Sometimes every car owner needs to transport. But if a person owns a small car, then certain difficulties arise. The cargo does not fit either in the passenger compartment or in the trunk. It can be building materials, and purchased new furniture, and a large amount of agricultural products, or just personal belongings necessary for transportation. The solution is to use a trailer. To connect it to the vehicle, you must have a trailer coupling. Such a device is widely known among motorists as a hitch.

What is a hitch

A towing hitch is defined as a special design for connecting a trailer to a vehicle and further towing. Many vehicles produced today are equipped with a tow hitch at the factory. If there is none, then a place for installation is equipped for it.

The device is located on the car frame and is attached to the body by means of a bolt tie or welded by welding. The advantage of an already installed towbar is that there is no need to purchase or assemble it yourself, and you need to look for a coupling device for a light trailer that matches the car brand and is suitable for the place of installation.

Trailed can be located behind and in front of the car. The front one is used for towing the vehicle itself in case of an emergency. The rear trailer looks like a ball or hook protruding from under the bumper, to which the transported trailer is directly attached.

Fastening the towing hitch

This towing unit differs in the type of installation into three groups:

• removable towbars;
• conditionally removable towbars;
• not dismantled towbars.

The detachable hitch of a car trailer is characterized by the possibility of partial dismantling: the hitch hook is folded by means of a specially installed lock. This method is a great advantage over other types, as it allows you to quickly and effortlessly deploy or fold the tow hitch as needed. This group of towbars has the highest cost among others, which can be attributed to the disadvantage of the device.

A conditionally removable towing unit implies dismantling the towing hook by unscrewing several fixing bolts. The disadvantage of this type is the application of some effort and takes some time. The functionality of the trailer hitch is not lost.

Non-removable towbars differ in that they cannot be removed. They are cast in construction with the entire device. There are both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is the integrity of the assembly, which affects the durability of service and safety. No moving parts - nothing to break. The disadvantage is dismantling: if necessary, to free the bumper space, the structure will have to be completely removed from the vehicle body. This process is long and laborious.

Construction types

The light trailer hitch is distinguished as two configuration types: European and American.

The European type of hitch is more common and has a small ball at the end, the standard diameter is 50 mm. Many trailed units on the side of the trailer are made for such a towing device.

The advantage of the European type hitch is its shape. The ball takes on not only loads along a horizontal line, but also along a vertical one. If the trailer has only one wheelset, then its load is partially placed vertically (from above) on the hitch. Consequently, a trailed ball design is considered more versatile. You can transport loads by trailer with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons.

The American type of towing unit is fundamentally different from the previous one. The hitch looks like a hollow rectangular profile. The corresponding rod is placed in it and is fixed with a special lock of the trailer hitch in the form of a handle bent under the hook.

General classification

The qualification grid for all towbars is as follows:

Weight load

Trailers and towing hitch devices are designed to operate with a specific standardized weight. The discrepancy between the weight standards of the cargo and the trailer unit violates traffic safety and can lead to negative consequences. In this regard, the towing units were divided into three types:

Device maintenance

The trailer hitch requires some maintenance. The ball must be lubricated periodically, and it must be covered with a special protective cap against damage. Protect electrical connectors from moisture and dust when inactive.

The fastening and movable nodes of the coupling device need to be periodically inspected every 1000 km of the car and trailer.

Lecture 3. COUPLING DEVICES OF ROAD TRAINS. TRAILED COMPOSITION

Coupling devices of road trains are designed to connect a towing vehicle with a trailer train, transfer tractive effort, and at a fifth-wheel coupling device and to transfer a significant vertical load from a semitrailer to a tractor.

General requirements for coupling devices:

- high reliability;

- ensuring the flexibility of the road train corresponding to the type of devices;

- Possibility of quick and safe coupling and uncoupling;

- amortization of loads in the coupling device when the road train is moving;

- reducing these loads and giving them a favorable character.

The trailer hitch is shown in Figure 3.1. and has a triangular shape with spaced hinges for moving the end of the drawbar with a loop in a vertical plane. To fix the drawbar in the straight-ahead position, a stopper is provided, and to hold it in a horizontal position - a winch mechanism with a cable equipped with a hook.

Figure: 3.1. Trailer hitch: 1 - drawbar; 2 - coupling loop; 3 - finger; 4 - bracket; 5 - stopper; 6 - winch mechanism; 7 - cable; 8 - hook

1. Traction coupling devices consist of split-coupling, shock-absorbing mechanisms and fastening parts.

According to the international standard ISO 1102-75, the pivot-type towing hitch must ensure the angle of flexibility in the vertical plane not less than ± 20 °, in the horizontal plane - not less than ± 75 °, around the longitudinal axis of the coupling device - not less than ± 25 °.

The main classification feature of towing couplers is the design of the main mating pair. Distinguish:

- hook - a pair of hook-loop;

- pivots - a pair of pivots-loop;

- ball - a pair of ball-loop.

An additional feature is the type of elastic element of the shock-absorbing mechanism:

- twisted cylindrical springs;

- ring springs;

- rubber elements.

The most common in our country are hook devices with an elastic rubber element shown in Figure 3.2.

Figure: 3.2. Traction coupling device of the KamAZ-5320 tractor vehicle: 1 - oiler; 2 - hook; 3 - axis of the hook latch; 4 - latch dog; 5 - axis of the dog; 6 - latch; 7 - nut; 8 - cotter pin chain; 9 - elastic element; 10 - hook nut; 11 - cotter pin; 12 - protective casing; 13, 14 - washers; 15 - case; 16 - housing cover

The latch, locking with a pawl, prevents the hook from self-unlocking, and the rubber element is pre-compressed and has a non-linear characteristic, therefore, its rigidity when the road train starts to move from a standstill is relatively small, and increases during movement, that is, it optimizes the load during hook operation.

The disadvantage of hook devices is the rapid wear of the hook mouth, which leads to its breakage and the appearance of lateral vibrations of the road train.

With a decrease in the flexibility of the road train, the pivot semi-automatic towing couplers significantly simplify and make the process of hitching and uncoupling the road train safe, provide a backlash-free coupling or a very small clearance. When the trailer loop enters the fork, the pivot is automatically lowered, fixing the hitch (the loop raises the pivot and releases the bolt). The king pin is secured with a safety catch.

The dimensions of the towing hooks are standardized: five standard sizes depending on the total mass of the towed trailer (no more):

0 - 3,000 kg,

1 - 8,000 kg,

2 - 17,000 kg,

3 - 30,000 kg,

4 - 80,000 kg.

Pulling hooks and hitching loops are forged from steel 40, 45, etc. The hardness of the mating surfaces: the pulling hook has at least 45 HRC E, and the loop has 35 HRC E.

The diameter of the kingpin and the hole of the hitch loop is 50 mm.

2. Fifth wheel couplings consist of a detachable coupling mechanism that provides flexibility of the road train and fastening parts.

The main classification feature of fifth-wheel couplings is the design of the coupled pair. Distinguish:

- pivot devices;

- roller devices.

Pivot devices are:

- single gripping;

- two-gripping;

- automatic;

- semi-automatic;

- not ensuring the elimination of the gap;

- ensuring the elimination of the gap with manual or automatic adjustment.

The most widespread is a two-grip, semi-automatic, fifth wheel coupling shown in fig. 3.3.

On the subframe of the tractor, two brackets are fixed, the eyes of which with rubber-metal bushings include two axles of the saddle. Bushings provide cushioning and lateral rotation of the saddle up to 3 °. Saddle rotation in the longitudinal plane is free.

Two grippers are installed on the axles and are fixed by a locking knuckle with a rod and a spring, a latch with a spring, and a safety bar.

Figure: 3.3. Fifth wheel coupling of a towing vehicle. KamAZ-5410: 1 - the axis of the safety bar; 2 - safety bar; 3 - bracket; 4 - saddle; 5, 9, 10 - nipples; 6 - axis of the hinge; 7, 16 - springs; 8 - capture axis; 11, 13 - grips; 12 - cotter pin; 14 - lever; 15 - locking fist; 17 - latch.

