Abstract: A weight distributing hitch includes a hitch bar for mounting to a vehicle, a ball mount head carried on the hitch bar, a hitch ball and a pair of spring bars. Each spring bar includes an integral lug for engaging a trailer and securing the spring bar in a position to more evenly distribute the weight of the trailer over the axles of the towing vehicle. Each lug also includes a integral retaining tab. Additionally, the weight distributing hitch includes a pair of friction assemblies that are mounted on the trailer. Each such assembly includes a friction pad that receives and supports the integral lug of one of the spring bars.

Abstract: A utility tow bar includes a coupler assembly, a pair of tow arms and fasteners for securing the tow arms to the coupler assembly. More specifically, the coupler assembly includes a tow arm receiving channel for holding the tow arms as well as a hitch ball receiving socket and hitch ball lock for connecting the utility tow bar to a towing vehicle. Preferably the tow arms are substantially S-shaped. Each tow arm is connected at its proximal end to the coupler assembly. Each tow arm includes a connector at its distal end for connecting to a trailing vehicle. Two sets of aligned mounting apertures are provided in the coupler assembly and tow arms. A pair of pull pins are received in the aperture sets to secure the tow arms and coupler assembly together. Pin clips secure the pull pins in position.

Abstract: An adjustable fifth wheel hitch includes a support frame having base rails that are secured to the frame of a vehicle and a pair of spaced guide rails that bridge between the base rails. The fifth wheel hitch also includes a head assembly having a jaw assembly for engaging a kingpin on a trailer. A head support and a pair of uprights mount the head assembly for relative fore-and-aft sliding movement along the guide rails between a towing position and a maneuvering position. A releasable lock secures the head assembly in either selected position. The lock includes a dual bar latch and a leaf spring for biasing the latch into a locking position. The dual bars of the latch are offset or dimensioned so that each bar is selectively received in only one of two similarly offset or dimensioned, cooperating apertures formed in one of the guide rails.

Abstract: A hitch is provided that is adapted for mounting to a step bumper. The hitch has a body including a mounting skirt, a hitch ball support platform and a facing that joins the mounting skirt and platform. The hitch also includes two laterally spaced reinforcing elements that function with the mounting skirt and define a receiver box. The hitch also includes structures allowing the mounting of a hitch ball to the hitch ball support platform or to the standard step bumper mounting point thereby providing hitch ball height adjustability.

Abstract: A vehicle mountable carrier includes a body having an article holder and a mounting tube for both securing the body to a vehicle and receiving a hitch bar. Preferably, the article holder includes a storage compartment and cooperating lid. The storage compartment may also include a cradle for receiving a frame of at least one bicycle. Specifically, a support channel may be provided bridging opposing walls of the storage compartment and cooperating frame receiving notches may be provided in the lid.

Abstract: Packaging is provided for a trailer hitch receiver. The packaging includes an outer carton having four sidewalls and two endwalls and an insert received in the carton. The insert includes two pair of cooperating slots for engaging the trailer hitch receiver components. The insert is substantially rectangular in shape and engages all four sidewalls of the outer carton.

Abstract: A spring bar for a weight distributing hitch includes an elongated body carrying an integral hanger for securing to a trailer to be towed behind a towing vehicle. Preferably, the integral hanger is a lug with a cooperating retaining tab. The spring bar also includes a trunnion allowing cantilever mounting of the spring bar to a ball mount head of a trailer hitch that is secured to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A friction pad assembly for supporting a spring bar of a weight distributing hitch on a trailer includes a pad of high friction material and a mounting bracket. Preferably the friction pad provides a coefficient of friction of at least 0.35. The bracket is preferably L-shaped and includes a projecting flange for protecting an edge of the pad held on the bracket. A fastener, such as self tapping screws, may be used to secure the bracket and pad to the trailer.

Abstract: A protective collar for installation on a receiver box and a trailer hitch receiver for a vehicle are disclosed. The trailer hitch receiver includes a central frame member and brackets for mounting the frame member to the vehicle. The receiver box is mounted to the frame member and includes a cavity adapted to receive a hitch bar. A protective collar is mounted to the front face of the receiver box defining an opening to the cavity. The collar comprises a body member including an opening for the passage of a mounting end of the hitch bar. The collar includes four interconnected segments, each segment having a substantially L-shaped cross-section. Accordingly, the body member includes a facing portion covering the front face of the receiver box and a mounting flange projecting around the outer periphery of the receiver box.