Tow hitch: how does it work and what car can you use?
The trailer hitch is, by its very definition, an equipment for the car to be able to pull a second vehicle, which in reality was designed for that. It has several applications and different types of weight and dimension, but they are suitable for the task of transporting cargo.
So, tow hitch: how does it work and what car can you use? Although Brazil does not have a trailer culture as widespread as in other countries, car towing is commonly used by owners of motorboats, motorcycles, jet skis, small fishing boats, animal transportation (horses, generally), cargo carts. , among others. Although it is not a secret, there are still doubts related to the towing hitch. The device is important so that the vehicle being pulled, can behave properly and does not come off while driving. A few years ago, the law had changed for this type of equipment and, even so, the use of the coupling in the vast majority of cases today, has another purpose. This should be prohibited, but if the device is in order, then there is no way to restrain its use to protect the vehicle's bumper and not to actually pull a trailer. If the goal is really to pull a trailer, then read this article on how it works and what kind of car can use a hitch suited to the proposal. Tow hitch: how it works The trailer hitch is a mechanical device that allows a vehicle to pull another, which has no propulsion, which may or may not have its own brake (not integrated with that of the vehicle). The equipment is fixed on a metal crosspiece that serves as a support or on the vehicle structure itself, if it leaves the factory with the hitch, usually retractable. It consists of a metallic sphere (there are also two), where the trailer is attached to the vehicle and locked with the best hitch lock. Some couplings have removable inserts, where the owner can remove it, leaving only the support structure in the vehicle. This is generally used in pickup trucks. The system in general also consists of a power connector, which activates the brake lights, taillights and trailer repeaters. Which vehicles can use hitch
Sold as an accessory, the trailer hitch varies according to the weight to be pulled, from 400 kg, for example. The traction capacity of the car that will pull the trailer must be taken into account. Small cars with weak engines will obviously have a harder time pulling and stabilizing a trailer. Passenger cars have a traction capacity of 400 to 500 kg, while pickup trucks support well over 2 tons, even reaching 6 tons of PBTC (Total Combined Gross Weight, which includes the trailer). Therefore, the ideal is that the car model is one that has Inmetro approval for towing. In reality, the capacity is provided by the vehicle manufacturer or importer. If the model cannot be hitched, it is not recommended to adapt it. According to the law, all light vehicles can tow up to the limit of 3,500 kg, with an appropriate coupling, provided that the model has authorization from the manufacturer / importer to receive the device and does not come with the factory. |