The horizontal flexibility of the road train is ensured by the ability to turn the king pin in the grips.

When hitching, the pivot, after entering the grippers, closes them, and the fist, entering the grooves of the grippers, fixes the connection.

When uncoupling, it is necessary to remove the fist from the slots of the grippers, which open freely and "release" the pivot.

Abroad, single-grip fifth-wheel couplings with an oblique slot on the grip for holding the king pin are widespread. The gripper rotates on the axis and in the closed position is fixed against rotation by a locking fist.

The calculation of the towing device is reduced to the calculation of the towing hooks and forks.

The diameter of the traction bar is calculated based on the maximum loads (vehicle weight) and permissible stresses, the horn of the traction hook, which has the shape of a curved bar, is calculated from the stresses in the most dangerous section (slightly below the throat of the hook) arising under the action of a bending moment and tension.

When the fifth wheel is in operation, forces arise that are directed at crushing the bearing area under the lock (the gripping surface interacting with the locking fist). Another calculation is to cut the fingers (axes) of the grippers. The calculations are detailed in the second training question.

Regardless of the types of road trains, towing devices must provide:

Reliable connection of a towing vehicle with a trailer or semi-trailer;

The possibility of their relative movement;

Smooth transmission of forces from the tractor to the trailer when starting off;

Quick coupling and uncoupling capability.

An automobile towing hitch (Hitch) can be represented as a combination of three elements:

Detachable coupling mechanism;

Shock absorbing device;

Fastening details.

Traction hitch devices for towing vehicles. The main classification feature of the unit is the design of the main mating pair.

According to this parameter, towing devices are divided into

Hooks (pair: hook - loop);

Pivot (kingpin - loop);

Ball (ball - loop).

The type of elastic element serves as an additional classification feature. To reduce dynamic loads, coil or ring springs, as well as rubber dampers, can be used. In freight transport, hook and pivot devices have become widespread. On vehicles made in Ukraine and Russia, as well as in the USA, England and France, hook-and-loop connections are used. The pivot-loop connection is used in Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Figure 4.2 - Drawbar type hook and loop:

1 - cap of the hook nut; 2 - case; 3 - bolt; 4 - cotter pin; 5 - elastic element; 6 - nut; 7 - spring washer; 8 - bolt of fastening of a dog; 9 - latch dog; 10 - dog spring; 11 - latch pin chain; 12 - the axis of the dog; 13 - nut for fastening the latch; 14 - hook latch; 15 - hook; 16 - oiler; 17 - latch finger; 18 - hook dirt deflector; 19 - housing cover; 20 - rear flange; 21 - front flange; 22 - nut - hook; 23 - oiler.

The brackets for the power unit supports, the cab supports and the front suspension are connected to the frame parts by rivets and bolts with nuts.

The towing hitch of KAMAZ 5320, 55102 type hook-and-loop, is installed in the rear cross member of the frame. The stem of the towing hook 15 is inserted into a massive cylindrical body 2, on one side closed with a protective cap 1, and on the other with a body cover 19. The rubber elastic element 5 is located between the two support flanges 20 and 21. The presence of the rubber elastic element softens the shock loads when starting the vehicle with a trailer from a place and when driving on uneven roads. A hook latch 14 is installed on the pin 17, locked by a pawl 9 and a cotter pin with a chain 11; this prevents the trailer drawbar from disengaging from the hook.

The towing hitch of the KAMAZ 53212 car of the kingpin-loop type (Fig. 3) is a V-shaped catcher 15, which is fixed on the rear cross member using an elastic flange 11 and a castellated nut 12. Damping is carried out by two rubber buffers 14 located on both sides of the rear cross member 10 of the frame.

An actuator with a self-uncoupling fuse 4 is fixed on the catcher. In the guide of the cavity of the body 6, there is a pivot 5, which is fixed in the extreme upper position by a lever 7 fixed on the axis 8.

