperformance.com

800/887-5030

towing parts buyers guide borla turbo 45

Borla EcoBoost Turbo

This Borla turbocharger upgrade kit for 2011-2016 3.5 EcoBoost F-150 is said to unleash up to 160 horses more. The system includes two BorgWarner turbos, SCT X4 tuner and 5-Star Tuning software, air filter, NGK iridium plugs, and Borla’s million-mile cat-back full-dual exhaust with ATAK or S (quieter) mufflers and side or rear exits.

Borla

borla.com

877/462-6752

towing parts buyers guide borla crate 46

Borla CrateMuffler

Made of the same T-304 stainless as all Borla exhausts, these CrateMufflers are designed for crate engine swaps and installations. A variety of pipe sizes, accessories, and mounting endplates and hangers aid fitment, and two sound profiles (add Crate Resonators to either for quieter options) avoid droning.

Borla

borla.com

877/462-6752

towing parts buyers guide bpdiesel cooler 56

Bullet Proof Diesel Cooler

Recently announced for ’08-’10 Ford 6.4 pickups is this oil cooler relocation system from Bullet Proof Diesel. Designed, manufactured and tested in-house, this system moves the cooler from engine valley to firewall and uses a spin-on oil filter.

Bullet Proof Diesel

bulletproofdiesel.com

480/247-2331

towing parts buyers guide centerforce 30

Centerforce Twin Disc

For ’05.5-and-up Ram diesels, this Centerforce twin-disc clutch is rated for 1700 lb-ft of torque and said to offer quiet and smooth operation. It includes pre-bled hydraulics, billet steel flywheel, damped dual-disc assembly, centrifugal-weight pressure plate, and ARP fasteners.

Centerforce

centerforce.com

800/932-5882

towing parts buyers guide diablosport pred 15

Predator Returns

DiabloSport’s tuner is back in Predator II form for gas and diesel, for power/economy programming, USB updating, data logging, user adjustable shifting/tire size/gearing, DTC reading/clearing, and a blank “Pro” version for custom tuning.

DiabloSport

diablosport.com

866/404-6141

towing parts buyers guide edge cts 14

Edge Evolution

The Evolution controller/programmer adds power; adjusts powertrain mapping and speed/rev limiters; offers multiple parameters on the configurable display (with audible alerts); does data logging, testing, and recording; and is internet updateable. A rearview camera can be added and California models are available.

Edge Products

edgeproducts.com

888/360-3343

towing parts buyers guide energy 57

Energy Master Set

This Energy Suspension Hyper-Flex master set for all ’07-’10 GM HD 4WD pickups includes bushings for front control arm, antiroll bar mount and end-link, front diff, and torsion bar crossmember, rear spring and shackle, and cab body mounts. This should improve alignment, handling, and towing stability.

Energy Suspension

energysuspension.com

888/913-6374

towing parts buyers guide hypertech 5

Hypertech Max Energy 2.0

A new update adds 20 hp and 20 lb-ft to GM 6.0 L96 (VIN code G) HD engines (on premium, 17/17 on regular) and is a free update via Hypertech Tuner to Max Energy 2.0 Power Programmer owners. It also adjusts for shifts points and firmness, tire pressure monitor (25-95 psi), tire size (up to 54-inches), speed limiter, axle ratio (2.56-5.13:1), and read/clear DTC.

Hypertech

hypertech.com

901/382-8888

towing parts buyers guide jet 26

Jet Performance Products

Jet throttle bodies are a direct replacement—no fiddling with electronic calibrations—and are designed to increase airflow. They’re available for most popular gasoline pickups and SUVs (the part shown is for the ’05-’15 Dodge/Ram 5.7L Hemi V-8).

Jet

jetchip.com

800/535-1161

towing parts buyers guide mag 58

Mag-Hytec Cover

From the original O-ring sealed, magnetized, dipstick, serviceable finned cover and pan builder shown is the prototype for 2017 Super Duty 350/450 rear ends. Covers and auto trans pans are available for most pickups, and there’s an engine oil pan for the 6.7 Power Stroke.

Mag-Hytec

mag-hytec.com

818/786-8325

towing parts buyers guide pnx fric 25

Phoenix Friction

This Stage 5 FeramAlloy solid flywheel clutch conversion kit for G56 Ram diesels replaces the stock system, includes a bolt-on upgraded prefilled hydraulic system, and is rated for long life/severe duty towing behind engines up to 620 hp and 1080 lb-ft. Other friction materials covering 390-715 hp and 675-1250 lb-ft are available for the G56.

Phoenix Friction

phoenixfriction.com

877/570-5630

towing parts buyers guide superchips dashpaq 13

Superchips Dashpaq

The Dashpaq on-dash monitor/tuner, for gas and diesel, uses a button interface for displays from multiple temperature and pressure accessories, settings, DTC, real-time driving efficiency, and maintenance scheduling, and you can log and export data for review in CSV file format.

Superchips

superchips.com

888/227-2447

Trailer Accessories

towing parts buyers guide bolt 6

BOLT Coupler Lock

Like all BOLT locks, the coupler is set once to match your truck key so you’ll never fumble through a keychain to unlock it (the boat could be another matter). Protection is two-fold, visible to deter opportunistic thieves and hardened steel with a plate tumbler sidebar to minimize pick and impact access.

