Abstract: A telescoping ramp may include first and second ramp sections such that the second ramp section may be received within the first ramp section and translated between an extended position and a retracted position. The telescoping ramp may include a locking mechanism that extends between at least one of pairs of rails of the first and second ramp sections. The locking mechanism may include a pair of locking pins that is selectively engageable with the first and second ramp sections. In one embodiment, the pair of locking pins may include handle portions that may be disposed between the at least one of the pairs of rails. In such embodiment, an axial movement of the handle portions along a common axis of the pair of locking pins may lock the second ramp section relative to the first ramp section.

Abstract: A weight distribution system is shown and described. The weight distribution system may include a spring arm configured to be operatively engaged between plate members of a ball mount, and a pin member inserted into the spring arm, the pin member configured to secure the spring arm with the ball mount. The weight distribution system may also include an attachment mechanism configured to selectively place the spring arm in mechanical communication with a towed vehicle.

Abstract: A tie down apparatus that may be utilized for securing an item, such as a safety chain, wherein the tie down apparatus may be used with a hitch mounting system. In one embodiment, the tie down apparatus may include a receiving member, a tie down member, and a clocking member. The receiving member may include an opening located there through. The tie down member may include at least one aperture, wherein the tie down member may be capable of being located and rotated within the receiving member. The tie down member may be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. The locking member may include at least one leg capable of being housed within the aperture. The locking member may engage the receiving member once the tie down member is rotated, thereby trapping the item within the tie down apparatus.

Abstract: A cycle carrier support bar has a cycle end grip device (4) at a first end of a tubular spacer bar (2) and a carrier end grip device (5) at the second end. The cycle end grip device can be a flexible strap (42) with a tensioning lever (43) and a key-operated lock (6). The carrier end grip device (5) can be a rigid clamp with opposed jaws (51,52) connected at a pivot (54) and closed releasably by a latch mechanism operated by a longitudinally-slidable carrier shuttle (55) carrying a detent of the latch. The latch is released to open the carrier end grip device (5) by pulling on the wire of a Bowden cable (8) which extends along the middle of the tubular spacer bar, and has an actuating lever (7) exposed through a window in the cycle end grip (4), so as to be accessible only when the cycle end grip (4) is open.

Abstract: A hitch ball mount is shown and described. The hitch ball mount may include a generally tubular body having first and second end portions, the first end portion engageable with a hitch receiver of a towing vehicle, and a drop portion monolithic with the tubular body and formed between the first and second end portions of the tubular member. The hitch ball mount may further include a hitch ball mounting portion monolithic with the drop portion and tubular body, the hitch ball mounting portion formed at the second end portion of the tubular member and extending from the drop portion, where a hitch ball is selectively attachable to the hitch ball mounting portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an articulated coupler for attachment between a towed vehicle and a towing vehicle. The articulated coupler includes a first attachment member for attachment to the towing vehicle and a second attachment member for attachment to the towed vehicle. A ball joint member extends between the first and second attachment member. The ball joint member includes a ball at a proximal end and an elongated portion at a distal end such that the elongate portion is attachable to the first attachment member and the ball is attached to the second attachment member. The ball is retained to the second attachment member with a collar. The collar may have an aperture with an elliptical shape and a surface with a concave shape for defining a pivotal range of motion. The ball joint member may be pivotal relative to the first attachment member and may be rotatable and pivotal relative to the second attachment member.

Abstract: A hitch mount configured to be selectively attached to a vehicle, the vehicle having an under bed hitch mounting system is shown and described. The hitch mount may include at least one transverse member, at least one longitudinal member attached with the at least one transverse member, the at least one longitudinal member including first and second apertures, the first and second apertures of different size, and first and second fastening devices configured to selectively engage the under bed hitch mounting system and the first and second apertures, respectively. The hitch mount may also include first and second biasing members operatively engaged with the first and second fastening, the biasing members applying a load against the under bed hitch mounting system, and first and second handles pivotally and rotatably attached with the first and second fastening devices, the handles having a camming surface configured to engage the first and second biasing members.

Abstract: Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise undesirable conditions can be created. There is a need for a method for controlling braking of a towed vehicle. This method comprises receiving a first signal via a communication bus of a towing vehicle, the first signal relating to at least one operating condition of at least one the towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, sending a second signal to brakes of the towed vehicle, the second signal based on said first signal.

Abstract: A carrier for use in carrying items externally on a vehicle is disclosed having: a rack upon which the items may be mounted which, in use, is supported by the vehicle in such a manner that the rack extends away from the vehicle and that the weight of the rack and any items carried thereon bears against the vehicle; a plurality of straps, each connected at a proximal end to the rack and having, at a distal end, a catch to enable engagement of the strap with the vehicle; wherein tension in a pair of the straps is simultaneously adjustable by means of a movable handle located on the rack, wherein motion of the handle causes retraction of each strap of the pair.

Abstract: A safety chain engaging device for a towing vehicle having a gooseneck hitch attached with a rail of the towing vehicle is shown and described. The safety chain engaging device may include a first bracket configured to be secured with the rail of the towing vehicle, and a second bracket attached with the first bracket, the second bracket including a plate member spaced from the first bracket. The safety chain engaging device may also include at least one safety chain engaging member secured with the plate member, where the safety chain engaging member is configured to be laterally spaced from the rail upon securement of the first bracket with the rail.

Abstract: A towing assembly is provided including a hitch ball receiver having a hitch ball mounting aperture and a recess around the aperture, a hitch ball including a base and a mounting shank where the base is sized and shaped to be received in the recess and a fastener engaging the shank and securing the hitch ball to the hitch ball receiver.