When the towing eye of the trailer drawbar strikes the kingpin, the latter rises and releases the lever, which, under the action of the springs, returns to the lower position and lowers the kingpin into the hole in the towing eye. The self-decoupling fuse then comes out of the fixed position and locks the pivot.

Figure 4.3 Drawbar type pivot-loop :

1 - handle; 2 - spring; 3 - lock nut; 4 - self-uncoupling fuse; 5 - kingpin; 6 - actuator body; 7 - lever; 8 - lever axis; 9 - front flange; 10 - rear cross member of the frame; 11 - thrust flange; 12 - nut; 13 - rear flange; 14 - rubber buffer; 15 - catcher.

In order to increase safety and speed up the process of coupling a car with a trailer, semi-automatic towing devices are increasingly used abroad.

Two-axle and multi-axle trailers have devices for turning the front axle. The articulated connection between the car and the trailer and the presence of the pivoting front axle of the trailer ensure that the car and the trailer rotate without wheel slip, as well as the relative movement of the car and the trailer in the vertical and horizontal planes.

Depending on the method of transferring horizontal forces, rotary devices are divided into pivot and pivotless.

The most common at present is the pivot pivot device, which has a number of disadvantages, including the bulkiness of the structure and high resistance to starting when turning.

The pivotless slewing device used on most new two-axle trailer models does not have these drawbacks. The inner cage is fixed to the trailer frame, and the outer cage is attached to the trailer pivot frame. Steel balls are placed between them. Disassembly of the rotary device and its lubrication are carried out through plugs.

Traction coupling devices of road trains-dissolutions. Depending on the type of coupling with a towing vehicle, trailed units for long loads are divided into dismantling trailers, dismantling semi-trailers and long-wheel dismantling trailers with a front rolling cart. Dismantling trailers are towed by vehicles that have bollards instead of platforms, dismantling semi-trailers - by truck tractors, and long-base trailers - by ballast towing vehicles. In this case, trailers and semi-trailers-dismantling, depending on the carrying capacity, can have from one to three axles.

Trailers - and semi-trailers-dismantling consist of a frame, a drawbar with a loop or pivot (semi-trailer), an axle (s) with wheels, a bunk and a suspension. Some designs of the dissolutions are equipped with a wheel steering system. The drawbars of the dismantling trailers end in a loop and are connected to the towing vehicle using a hook. In the front part of the dismantling semi-trailer there is a kingpin and its connection with the saddle of the tractor-vehicle. The amount of load on the trailer or semi-trailer-dismantling (for a given weight of the load) varies depending on the length of the drawbar and the size of the load overhangs from the bunkers. The designs of the bunks of the dismantling trailer and the traction vehicle are the same. They consist of a pivoting cross beam and vertical reclining struts.

Traction couplings and support devices for truck tractors. The most common coupling device for truck tractors and semi-trailers consists of a saddle located on the vehicle frame and a pivot pin on the semi-trailer.

To ensure the mutual movement of the towing vehicle and the semitrailer, modern fifth wheel couplings on the towing vehicle have two rolling axes (transverse and longitudinal) and a kingpin rigidly fixed to the semi-trailer. Such a semi-automatic fifth wheel with two swing axles (Figure 4.3) has the following device. On the frame of the tractor-vehicle with an offset relative to the rear axle (inside the base by 50-150 mm) plate 8 is installed with a support circle 4 pivotally fixed on it, having a mouth 19. The support circle fixed on the balance beam 2 can swing on the axis 3 in the longitudinal direction, and on the axis 7 in the transverse planes. To damp the swing of the circle in the transverse plane, there are two cylindrical springs 6 and stoppers 5. In the center of the support circle, the grips 18 of the pivot are fixed, hinged on the pins 17 and having bevels in the front part. The bevels at the back of the grippers match the bevels: the mouth of the support circle. In the front part, the grippers have shaped cutouts into which the lock 15 is inserted. The lock has a rod 13 on which a spring 14 and a lock lever 16 are put. The lock has a longitudinal cutout, which includes a guide pin 12. fixed at the bottom of the support circle. When the semi-trailer is connected to the towing vehicle, the grippers 18 are brought together and encircle the pivot pin of the semi-trailer. In this case, uncoupling is impossible due to the fact that the lock 15 prevents the grippers from turning on the pins 17.

The uncoupling of the semitrailer is carried out by pulling the safety bar 1 towards the side and moving the lock 15 forward using the lever 16. In this case, the spring 14 is compressed. The latch 11 in the lock, pulled by the spring 10, abuts against the lock protrusion and holds it in the forward position.

Figure 4.4- Semi-automatic fifth wheel coupling of semitrailer tractors

Control questions

1. Classification of road trains and their advantages

2. Motor vehicles and traction properties of road trains

3. Traction hitch devices of towing vehicles

4. Traction coupling devices of road trains-dissolutions

5. Traction coupling and supporting devices of truck-tractors

Lecture 5.

Many modern cars are not equipped with a tow hitch, which sometimes creates a lot of inconvenience. The hitch is designed to expand the functionality of the vehicle. This mainly applies to the movement of goods and additional vehicles.

In this article we will try to understand what trailers are, what they are, and also outline their features, characteristics and capabilities.

1. What is a hitch

The hitch has several names, including the towing hitch, as well as the well-known name - the hitch. A towbar is a device that is designed to tow trucks and light trailers using a tractor.

In other words, towing devices are designed to securely attach the trailer to the vehicle, while correctly distributing the load.

Moreover, the towbar must ensure safety and reliability during transportation, as well as not spoil the appearance of the vehicle.

An interesting fact is that the true origin of the word towbar has not been established. Many believe it is of German origin. However, it can be found in German terminology in the meaning of the working part of a railway rail. If you combine two German words, such as go and head, you can get the sound of a hitch, which is where the abbreviation of hitch comes from. One way or another, this is one of the explanations for the existing word.

Another meaning of the word towbar is a device on a horse-drawn cart, which was intended for hanging luggage. There is another version of the origin of the word towbar, which supposedly comes from the German word "workopf", which means before or before.

In any case, the word has become so commonplace that some drivers do not even know what it means a tow hitch.

2. Types of hook-on devices, their advantages and disadvantages

More recently, on cars that have off-road properties, a towing hook was installed as a towbar, to which the trailer drawbar was attached. The main disadvantage of this device was that shock overloads occurred during transportation, which led to a quick exit from service of the hook. Moreover, the coupling itself involved a number of other difficulties.

Modern towing devices have the form of a ball, with a radius of 25 millimeters to 58.702 millimeters. In this case, the trailer drawbar is also equipped with a corresponding coupling head. The advantage of modern towing devices is the possibility of accepting traction, braking and overhead forces, if the trailer is equipped with one axle.

Towbars for passenger cars can be divided into types, depending on the type of construction, the method of attachment, as well as the maximum permissible load. Also, towbars are divided into groups, depending on the type of ball. Among them, the most common are towbars with a rigid welded ball joint. These devices are installed on a car on a permanent basis. This can be inconvenient if the car is of an executive class, and the hitch spoils its appearance.

There are also towbars with removable balls, manual removable devices (the ball-shaped hook is clamped with bolts), as well as semi-automatic (the hook is fixed with a special lever). There is also a separate type of towbars - this is a towing device for walk-behind tractors.

In general, the hitch consists of two elements - a hitch ball (on the car body) and a hitch head (for mounting on a trailer drawbar). Among other things, you should pay attention to the technical characteristics of the towbar. Also, when choosing a towbar, you need to know the model, release date and body type of your car. You also need to know the maximum weight of the trailer itself.

3. The appearance of the first car trailers

The history of the appearance of the first car trailers goes back to the appearance of the first trucks and dates back to the 1880s, although the facts speak of the use of the first steam tractors already in 1853.

In general, the Austrian company is considered the main developer of the first trailers. Wilhelm Schwarzmuller, which since 1870 was engaged in the development and manufacture of carts and agricultural machinery. In 1921, the first trailer for a truck was produced, and in 2012, the production of semi-trailers began.

One way or another, the production of trailers was founded by the needs of the army during the First World War. With the onset of peacetime, they began to gain popularity in everyday life.