BOLT

boltlock.com

844/972-7547

towing parts buyers guide bulldog jack 32

Bulldog High-Speed

In addition to trailer tongue jacks, Bulldog offers these Velocity jacks that have a six-ton capacity and 24 inches of travel, said to be faster than hydraulics at comparable loads. A wired remote is standard, wireless optional, and electric means no hoses, pumps, or hydraulic reservoirs to maintain.

Bulldog

bulldogproducts.net

800/632-3290

towing parts buyers guide bulldog winch 33

Bulldog Winch

In ratings from 2,500 to 18,000 pounds (9,000 shown) use a patented cone brake structure to keep all brake heat outside the drum and promote longevity. Other features include a pull-and-turn T-handle clutch, three-stage planetary gearing, and a remote with LED overheating indicators.

Bulldog

bulldogproducts.net

800/632-3290

towing parts buyers guide dt pin lock 36

Locking Pin Set

The Draw-Tite locking pin set for adjustable ball mounts comes with a 5/8-inch pin for the two-inch receiver and a 3/4-inch pin to secure the head to the shank, keyed alike, for those times you’d rather keep the grubby hitch outside your truck.

Draw-Tite

draw-tite.com

800/632-3290

towing parts buyers guide jobox 20

JOBOX LP

This Jobox premium crossover 10.5-cubic-foot storage unit with dual rotary GearLocks has clearance underneath and maybe fifth-wheel clearance on top depending on your rig’s articulation, and the reinforced lid can handle the front axle of your ATV or side-by-side. Shown in aluminum, also available in steel.

JOBOX

jobox.com

800/643-0084

towing parts buyers guide superwinch 51

Superwinch EXP

The Superwinch EXP series is available in four-, five- and six-ton capacities, rated to IP69K (no dust/water penetration 1100+ psi @ 80C) with 100-feet of wire or synthetic rope, task lighting, auxiliary power port, and integrated or remote solenoid box installations.

Superwinch

superwinch.com

800/323-2031

towing parts buyers guide tuffy 28

Tuffy Security Drawer

This 16-gauge steel Tuffy roller-bearing drawer is designed for secure storage in SUV cargo areas whether enclosed or not, but we’ve also seen them slung between open-deck trailer frame rails for out-of-the-way safe storage without impeding ground clearance.

Tuffy Security Products

tuffyproducts.com

800/348-8339

towing parts buyers guide viair 22

Viair Ultra Duty

The Ultra Duty onboard air system provides a 200 PSI rated, 100% duty cycle 480C compressor, 2.5-gallon air tank (upgradeable to 5), and components to install a working system capable of inflating even large tires, running light air tools and/or linked to air horns, air lockers, and air suspension.

Viair

viaircorp.com

949/585-0011

towing parts buyers guide warn trailer 23

Warn Trailer Winch

Warn’s 4000DC 1.9hp motor and 176:1 gear reduction peak at 4,000-pounds first-wrap pulling capacity…and the roller fairlead is standard. If that’s not enough to drag your broken buggy on the trailer, use all 43 feet of the wire cable and a shackle. Includes 6-gauge wiring and 12-foot-lead remote.

Warn

warn.com

800/543-9276

towing parts buyers guide warn drill 24

Warn Utility Winch

For pulling recalcitrant wheeled devices onto trailers, or pulling (never lifting) things around the shop or closing the toybox door with the broken springs or rams, any 3/8-or-larger drill powers the free-spooling Warn winch drill, capable of pulling 500 pounds on the first wrap.

Warn

warn.com

800/543-9276

Lighting

towing parts buyers guide baja des 21

Baja Flush Mounts

Baja Designs’ angled flush-mount Squadron series (1800-lumne Sport, 4900 Pro) go on any flat surface, angled downward from above, sideways for hitch or low-headroom doors, or upward for ambient reflection, O-ring sealed to the mounting surface.

Baja Designs

bajadesigns.com

866/335-7050

towing parts buyers guide rigid 8

Rigid D-SS flood

A compact flood light like this Rigid D-SS flood could go anywhere from underneath your buggy to see what you’re hung up on to the pickup bed for easier trailer loading. A 2.3-amp draw allows field repairs well into the night, it may out-live your truck, and with the amber or red lens cover could double as rear dust or snow lamp leaving the playgrounds.

Rigid

rigidindustries.com

855/760-5337

Trailer Wheels & Tires

towing parts buyers guide boar 9

Boar Wheel

With a 6,050-pound load capacity Boar’s Muret 67 aluminum 19.5x6.75-inch wheel pairs well with load range G tires for your heaviest toy hauler. Hub-centric for 5/8-inch studs or lug-centric with 1/2-inch or 9/16-inch threads, it weighs 38 pounds, includes a center cap, and is available in balanced tire/wheel sets.

Boar

boarwheel.com

888/619-5622

towing parts buyers guide maxxis 10

Maxxis ST M8008

Maxxis’ military-sounding M8008 is a dedicated (ST) steel-belted radial trailer tire. In nine sizes from 13 through 16-inch diameters, load capacity ranges from 1360 to 3420 pounds per tire, and Maxxis recommends a 65-mph limit towing a trailer.

Maxxis

maxxis.com

800/462-9947

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