Abstract: A trailer (10) is provided having a framework (12) carrying ground engaging wheels (14), a body (16) having a corrugated bottom wall and defining a storage compartment and a tiedown fastener for securing the body to the framework through the corrugated bottom wall. The trailer includes an interchangeable top (18) and tailgate. The trailer also includes a novel spring assembly. The spring assembly includes a leaf spring with an anchoring aperture at one end and a mounting tongue at the other. The mounting tongue is captured between the framework and a fastener and provides relative sliding movement. Additionnally, the sidewalls of the trailer include aligned slots (70) that receive a strut which supports an optional shelf.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive and reliable latching mechanism for locking or otherwise securing a tailgate to the cargo area of a vehicle or trailer is provided comprised of a latch plate of unitary construction and a locking pin. The latch plate is further comprised of a mounting base having means for attachment to the vehicle or trailer sidewall and an offset projecting lug having a lanced tab for receiving the locking pin. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting base is attached to the vehicle side wall and the lanced tab projects through a complimentary closed slot in the tailgate and receives the locking pin thereby securing the tailgate between the offset, the projecting lug and the lanced tab. The offset projecting lug creates a space between the vehicle side wall and the projecting lug which traps a portion of the tailgate which forms the closed slot therebetween to add additional strength and stability to the attachment.

Abstract: A weight distributing and sway controlling hitch assembly for towing a trailer behind a vehicle includes a hitch bar for mounting to a vehicle. The hitch assembly also includes a ball mount head carried on the hitch bar and a hitch connector carried on the ball mount head. A pair of friction pads are also provided for mounting on the trailer. Additionally, the hitch assembly includes a pair of shoes, each of the shoes being received on one of the pair of friction pads while allowing relative sliding movement thereto. Still further, the hitch assembly includes a pair of spring bars for distributing trailer weight relative to the vehicle. Each of the spring bars includes a proximal end mounted to the ball mount head and a distal end for engaging one of the shoes.

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 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 weight distributing hitch for towing a trailer includes a hitch bar, a ball mount head and spring bars for distributing the weight of the trailer relative to a towing vehicle. The spring bars include mounting trunnions and the ball mount head includes cooperating sockets for receiving those mounting trunnions. The spring bars are installed in the ball mount head by inserting a first end of the mounting trunnion in a first cooperating mounting socket, passing a second end of the mounting trunnion through a channel communicating with a second cooperating mounting socket and engaging the second end of the trunnion in the second cooperating mounting socket.

Abstract: A jaw assembly for a fifth wheel hitch includes a support plate, a jaw bolt mounted for relative sliding movement on the support plate between open and closed positions and a trigger for positively holding the jaw bolt in the open position. A spring is connected between the jaw bolt and trigger in such a way as to perform the dual function of biasing the jaw bolt toward the closed position and biasing the trigger into engagement with the jaw bolt so as to hold the jaw bolt open. When the trigger is engaged by a trailer king pin that is to be held in the jaw assembly, the jaw bolt is released and closes under action of the biasing spring.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle includes a hitch bar for mounting to the vehicle and a ball mount head for mounting on the hitch bar at a selected tilt angle. A pair of spring bars are mounted to the ball mount head. These spring bars distribute the weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. Each spring bar is substantially L-shaped and includes a turned groove at a proximal end received in a cooperating aperture in the ball mount head. A retainer of spring steel engages in the grooves to hold the spring bars in position. The relative tilt angle of the ball mount head is adjusted by means of an eccentric angle adjusting element in the form of a washer. This washer is fixed to one of the ball mount head or hitch bar and includes a cam surface for engaging the other of the two elements.