Trailer Hitches & Couplers

The coupler is the part on the trailer tongue that clamps over the hitch ball, and it only works safely when the ball diameter matches the size stamped on the coupler. North American trailers use three standard ball diameters, and mixing them up is one of the most common (and dangerous) towing mistakes. Always read the stamp on your coupler before you buy a ball.

• 1 7/8 in — light utility trailers, small boat and snowmobile trailers.
• 2 in — the most common size for mid-weight utility, enclosed and open trailers.
• 2 5/16 in — heavier trailers, gooseneck balls and many travel trailers.
• Match the ball diameter, shank size and load rating to the coupler stamp — never assume.

If you're unsure what your trailer takes, bring it by and we'll read the stamp and fit the right ball. See our full parts store for couplers and balls in every standard size.

The ball mount (or drawbar) slides into the tow vehicle's receiver and holds the ball at the correct height. Receivers and ball mounts are rated by hitch class, from Class I for the lightest loads up to Class V for heavy-duty towing, and the ball mount's own rating must never be exceeded even if the receiver is stronger.

• Class I–II — light loads, typically 1 1/4 in receivers.
• Class III–IV — 2 in receivers for most utility, enclosed and mid-size travel trailers.
• Class V — heavy-duty, 2 in or 2 1/2 in receivers.
• Choose a rise or drop so the loaded trailer sits level; a level trailer tows and brakes best.

We stock ball mounts, adjustable mounts and reducer adapters, and we can match them to your trailer axle and load. The weakest rated link sets your limit, so we check every component together.

Safety chains and a breakaway system are your backup if the coupler ever lets go. Safety chains must be crossed in an X under the tongue so a dropped tongue lands in the chains instead of the road, with just enough slack to turn. A breakaway system applies the trailer brakes automatically if the trailer separates from the tow vehicle.

• Cross the chains under the coupler and rate them at or above the trailer's loaded weight.
• The breakaway switch mounts on the trailer A-frame with its pull-pin cable anchored to the tow vehicle.
• Keep the breakaway battery charged so the switch can power the brakes when it counts.

The breakaway system ties directly into your trailer brakes — we sell and service both. Have us test the switch and battery during a brake job.

A good trailer jack makes hitching up safe and easy and keeps a parked trailer steady. Tongue jacks raise and lower the coupler onto the ball and carry the tongue weight while parked; stabilizer jacks steady the corners of the trailer so it doesn't rock, which matters most on travel trailers and enclosed units.

• Tongue jacks — swing-up, drop-leg, A-frame and side-wind styles, rated for your tongue weight.
• Stabilizer jacks — scissor and drop-down jacks to level and steady a parked trailer.
• Match the jack rating and lift height to your trailer and coupler position.

We carry jacks for light utility trailers up to heavy gooseneck units — ask us to spec the right lift capacity for your setup.

For heavier medium-duty trailers, the load moves from the bumper to over the truck's rear axle. A gooseneck hitch uses a 2 5/16 in ball mounted in the truck bed, while a fifth-wheel uses a plate and kingpin like a transport truck. Both handle far more weight than a bumper hitch — well suited to gooseneck trailers running axles up to 18,000 lb per axle — and RV owners often add a weight-distribution hitch for a level, stable tow.

• Gooseneck ball — 2 5/16 in, in-bed mount for construction, equipment and livestock trailers.
• Fifth-wheel plate — kingpin coupling for large travel trailers and toy haulers.
• Weight-distribution (WD) hitch — spring bars level the load and improve steering and braking; add sway control for long travel trailers.

Whatever you tow, keep an eye on your trailer tires and stay on top of inspection and maintenance — heavy loads are hard on both.

Beyond the main components, plenty of small hardware keeps a hitch safe and legal: hitch pins and clips, locking pins, coupler locks, wiring adapters, hitch-mounted cargo carriers and receiver accessories. The golden rule ties it all together — every component in the hitch chain must be rated at or above your trailer's loaded GVWR. Coupler, ball, ball mount, receiver, safety chains and pins are only as strong as the weakest one, so we always rate the whole system to the load, not the average part.

• Hitch pins, clips and locks to secure the ball mount and deter theft.
• Wiring adapters and connectors to match your truck and trailer plugs.
• Receiver accessories like cargo carriers and reducer sleeves.

Not sure which part you need? Come by our shop at 1870 rue Cunard in Laval — we check fitment and install. Parts shipped across Quebec, free over $300, or pick up on site. 450-232-7828.