Different Types of Trailer Couplings | Explained!

Different Types of Trailer CouplingsTrailer coupling is a complicated subject because most of them will fit your standard. But along with the hauling capacity, there are other factors to think about when you are a person who needs to haul heavy items every day!

So, today, we will discuss the different types of trailer couplings and how they work. Also, we will tell you which one will be ideal for you regarding your requirements!

Take a look at the couplings of various types and pick up one!

Types of Trailer Couplings

Getting the right shackler hitch receiver or the drop hitch for the truck is not enough when it comes to hauling. In this case, the right trailer coupling is also a necessary deal. We have come up with the common trailer couplers of the market! Check them out!

Fixed Coupling

These sorts of coupling are designed for the trailers that have no brakes included. In some cases, the braking system usually requires some activation. The fixed couplings are the right fit for that.  The tow-balls that are 50mm Australian Standard, the fixed couplings can fit the best there. You can apply such couplings for domestic trailers. The trailers should have load masses of 750kg or less.

However, ensure that there are no brakes required there. If you want to settle for trailers over 2000kg, they can have independent brake systems too. The brake systems, in this case, should be power operated or electrical. When your plan is to deal with the 50mm tow balls, you can go for 3500kg loads in total. In this circumstance, you have to certify that the right braking system is added to the trailer.

Sway Control Coupling

The trailer couplers that are designed for controlling the sway motion on trailers are known as sway control couplings. These are constructed for the trailers that are 2500kg or less. The tow ball weight can be less or equal to 250kg here. All it does is grip the sides of the tow ball so that it can slow down the swaying motion of the trailer giving your vehicle a stable ride!

Override Brake Coupling

If you want to get your hands on the trailers that are in between 750kg to 2000kg laden mass, you can also rely on the override brake couplings. If you haven’t seen these couplings, let us give you some idea about it. These are like the sliding shaft and are usually added to the tow ball housing.

When the two vehicles will slow down on the road, the deceleration will pass through the override brake coupling shaft to the mechanical linkage. Here, it will pass the mechanical brakes. On the contrary, the deceleration might pass to the hydraulic cylinder too. In this case, it will eventually pressurize the braking system.  When the ball load is not excessive, you can completely rely on the override brake couplings.

Also, you must ensure that the load-leveling devices are not active here. Once you get the override brake couplings, you will see smoother operation along with improved brake performance. That’s all we need, isn’t it?

Ring Coupling

Another popular coupling type in the market for your vehicle is the ring-type coupling. It works exactly like the ball type. However, the ball type couplings are usually connected to the tow vehicle as there is a typical 55mm ball. But here, with the ring couplings, the ball is 75mm inside diameter ring.

It is added to the Pintle hook and the pestle hook is included on the towing vehicle. Yes, this coupling is a bit tricky to understand. According to the Australian Standard AS4177, with the 55mm tow ball, you will get maximum 3500kg capacity of loaded trailer mass. On the other hand, if you go for ring couplers, you can settle for heavier loads than 3500kg.

Off-Road Coupling

We also agree that using the standard couplings is the best choice. But at times, you don’t have the option to choose the typical ones. This is where the name of off-road couplings comes in. This is the best deal for the not-to-smooth roads. If you plan to haul your loads across the rocky steams or you want to down the gullies, you cannot always rely on the standard couplings. And for such off-roads, the best fit is this off-road coupling doing justice to the name.

When you need 360-degree articulation along with a positive tow ball latching system, you always will come back to the off-road couplings. All you need to do is get the ideal weight distribution hitch for travel trailer with the perfect trailer couplings and you are done! No road can stop you!

Pintle

Another coupling that people that are into heavy healing love is the pintle coupling. These hitches are designed with a tow ring configuration. This tow ring configuration will help you secure the hook or the ball combination. These coupling have a history.

They were constructed for farming first. Later, they were used for the military vehicles as they carry heavy weight. With such couplings, you will see less sideway movements. And so, when you are planning to deal with heavy loads, you can always go back to the Pintle trailer couplings and release the burden!

NB: If we divide the trailer couplers in three basic trailer couplings available in the market. They are the rigid trailer couplers, detachable trailer couplings, and sway control trailer couplings. These couplers can be divided into several parts and that’s what we have described above. You have to go through the details so that choosing one is easier for you.

Wrap Up

Yes, we know that there are so many trailer couplings available for you to help you in your lead carrying capacity. But when the choices are more, the confusion is more too! In this case, you have to check the details about the various types of trailer couplings before buying one! Don’t forget to have a look at our site if you are into hauling heavy loads. Here, we have all the information for hauling details of your vehicle that will never disappoint you!

About Jeremy

Hello! My name is Jeremy Bloomberg. I have been passionate about carpentry and DIY. Over the years, my passion slowly turned into expertise and wider knowledge about electronics. I’ve been involved in numerous projects, both professional and personal. I want to share all I have learned with you. Welcome!

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