It must be frustrating for someone new to the hitching world to hear this strange new language called "Hitch Jargon." We talk to customers on the phone daily who desperately try to communicate their needs to me but don't know how to convey the proper words to describe what they want.

Eventually, after flailing about for a definition, we can understand the light bulb flashes on and finally proceed!

Here are the towing definitions you need to understand to determine what you need for your towing situation.

ADJUSTABLE BALL MOUNT

A special ball mount that slides into a Class III hitch can be repositioned up or down as differing ball heights are required. Typically, bolt-together or pin-and-clip adjustment hardware is utilized.

AXLE RATIO

The final drive gear ratio is created by the relationship between the ring and pinion gears and the rotation of the driveshaft. In a 4.10:1 axle ratio, for example, the driveshaft will rotate 4.1 times for each axle shaft rotation (wheel) rotation. A vehicle purchased with a "towing package" will often have a different axle ratio from the regular model.

BALL MOUNT

The part of the hitch system that supports the hitch ball and connects it to the trailer coupler. The ball mount slides into the receiver hitch and is held with a pin and clip. Available in 1 ¼" and 2" square sizes. It is also available in different drops or lifts to enable one to attain the perfect ball height for your trailer to tow as level as possible. Available in weight capacity ranges between 2000 lbs up to 14,000 lbs.

BRAKE CONTROLLER

A small control unit mounted inside the vehicle (generally under the dash near the driver's hand) that allows the action of the driver braking the tow vehicle to activate the trailer's electric brakes. The unit can be adjusted to change the voltage going back to the brakes and allow manual activation of the trailer's brakes in emergencies.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH

A safety device that activates the trailer brakes in the event the trailer becomes accidentally disconnected from the hitch while traveling.

COUPLER

The part of the trailer A-frame that attaches to the hitch ball.

ENGINE OIL COOLER

A heat exchanger, through which engine oil passes, is cooled by airflow. Sometimes, it is offered in conjunction with a transmission cooler.

FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS

Trailers are designed to be coupled to a special hitch mounted over the rear axle in the bed of a pickup truck. Can have 1, 2, or 3 axles and are the largest types of travel trailers built. Fifth-wheel trailers can only be towed by trucks or specialized vehicles prepared for fifth-wheel trailer compatibility.

FRAME MOUNT HITCH

Class 2, 3 & 4 hitches are designed to be bolted to the frame or cross member of the tow vehicle.

GOOSENECK TRAILERS

Trailers are designed to be coupled to a special hitch that utilizes a ball mounted over the rear axle in the bed of a pickup truck.

GVWR- (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The total allowable weight of a vehicle, including passengers, cargo, fluids, and hitch weight.

HITCH RATINGS

Hitches are rated by the manufacturer according to the maximum amount of weight they are engineered to handle. Class I trailer hitches are rated for towing between 1000 and 2000 lbs. Class II hitches are rated for loads up to 3500 lbs. Class III hitches are rated for between 3500 and 6000 lbs off a regular ball mount, up to 10,000 lbs with a weight distributing system. (See "weight distributing hitch"). Class IV hitches are rated from 8000 to 10,000 lbs off a heavy-duty ball mount, up to 14,000 lbs with a weight-distributing hitch system. Class V hitches are rated from 18,000 lbs to 20,000 lbs. Different hitch manufacturers rate their hitches differently, hence the range of capacities in this definition. For fifth-wheel trailer hitches, the weight capacity ranges from 16,000 lbs up to 30,000 lbs. (This figure refers to the trailer's total weight, with water tanks full, all supplies on board and ready to roll.) Gooseneck hitches can be rated up to 30,000 lbs.

NCC-( Net Carrying Capacity)

Maximum weight of all passengers (if applicable), personal belongings, food, freshwater, and supplies. Derived by subtracting the UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) from the GVWR (Gross vehicle weight rating).

