So You’re Ready to Tow? Not Without These Key Pieces of Gear.
Hey everyone, it’s Darman. Getting a vehicle with towing capacity opens up a whole new world of possibilities—hauling a small trailer for a weekend camping trip, taking a jet ski to the lake, or helping a friend move. But here’s a crucial piece of advice: having a factory-installed trailer hitch receiver on the back of your car or SUV is only the first step. To tow safely and legally, you need a few key accessories to properly connect your vehicle to your trailer.
A surprising number of people assume the ball mount and wiring are included, only to find themselves stuck on the day of their big trip. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential, non-negotiable accessories you need to get on the road. We’ll skip the confusing jargon and focus on the best, most reliable gear to complete your towing setup and ensure a safe journey.
Understanding the Core Towing Connection
Before we look at the products, let’s quickly understand how it all fits together. Your vehicle has the **hitch receiver** (a square tube). Into that, you slide the **ball mount**, which is secured with a **hitch pin**. On top of the ball mount sits the **trailer ball**. Finally, the trailer’s **coupler** latches onto the trailer ball. Getting each of these components right is critical for safety.
The 5 Essential Accessories for Safe Towing
I’ve selected the must-have items to bridge the gap between your vehicle and your trailer, plus one essential piece of safety gear you shouldn’t leave home without.
1. The Ball Mount: CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Mount
Best For: Creating a Level and Secure Connection
The ball mount (or drawbar) is the vital link between your vehicle and the trailer ball. The most important factor here is getting the right “drop” or “rise” to ensure your trailer tows perfectly level. This CURT ball mount provides a 2-inch drop, which is one of the most common sizes needed for passenger cars and SUVs to level out with a trailer. It’s made from high-strength steel with a durable powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion. It’s the solid foundation your entire towing setup is built upon.
- Pros: High-strength steel construction, protective finish, common 2-inch drop for proper leveling.
- Cons: You must confirm the drop/rise needed for your specific vehicle/trailer combination.
2. The Trailer Ball: CURT 40004 2-Inch Trailer Ball
Best For: A Reliable and Standard Connection Point
Once you have your mount, you need the trailer ball itself. The vast majority of light-duty trailers use a 2-inch coupler, making this 2-inch diameter trailer ball the most common and versatile choice. This one from CURT is made of hot-forged steel for maximum strength and has a durable chrome finish. It’s rated for up to 6,000 lbs, which is more than enough for any trailer a small car or SUV can handle. Always make sure your trailer ball’s diameter and weight rating match your trailer’s requirements.
- Pros: Standard 2-inch size fits most trailers, high weight rating for safety, corrosion-resistant chrome finish.
- Cons: The nut requires a large wrench and significant torque to install correctly.
3. The Hitch Pin: CURT 21510 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip
Best For: Securing Your Ball Mount (Non-Negotiable)
This might look like a simple piece of metal, but it’s one of the most critical safety components. The hitch pin slides through the side of your hitch receiver and the ball mount, locking the two together. Without it, the entire ball mount could slide out of the receiver on the road. This CURT pin is a standard 5/8-inch diameter to fit any 2-inch receiver and comes with a retainer clip to keep it securely in place. Never tow without a properly secured hitch pin.
- Pros: Essential for safety, standard size fits most hitches, simple and reliable design.
- Cons: The basic clip can be lost; locking versions are available for theft prevention.
4. The Wiring: Reese Towpower 4-Way Wiring Adapter
Best For: Powering Your Trailer’s Lights for Safety & Legality
If your trailer has lights (and it legally must!), you need to connect them to your vehicle. Most cars equipped for towing have a wiring port near the hitch. This Reese Towpower adapter allows you to connect your vehicle’s system to a standard 4-way flat trailer plug, which controls the trailer’s tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. It’s a simple, plug-and-play component that is absolutely required for being safe and legal on the road.
- Pros: Enables trailer lights for safety, plug-and-play installation on most vehicles, durable and weather-resistant.
- Cons: Your vehicle must have a pre-wired tow package connector for this to be a simple plug-in.
5. The Emergency Kit: E-HEELP Electric Car Floor Jack Kit
Best For: Ultimate Peace of Mind on the Road
Getting a flat tire is stressful. Getting a flat tire while you’re towing a trailer can be a nightmare. This electric jack kit is the ultimate “peace of mind” accessory. It plugs into your car’s 12V outlet and can lift up to 5 tons with the push of a button, making it strong enough for both your car and most trailers. The kit also includes an electric impact wrench for quickly removing lug nuts. This single case can turn a dangerous roadside struggle into a quick, safe, and manageable situation.
- Pros: Makes changing a tire much safer and easier, powerful 5-ton capacity, includes an electric impact wrench.
- Cons: It’s an additional piece of gear to carry, but invaluable in an emergency.
Your Basic Towing Questions Answered
How do I know my car’s actual towing capacity?
Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It is the definitive source for your specific model’s towing limits. You can also often find this information on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Never exceed this recommended weight.
What is “tongue weight”?
Tongue weight is the downward force that the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch ball. For safe towing, it should be 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight. Too little or too much tongue weight can cause dangerous trailer sway.
Do I need special mirrors for towing?
By law, you need to be able to see the road behind your trailer. If your trailer is wider than your vehicle, you will likely need towing mirror extensions to see around it safely. Always check your local regulations.
Darman’s Final Word: Tow Smart, Tow Safe
Towing can be a safe and easy experience, but only if you have the right equipment. Before you hit the road, go through this checklist and ensure your setup is complete and secure.
Your Final Checklist:
- The Core Connection: Do you have a properly sized ball mount, a matching trailer ball, a secure hitch pin, and a functional wiring adapter?
- Emergency Preparedness: Are you ready for the unexpected with a reliable electric jack kit on board?
Invest in these essential accessories, double-check your connections, and you’ll be ready to tow with confidence and safety.