4. The cost of trailers for trailers and their manufacturers

To date, it is not difficult to acquire a towbar. In order to purchase a high-quality and reliable towbar, you must follow some rules, namely:

Make sure there are certificates of conformity;

Refine several times the technical characteristics of the towbar, the complete set and delivery time.

It's no secret that the more questions you ask, the more information you will have at your disposal. And the more information you have, the more chances you have to choose a quality product.

A large number of manufacturers, mainly European, are represented on the modern towbar market. The largest and most popular are:

Thule - is considered the oldest and has been on the market for more than 50 years, and in 2006 this company acquired a brand such as Brink. The company also has the largest model range of towbars and produces removable, welded and conditionally removable devices;

Auto Hak is a Polish company and has been operating on the market since 1976. The lineup is about 700 models;

Bosal differs in a variety of types of towbars, from vertically removable to flanged. They also manufacture premium towbars.

The estimated cost of a high-quality tow hitch ranges from $ 50 to $ 110. There are, of course, budget devices, the cost of which does not exceed $ 10, but their quality and reliability are highly questionable. Prices depend on the manufacturer, brand name, device functionality, as well as its technical characteristics.

The purchase of a hitch will allow you to expand the capabilities of the car and supplement it with useful equipment. Before purchasing the selected towbar, compare prices from different sources. The easiest way to do this is on the Internet, so you will not waste extra time visiting car dealerships and services.

Also, it is worth indicating the purpose of the towbar. If you do not plan to use it often, you should not spend a lot of money and choose popularized brands, but if a towbar is necessary for frequent use and transportation of heavy goods, preference should be given to well-known companies that have established themselves in the market not only as stable, but also reliable and quality manufacturers and suppliers.

Hello dear friends! Many of you are going to install a towbar on your vehicle to enhance its hauling capabilities. Therefore, I recommend that you first find out what the coupling head is and what the coupling device is. Two concepts about which there is a lot of controversy, discussion and conversation.

I will try to tell you in detail about each device and help you choose.

Coupling devices

To be more precise, traction-coupling. He does not forget about the seat-couplings, which are also used for towing loads. Only they are relevant for tractors, that is, large trucks for transporting containers and other trailers. There are also trailing devices for a walk-behind tractor, which is also important for owners of summer cottages. But let's move on to the main topic of conversation.

We are interested in the traction-coupling version of the device (HF). We use them for a passenger car. But what kind of gibberish is this? This intricate name hides your familiar towbar. Yes, it is correct to call it a towing device, although in fact everyone is used to the simple concept of a towbar.

The following towers are popular:

• Bosal;
• Leader-Plus;
• Trailer;
• Thule, etc.

When planning to buy them and install your own car with your own hands, I would recommend choosing high-quality products that will last more than one season.

Tow hitch is used for coupling with different types of trailers. With their help, we carry several sacks of potatoes from the dacha, independently transport building materials and use them for various other tasks, saving money on the services of freight carriers. I put it on my Renault Duster or Niva, and you don't know the problems. In this case, you do not need to dirty the interior or trunk.

But TSUs are different. Some are designed for the carrying capacity of 3500 kg of the installed trailer (by the way, this is the maximum load for passenger cars), while for others it is a couple of times lower. This parameter imposes restrictions on the weight that the element can withstand.

Structurally, the towing hitch consists of two elements:

• crossbars;
• ball joint (fixed on the beam).

There are three types of this device, each of which has its own characteristics and functions:

• welded;
• removable;
• flanged.

Let's figure out who is who. Welded towing hitch has high reliability, but you cannot disconnect them. That is, the hitch will be constantly present on the car. It used to be relevant and common. But now there are alternative solutions in the form of removable and flanged towbars.

Detachable easily removable as needed. Although this is clear from the name. But they are more expensive than welded ones. In terms of reliability and strength, when choosing a quality product, there are no complaints about removable mechanisms.

Flanged towing hitch units are mounted on a special, pre-prepared platform. This must be considered before installation. Although I would call them the best solution in the modern automotive world and what is happening on the roads. But you choose in any case.

The price for them is different, as well as quality, reliability, durability. Buy only certified devices. They are manufactured according to the current official standards to ensure that they match the selected trailer and coupling head.

This is how we smoothly move on to the topic of the coupling heads. And you didn’t notice.

Coupling heads

It is logical that the towing hitch and the coupling heads are somehow connected with each other. But how?

Imagine you have a new or old model of a welded or detachable type. This hitch must be connected to your trailer. But you won't just throw on the hook and go. Nothing good will come of such a trip. History clearly showed this when the first prototypes of towbars and car trailers appeared.

This led to the creation of a locking hitch, that is, coupling heads. They serve to ensure a safe and secure connection between the towbar and the trailer. The lock is located on the trailer itself (on the drawbar).

Among the demanded SG (coupling heads), I would include:

• Alko Knott;
• Chooyo;
• Winterhoff.

But before buying them, let's examine the key features of the devices.

A modern locking device for trailers or just a lock consists of three components:

• detachable coupling mechanism;
• depreciation system;
• fasteners.

The first element serves directly for the connection between the towbar and the trailer for the machine. If the ball diameter is 50 mm or you have a diameter of 60 mm, then the dimensions of the coupling head must be appropriate.

Coupling heads are available in different shapes, so they can easily be connected to shaped and round pipes, ideally lying under the ball. They also differ in diameter and section. That is, choosing an SG for a pipe with a cross section of 60 × 60 mm will not be difficult. Everything is standardized, and therefore strictly corresponds to each other.

Damping elements are always present here in order to damp the forces acting on the car during hard braking and jerking. If there is no damping device, there is a high probability of an imminent breakdown of the entire trailer and, at the same time, the towbar (hitch, you remember) installed on the car.

The role of fasteners is very clear, since they are responsible for the simplicity and reliability of the connection. The heads differ from each other depending on which trailer they are intended for. For example, for trailers for passenger cars, they are developed for lower loads, for trucks, the calculation is made for heavier structures.

If you bought a light trailer for a large SUV, it will probably be too low. This is due to the different installation heights of the towbar on a passenger car and a jeep. But here the spacer will help you. It adjusts the height and achieves an optimum level ratio between the towbar and the towing head.

You can purchase coupling heads from us. They cost about 1 thousand rubles. The assortment is large, which will allow you to choose the best model for your car. If necessary, we will help you make the right choice by answering your questions.

Features of production and operation

Keep in mind that the heavy load behind the machine is a potential hazard. A roll-over brake is specially provided for this on modern trailers. When you brake, the whole mass of the trailer starts to put pressure on the car, pushing it. It's like in a minibus, when the driver brakes sharply, you seem to keep yourself straight, but another person is falling on you from behind. There is nothing pleasant and safe here.

Therefore, when transporting a large amount of cargo on tractors or even cars, the presence of an inertial brake on the trailer will help you. How it works? When braking, the inertia force acts on the trailer, which rolls over the vehicle itself. This force is proportional to the deceleration. Force acts on the hitch head, pressing it down and transfers the force to the brakes of your trailer. For this, a hydraulic or mechanical brake system is used. This reduces the risk of the trailer skidding, increases the efficiency and safety of braking while maintaining stability on the road.

As part of the production of trailers, they are tested on special stands using a loader and auxiliary mechanisms. Without it, the design cannot be approved for sale.

Actively operating the hitch and the trailer itself with a coupling head, it is strongly recommended to always have a repair kit on hand. It can come in handy on the road, going on a long journey. Who knows, maybe you are going to your parents in the village to harvest potatoes at your dacha to complete the construction of the bathhouse, simultaneously loading a ton of wood into the trailer.

It's not enough just to choose a good trailer. An appropriate towbar is required for it. Oh, sorry, towing hitch. Although, what's the difference? Well, do not forget about a reliable coupling head. The main thing is that they match each other and provide a high-quality, reliable and secure connection.

Good luck to everyone on the roads, good harvest and quality construction! Or why are you using your towbar with a trailer there ?!

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