PAYLOAD CAPACITY

The maximum allowable weight can be placed in or on a vehicle, including cargo, passengers, fluids, and fifth-wheel or conventional hitch loads.

RECEIVER

That portion of the trailer hitch that permits a hitch bar or shank to be inserted. The receiver may be either 1 1/4", 1 5/8"(rare), 2", or 2 1/2" square, the smallest being termed a mini-receiver.

SAFETY CHAINS

A set of chains attached to the trailer A-frame must be connected to the tow vehicle while towing. Safety chains are intended to keep the trailer attached to the tow vehicle in case of hitch failure, preventing the trailer from completely separating. They should be installed by crossing the chains in an X pattern so the coupler is held off the road in case of a separation.

SHANK

Also called a hitch bar, ball mount, or stinger, the shank is a removable portion of the hitch system that carries the ball or adjustable ball mount and slides into the receiver.

SPRING BAR

As a component of a weight-distributing hitch system, the spring bars are installed and tensioned in such a manner as to distribute a portion of the trailer's hitch weight to the front axles of the tow vehicle and to the axles of the trailer.

SWAY

The fishtailing action of the trailer is caused by external forces that set the trailer's mass into a lateral (side-to-side) motion. The trailer's wheels serve as the axis or pivot point. Also known as "yaw".

SWAY CONTROL

Devices designed to damp the swaying action of a trailer, either through a friction system or a "cam action" system that slows and absorbs the pivotal articulating action between the tow vehicle and trailer.

TAIL SWING

Motorhomes built on chassis with short wheelbases and long overhangs behind the rear axle are susceptible to tail swing when turning sharply. As the motorhome moves in reverse or turns a corner, the extreme rear of the coach can move horizontally and strike objects nearby (typically road signs and walls). Drivers must be aware of the amount of tail swing to prevent accidents.

TONGUE WEIGHT

The amount of weight imposed on the hitch when the trailer is coupled.

TOW BAR

A device used for connecting a vehicle to the motorhome when it's towed with all four wheels on the ground.

TOW RATING

The manufacturer's rating of the maximum weight limit that can safely be towed by a particular vehicle. In most cases, tow ratings are related to overall trailer weight, not trailer size. However, some tow ratings limit the frontal area of the trailer and overall length. Tow ratings are determined by the vehicle manufacturer according to several criteria, including engine size, transmission, axle ratio, brakes, chassis, cooling systems, and other special equipment.

TRAILER BRAKES

Brakes built into the trailer axle systems are activated by electric impulse or a surge mechanism. Most RVs utilize electric trailer brakes that are actuated when the tow vehicle's brakes are operated or when a brake controller is manually activated. Surge brakes utilize a mechanism positioned at the trailer coupler that detects by inertia force when the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and activates the trailer brakes via a hydraulic system (typically used on boats).

TRAVEL TRAILER

Also referred to as "conventional trailers," these rigs have an A-frame and coupler attached to a ball mount on the tow vehicle. Travel trailers are available with one, two, or three axles. Depending upon tow ratings, conventional trailers can be towed by trucks, cars, or sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

UVW- (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)

Weight of the RV, including factory-installed options, with full LP gas tank or cylinders. It does not include gasoline or diesel fuel, freshwater, or accessories installed by the dealer.

WEIGHT CARRYING HITCH

Also known as a "dead weight" hitch, this category includes any system that accepts the entire hitch weight of the trailer. In the strictest sense, even a weight-distributing hitch can act as a load-carrying hitch if the spring bars are not installed and placed under tension.

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING HITCH

Also known as an "equalizing" hitch, this category includes hitch systems that utilize spring bars that can be placed under tension to distribute a portion of the trailer's hitch weight to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer's axles.

WIRE HARNESS

The electrical umbilical cord connects the tow vehicle to the trailer, supplying electricity to the trailer's clearance and brake lights, electric brakes, and a 12-volt power line to charge the trailer's batteries.