A trailer hitch is where all the load meets the car: the tow ball on your bar and the coupling head on the trailer's drawbar. Both must be rated at least for the trailer's gross vehicle mass (GVM), and they must match in size, usually a 50 mm ball. Worn couplings, loose bolts and missing safety chains are some of the most common reasons trailers come off. Tell us what you need, from a new coupling head to a lock or a jockey wheel, and local suppliers will send free, no-obligation quotes.
Parts of the hitch
- Tow ball: usually 50 mm, bolted to the tow bar's neck or plate. Check the stamped rating.
- Coupling head: on the trailer drawbar, with a latch that closes under the ball. Choose one rated at or above the trailer's GVM.
- Safety chain or cable: holds the trailer if the coupling fails. Use a rated shackle, not a hook over the ball.
- Jockey wheel: carries the nose while the trailer is unhitched.
- Locks: a hitch lock on the coupling and a ball lock deter theft when parked.
Matching the rating
The chain of ratings is only as strong as its weakest link: the vehicle's towing capacity, the tow bar, the ball, the coupling and the drawbar. If any one is rated lower than the loaded trailer, that is your limit. Braked trailers use an overrun coupling that pushes the brake rod when the car slows, so the coupling must suit the brake system. Keep to the lower towing speed limits and check your licence code for heavier combinations.
Checks before every trip
Lift the coupling with the jockey wheel, drop it on the ball and check the latch fully closes and locks. Lift the drawbar slightly: it should take the car's rear with it, not pop off. Clip the safety chain, plug in the lead and test every light. Grease the ball lightly unless your coupling has a stabiliser that needs a dry ball. If you need a new bar first, see tow bars.
How parts are quoted
Hitches, couplings and locks are quoted per item, and the price depends on the rating, the finish and whether fitting to the drawbar is included. Ask for the rating in writing, and whether the coupling will be welded or bolted. Fitting a new coupling to a used trailer may be a good time for a full check: see car trailers for sale or the tow bar installation page.
What to include in your request
- Trailer type and its GVM
- Ball size and current coupling type
- Braked or unbraked trailer
- Parts only or fitted to the drawbar
- Locks or jockey wheel needed
Trailer Hitches and Couplings for different clients
- Motorists and families: a new coupling and lock for a utility trailer that sits on the driveway
- Company fleets and rental firms: spare balls, couplings and locks for a fleet of work trailers
- Truckers, buses and logistics: rated couplings on trailers that carry spares, tyres and tools between depots
- Farmers and 4x4 owners: replacement couplings and jockey wheels for farm trailers worn by gravel roads
- Dealers, panel beaters and workshops: coupling checks and replacement on used trailers before they are sold
- Construction, mining and plant hire: heavy rated couplings on generator, compressor and light tower trailers on site
- Caravan, boat and bike owners: a lock and a stabiliser coupling for a caravan or a boat trailer
- Municipalities, estates and schools: couplings and locks for municipal mower, water and refuse trailers
Frequently asked questions
What size tow ball do I need?
How do I know if my coupling is worn?
Is a hitch lock worth fitting?
How do I get quotes for couplings and hitches?
Trailer Hitches and Couplings by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg