Abstract: A system for attaching a safety chain between a tow vehicle and a trailer, said system including: at least one, but preferably two safety chains permanently attached to the trailer, each safety chain having first and second ends which are interconnected by interlocking chain links, with the first end secured to a releasable attachment for attaching the first end to the tow vehicle; and a locking/unlocking mechanism on each safety chain that is permanently attached to the trailer, and that releasably locks its respective safety chain so that a desired working length of that that safety chain can be provided, where the working length is measured between the locking/unlocking mechanism and the first end. The system provided optimum connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer in the event of a primary decoupling.

Abstract: A forward member extends rearwardly from a vehicle. A rearward member extends forwardly from a trailer. An intermediate member in a generally Z-shaped configuration has a leading section, a trailing section, and a central section. The trailing section is at an elevation above the leading section. The forward member is releasably coupled above the leading section of the intermediate member. The rearward member is releasably coupled to and above the trailing section of the intermediate member. A coupling assembly is between the trailing section and the rearward member.

Abstract: A holder and system for holding or retaining trailer components, such as trailer chains and/or electrical components, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a holder includes a first portion and a second portion configured for connection to the first portion. In an embodiment, the holder comprises first and second portion that are configured to form an opening that encircles a portion, such as a shaft, of a trailer lift. An embodiment of a system for holding or retaining trailer components may include trailer lift and a holder portion that extends outwardly from a portion of the trailer lift.

Abstract: A trailer hitch safety assembly and a method of use for inhibiting uncoupling of a trailer coupler from a towing hitch. The trailer hitch safety assembly includes a mounting ring that is received on the shank portion of a towing hitch. The trailer hitch safety assembly also includes a base having first and second base portions that are releasably connected together around the mounting ring to retain the base on the shank portion. A locking arm releasably connects to the base and extends over the coupled trailer coupler and towing hitch to inhibit uncoupling of the trailer coupler from the towing hitch.

Abstract: A unique adjustable trailer-locking system comprises a locking ball, a lock, a locking pin, a key, and first, second, third, and fourth size-adjusting caps. The locking ball has a through hole. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth size-adjusting caps has a dome shape and a hollow shaft attached to its center. Each of the hollow shafts can be inserted into the through hole or another hollow shaft to assemble, disassemble, and switch the size of the locking ball, to fit inside a hitch-ball receiver of one of standardized sizes to eliminate all the gaps therebetween, to prevent a crowbar from being inserted therebetween to pry the locking ball off. The locking pin is for being inserted through a hitch-ball-receiver lever and through the lock. The key is for turning the lock to secure the locking pin and the hitch-ball-receiver lever.

Abstract: Chain-up accessories, utility tether accessories, utility pad accessories, seven-way connector cap accessories, and hitch ball cap accessories are accessories for use with trailer hitches disclosed herein.

Abstract: A safety chain bracket assembly is shown and described. The safety chain bracket may include a tubular sleeve adapted to attach with a hitch socket of a towing hitch, the tubular sleeve including an aperture configured to receive a hitch ball, and a bracket body engaged with the tubular sleeve, where pivoting the bracket body selectively locks the bracket body with the tubular sleeve. The safety chain bracket may also include at least one wing member extending from the bracket body, the wing member configured to operably receive a safety chain.

Abstract: A receiver assembly that attaches to a vehicles step-bumper, drop-center bumper, or other structurally sound mounting surface and provides at least an elongated horizontal box receiver to support cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories and leaves the vehicles frame mounted tow-hitch receiver available for trailer towing or additional tow-hitch receiver accessories, and in addition the receiver assembly provides at least one cargo anchor point to secure cargo, cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories.

Abstract: A safety chain bracket assembly is shown and described. The safety chain bracket may include a tubular sleeve adapted to attach with a hitch socket of a towing hitch, the tubular sleeve including an aperture configured to receive a hitch ball, and a bracket body engaged with the tubular sleeve, where pivoting the bracket body selectively locks the bracket body with the tubular sleeve. The safety chain bracket may also include at least one wing member extending from the bracket body, the wing member configured to operably receive a safety chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to trailer and towing safety devices, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to trailer automatic braking devices that initiate braking when a trailer becomes separated from its tow vehicle.

Abstract: An improved hitch adapter allows an individual to attach a vehicle with a hook to a trailer with a ball coupler. The improved hitch adapter comprises an adapter ring mechanically coupled to a front plate. The front plate is mechanically coupled to a first parallel surface. The first parallel surface further comprises an adapter ball inset. The first parallel surface is mechanically coupled to a left plate and a right plate. The adapter ball inset is mechanically coupled to a height-adjustable ball. The right plate and the left plate are mechanically coupled to a size variable clamp. This enables a user to mechanically couple the hook to ball coupler regardless of size of the ball coupler enabling full articulation in a vertical direction and a rotational direction.

Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. A pair of tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a double hinged tow hitch. The tow hitch is attached to a tow vehicle and allows full traction to the ground and complete control of steering. The tow hitch comprises two hinges secured together by a pin positioned at an upper portion of the hinges and a pin positioned at a lower portion of the hinges. The pins secure the hinges together and allow the hinges to flex in two positions. Additionally, the tow hitch comprises springs positioned on either side of the hinges and rubber positioned between the hinges to act as a shock absorber. When pressure is applied to the tow hitch, the springs will collapse into either the upper or lower portions of the hinges, causing the hinges to flex in two positions and pressing against the rubber between the hinges, thus acting as a suspension system for the tow hitch.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in embodiments, may be described as an extended trailer hitch receiver tube support apparatus that uses triangulation of key structural components to provide a hitch of comparatively higher strength. Tensionable receiver tube supporters may be used to achieve a triangular lattice support; a vertical member established above a cross member may provide a forward attachment site for the tensionable receiver tube supporters, thereby allowing the transfer of forces from the extended receiver tube to the vertical member, and then back to the vehicle frame (or frame attached component) via tensionable vertical member supporters.

Abstract: A fully adjustable safety chain assembly comprising at least one trailer mounted safety chain adjusting box, at least one vehicle mounted safety chain adjusting box, and a safety chain having a first free end and a second free end. A slot in each of the at least one trailer mounted safety chain adjusting box and at least one vehicle mounted safety chain adjusting box enables the safety chain first free end and second free end, respectively, to be reversible affixed at a selected position, thereby holding the safety chain at a desired length. A locking mechanism secures the safety chain in place to prevent it from dislodging.

Abstract: A safety restraint for use with a towing assembly. The towing assembly is attached at a first end to a towing vehicle and at a second end to a towed vehicle. The restraint includes an elongate, hollow body that receives the towing assembly. The body is formed from at least two fibers that are woven into a multi-axis braid pattern. The cylindrical body at least partially encapsulates the towing assembly. For example, the body may include a first set of fibers arranged into a first ribbon of a particular width and a second set of fibers arranged into a second ribbon of a particular width, and the two ribbons are woven into a biaxial braid to provide the hollow body. The restraint also includes coupling mechanisms that retain the ends of the body and attach these ends to the towing vehicle and to the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The present trailer hitch assembly addresses the problem of lost tongue weight support and towing capacity when a person adds an extension to a trailer hitch for adding a slide-in camper to a truck or for moving a trailer back a little to increase the turning radius. Generally, when such an extension is utilized, the towing capacity of the vehicle to which the extension is attached is downgraded, due to the lengthening of the overall trailer hitch assembly and lack of structural support. Disclosed herein is a trailer hitch assembly that addresses this problem by providing extra structural support to boost this lack of structural support.

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: An adaptor assembly for attaching a gooseneck assembly to a hitch plate preferably includes a hitch connection tool having a body with a first end and a second end; an adaptor plate connectable to the hitch plate, the adaptor plate having a knob; a safety chain adaptor connectable to the knob; and an attachment device to attach the adaptor plate to the hitch plate. In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the body of the hitch connection tool includes a hook, and the hitch connection tool includes an arm attached between the first end and the second end of the body.

Abstract: A fully adjustable safety chain assembly comprising at least one trailer mounted safety chain adjusting box, at least one vehicle mounted safety chain adjusting box, and a safety chain having a first free end and a second free end. A slot in each of the at least one trailer mounted safety chain adjusting box and at least one vehicle mounted safety chain adjusting box enables the safety chain first free end and second free end, respectively, to be reversible affixed at a selected position, thereby holding the safety chain at a desired length. A locking mechanism secures the safety chain in place to prevent it from dislodging.

Abstract: A bracket, apparatus and method are provided for adapting a simple draw bar and hitch ball arrangement to allow connection to a sway control device. The bracket includes an aperture for receiving the threaded stem of the hitch ball, a notch for receiving and engaging the draw bar and a second aperture for receiving a sway control device connector such as a sway control ball. The bracket allows connection to any number of sway control devices available in the industry so that a simple draw bar and hitch ball may be converted for sway control capability.

Abstract: A safety cable cartridge 20 is connected between a towing vehicle 12 having a hitch ball and a trailer 10 including a tubular coupler housing 16 mounted to a trailer draw bar. The cartridge is self contained and includes a cartridge housing 28 for positioning in the elongated opening of the coupler housing, at least one safety cable assembly 30 positioned in said cartridge housing, and spring 20 surrounds the cable 31 and biases the distal end 30 of the cable toward the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A vehicle towing attachment inserted into a lower portion of a vehicle to be towed raises and holds wheels when the vehicle to be towed is towed. The attachment has three prongs for retaining a plate spring to which a wheel of the vehicle is attached. Since the three prongs are provided on the attachment, shifting of the towed vehicle in the transverse direction and the front and rear direction can be prevented without fail. Even during the course of a towing operation, the towed vehicle can be retained stably and reliably.

Abstract: A bracket, apparatus and method are provided for adapting a simple draw bar and hitch ball arrangement to allow connection to a sway control device. The bracket includes an aperture for receiving the threaded stem of the hitch ball, a notch for receiving and engaging the draw bar and a second aperture for receiving a sway control device connector such as a sway control ball. The bracket allows connection to any number of sway control devices available in the industry so that a simple draw bar and hitch ball may be converted for sway control capability.

Abstract: A trailer hitch stinger assembly for a towing vehicle, wherein the tow vehicle has a frame, a stinger and a trailer hitch, comprising: a trailer hitch stinger having a hitch, and a retainer wherein the retainer is slidably mounted around the trailer hitch stinger and further comprises a central slot is adapted to engage the trailer hitch stinger, a right slot adapted to receive a first chain from a trailer, and a left slot adapted to receive a second chain from the trailer.

Abstract: The trailer hitch has a pair of tubular housings 22 and 23, a coil compression spring 29 in each housing, and a cable 30 or 31. Each cable is telescopically slidable with respect to its housing, through its spring 29, and its proximal end 45 is connected to the inner end of the spring by the cable/spring connector 32. When the hooks 49 at the distal ends of the cables 30 or 31 are disconnected from the towing vehicle, the springs urge the cables into the housings.

Abstract: A towing device for an agricultural apparatus (2), includes at least one wheel (6) which is arranged in a front area of the agricultural apparatus (2) and can rotate about an essentially horizontal wheel axle (8); a link arm (10) which is connected to the wheel axle (8) and is coupled in an articulated manner to a frame (4) arranged on the agricultural apparatus 92) about an essentially vertical first axis (12); and a draw bar (14) which can be coupled to a towing vehicle. A control member (22) is arranged between the draw bar (14) and the frame (4) in order to control the pivoting of the link arm (10) about the first axis (12) as the towing vehicle turns, so that the agricultural apparatus (2) turns at least less than the towing vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment for a fifth wheel trailer hitch generally mounted within the bed of a vehicle to prevent damage to the vehicle in the event that the fifth wheel hitch fails due to faulty hook-up, the invention including a horizontal cross bar, two perpendicularly attached side bars with paired sets of bolt holes for mounting to the fifth wheel trailer hitch, a slide channel attached to the horizontal cross bar having an upper catch plate secured to the slide channel, and at least four bolts with lock nuts.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for towing a trailer behind a towing vehicle includes a frame member including a hitch receiver box, a mounting bracket carried on each end of the frame member and a tow hook integrally formed in each of said mounting brackets.

Abstract: A high strength trailer hitch. The hitch is affixed to the rear of a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame having a transversely extending tubular structural member extending between a first end and a second end and having a front, a rear, a bottom, and a top. A rearwardly extending first tubular receiving member is provided with its forward end affixed to the rear of the transverse tubular structural member. A second tubular receiving member is provided mounted below the first tubular receiving member. An upper forward portion of the second tubular receiving member is affixed below the transverse structural member. A first and a second tubular tow bar inserts are provided in said first and said second tubular receiving members, respectively. A first strengthening stay and a second strengthening stay are affixed between the rearward end of tow bar inserts and the transverse tubular member, to provide high strength against lateral movement of the first and second tow bar inserts.

Abstract: A hitch link structure includes two hitch tubes angled with respect to each other and having forward ends connected by upper and lower hitch plates welded to the tubes. The plates include weld cutouts designed so the same plates can be used with a variety of different hitch tube angles, depending on the width of the mainframe hitch mount-up. Three apertures in the forward end of each of the plates receive bolts which connect the selected hitch link to the plates. The apertures also act as weld fixturing locators to speed hitch construction. The weld cutouts, in generally a half moon configuration, facilitate low cost fillet welds at easily accessible locations regardless of hitch tube angle and facilitate fillet weld connections in relatively lowly stressed areas. The lower plate is apertured to define an intermediate support hole for the safety chain, and the central bolt connecting the hitch link also attaches to the safety chain so the chain is accommodated without additional parts.

Abstract: A hitch link structure includes two hitch tubes angled with respect to each other and having forward ends connected by upper and lower hitch plates welded to the tubes. The plates include weld cutouts designed so the same plates can be used with a variety of different hitch tube angles, depending on the width of the mainframe hitch mount-up. Three apertures in the forward end of each of the plates receive bolts which connect the selected hitch link to the plates. The apertures also act as weld fixturing locators to speed hitch construction. The weld cutouts, in generally a half moon configuration, facilitate low cost fillet welds at easily accessible locations regardless of hitch tube angle and facilitate fillet weld connections in relatively lowly stressed areas. The lower plate is apertured to define an intermediate support hole for the safety chain, and the central bolt connecting the hitch link also attaches to the safety chain so the chain is accommodated without additional parts.

Abstract: A trailer decoupling prevention device for preventing the trailer from decoupling from a trailer hitch mounted on a towing vehicle. The trailer decoupling prevention device comprises a bracket, and a connector assembly to connect the bracket to the trailer. A lower plate is movably supported by the bracket. A lower plate stop assembly is provided for selectively permitting movement of the lower plate between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. In the coupled position, at least a portion of the lower plate is positioned to prevent the trailer from being removed from the trailer hitch. In the uncoupled position, the lower plate is positioned to permit removal of the trailer from the trailer hitch. A unique coupling member for selectively coupling a flexible linkage to an attachment member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer safety chain assembly that is used in combination with a raised ball trailer hitch trailer coupling type of trailer attachment. The trailer safety chain is made up of two sets of chained strands that are linked between a center ring. The trailer safety chain is situated between a vehicle and trailer being transported and acts as an auxiliary trailer attachment in the event of trailer attachment failure. A mounting plate is provided on the vehicle, with a set of apertures provided that accommodate a set of inverted L-shaped hooks and a raised ball trailer hitch. The trailer safety chain is able to keep the end of a trailer tongue from touching the ground and can transport the trailer even in the event of complete trailer attachment failure.

Abstract: A trailer safety chain has a connection link member in the form of either a double S-hook or a single S-hook, the double S-hook cooperating with a unique matching slot for providing enhanced safety securing of the hook to a towing vehicle. A securing bracket for the chain is attached to a vehicle rear and includes two like unique openings which straddle a central tow hitch tongue and coupler ball for receiving two like trailer safety chain hooks. Each opening, which is T-shaped has intersecting slots, which accommodate either of the two hooks of different dimensions, and does so, without diminishing the enhanced locking security of the double S-hook.

Abstract: A trailer hitch safety apparatus which prevents the trailer from becoming disconnected from the towing vehicle when the trailer becomes disconnected from the primary trailer hitch. The apparatus includes a first stud, the first stud being connected to the frame trailer hitch, a hitch bar slidably received in the frame trailer hitch and selectively connected to the frame hitch by a pin extending through the hitch bar and the frame trailer hitch, the hitch bar having a ball hitch connectable thereto for receipt of the ball socket, the hitch bar having a connecting bar rigidly connected thereto for selectively connecting the hitch bar to the first stud, a second stud, the second stud being connected to the hitch bar, and a tongue member adapted for connection to the second stud and to the trailer tongue.

Abstract: A means for attaching a safety chain to a retractable ball or kingpin hitch is described. The means includes a metal face plate with an aperture therein. A first and second ring are coupled together while one or both is within the aperture such that both rings cannot simultaneously be removed from said aperture. The rings are size so that each has one large dimension that prevents the rings from passing completely through the aperture.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitch assembly includes a hitch ball assembly having a hitch ball and a housing and a mounting assembly for securing the hitch ball assembly to the frame of a vehicle. The hitch ball is pivotally connected to the housing and includes a conveniently located grease fitting, a pivotally mounted security door with a torsion spring to hold the door in fully open and closed positions and a latch for securing the door in a closed position and the hitch ball in a towing position. A method of mounting the gooseneck hitch assembly to the towing vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer hitch safety apparatus which prevents the trailer from becoming disconnected from the towing vehicle when the trailer becomes disconnected from the primary trailer hitch.

Abstract: A self locking chain device for locking a chain to a vehicle comprises an elongated cross bar having an upwardly extending arm attached to each end thereof. Each arm comprises first and second arbors which define a receiving slot for receiving a first interior link of a chain and configured in such a manner to enable two adjacent contiguous links to lock the interior link therein. Both first and second arbors are provided with cusps or projections for limiting passage of the chain link to and from the receiving slot. The first arbor also is provided with a concavity. A second contiguous or selected link, serving as a locking link, is slid over and down the first arbor and to the concavity, thereby double locking the first interior link since the opening between the cusps or projections is less than the combined diameter of the interior link and locking link.

Abstract: A retractable ball or kingpin hitch is provided for the load bed of a vehicle. The retractable ball or kingpin hitch is provided with a movable pin mounted in a wall of the hitch for locking the ball or kingpin in an upright operational position. The locking feature assures that the retractable ball or kingpin will not be able to partially retract thereby compromising the effectiveness of the hitch and coupling when hauling a trailer.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is provided with a hitch mount and a safety chain connector, both of which adjust to provide a hitch assembly which conforms substantially to the contour of the towing vehicle body when the hitch assembly is not in use. The hitch mount is configured for retractable extension from a hitch base plate, providing a seat for a matching trailer mount. The safety chain connector is configured to selectively provide a seat for a trailer-connected safety chain. The hitch base plate attaches to the towing vehicle body, defining a support surface which is contoured substantially similar to the body contour of the towing vehicle. The hitch mount and safety chain connector are adjustable such that the hitch assembly may be conformed generally to the body contour of the towing vehicle, thus minimizing any interference with the vehicle's use.

Abstract: A folding ball hitch having a recessed safety chain latching mechanism is of the type normally mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. The ball is foldable from an upright or active position to a down or stowed position in which the ball does not interfere with the usage of the bed when the truck is not towing a trailer. To accommodate the safety chains of a trailer, the present invention provides a sliding rod mounted below the mounting plate of the hitch. Chain link sized slots are formed in the mounting plate. The end links of the safety chains can be inserted into the slots and the rod can be slid from one side to the other to securely lock the chains in respective slots. The rod is biased toward a latching position wherein the rod can be manually translated to open the slot for allowing insertion of a link of the safety chain, following which the rod can be returned to its center position in which the link is secured and any chain forces are transferred by the rod directly to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is provided with a hitch mount and a safety chain connector, both of which adjust to provide a hitch assembly which conforms substantially to the contour of the towing vehicle body when the hitch assembly is not in use. The hitch mount is configured for retractable extension from a hitch base plate, providing a seat for a matching trailer mount. The safety chain connector is configured to selectively provide a seat for a trailer-connected safety chain. The hitch base plate attaches to the towing vehicle body, defining a support surface which is contoured substantially similar to the body contour of the towing vehicle. The hitch mount and safety chain connector are adjustable such that the hitch assembly may be conformed generally to the body contour of the towing vehicle, thus minimizing any interference with the vehicle's use.

Abstract: A safety chain for securing a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle and which has a safety basket for limiting downward movement of a tongue of the towed vehicle relative to a hitch of the towing vehicle to prevent the tongue from contacting the roadway. The chain is attached to at least one of the vehicles by a latch that has a shackle for engagement with a mount of the vehicle and a catch carried by the shackle that can be spring biased toward its latched position and which is movable to a position disposed from its latched position to unlatch the latch. Preferably, the catch can be retained in the latched position by a retainer that engages the catch and shackle. Preferably, to secure the latch to a vehicle to deter theft of the chain, the retainer can be a lock. To secure the safety chain to the tongue to prevent theft of the tongue and preferably the towed vehicle, a securing chain and a locking chain are wrapped around the tongue to prevent withdrawal of the tongue free of the chains.

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque produced by a cylinder, includes two combination spline shaft members hingedly connected at the inward spline ends thereof to a double acting cylinder member within a shaft guided hollow tube member. Said combination spline shaft members are, operative reciprocatively and counter torsionally, against key embodied effectual connection members meshed thereon when, said cylinder member is reciprocatively enabled and said effectual connection members are firmly held.

Abstract: The invention is adapted for use on four wheel trailers that include strut supports for the axles. Each strut includes an extending tab between which are attached stabilizer bars connected to the front and rear struts on the same side. The stabilizer bars may be solid with a fixed clevis on each end or tubular with either fixed or adjustable clevises on each end. The stabilizing bars are attached with a connector pin passing through the clevis and the strut tab.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is proved with a retractable hitch mount and a retractable safety chain connector, both of which retract to provide a hitch assembly which conforms substantially to the contour of the towing vehicle body when the hitch assembly is not in use. The hitch mount is configured for retractable extension from a hitch base plate, providing a seat for a matching trailer mount. The safety chain connector is configured for retractable extension from the base plate, providing a seat for a trailer-connected safety chain. The hitch base plate attaches to the towing vehicle body, defining a support surface which is contoured substantially similar to the body contour of the towing vehicle. When the hitch mount and safety chain connector are retracted, the hitch assembly conforms generally to the body contour of the towing vehicle, minimizing any interference with the vehicle's use.

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 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.