Abstract: A slidable trailer hitch apparatus comprises a trailer hitch head operable to receive a cooperating portion of a trailer, the trailer hitch head adapted to be slidable and rotatable relative to the vehicle about an axis of rotation, first and second parallel spaced part guides fixedly located relative to the vehicle, and a body affixed to and rotatable with the trailer hitch head, the body having a center of rotation about the axis and a distal surface adapted to engage either of the first or second guides when the body is rotated relative to the first and second guides. The engagement of the distal surface upon either of the first or second guides displaces the center of the body and the trailer hitch head parallel to the first or second guide when the trailer hitch head is rotated relative to the first and second guides.

Abstract: A height adjustable multiple implement mounting system for use with off-road vehicles such as zero-turn lawnmowers. A mount assembly is secured at a forward portion of the vehicle. A space frame extends from the mount assembly and supports one or more ground care implements at a location forward of the vehicle. An electric actuator has a first end that is pivotably connected to the mount assembly and a second end that is attached to the space frame. Operation of the actuator alters the elevation of the implement such that the implement can be moved between in-use and out-of-use positions relative to a ground surface. In a preferred aspect, the mount assembly allows lateral or side-to-side rotation of the space frame and actuator so that the implement can be laterally inclined or pitched with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assisting a driver of a towing vehicle to reverse the vehicle into alignment and proximity with a trailer, so that the towing vehicle and the trailer can be easily hitched together. The invention includes a detachable alignment system with a signal device to show a stop point via side mirrors to the driver while he is reversing the vehicle toward the trailer. The invention includes two complementary units respectively releasably attached to the vehicle and trailer, each unit having equal-length transverse support beams that respectively extend beyond the sides of the vehicle and trailer and that have visible markers depending from their distal ends, whereby the markers are visible to the driver via the side view mirrors.

Abstract: An apparatus that guides a trailer tongue onto a trailer hitching ball with minimal assistance is herein disclosed. The apparatus forms a general “V”-shape with the open part of the “V” facing outward from the rear of the tow vehicle, and the closed part of the “V” being adjacent to the hitch ball itself. The apparatus allows the driver to reverse the tow vehicle up the trailer and the self-guiding nature of the device will guide the trailer hitch toward the hitch ball where it stops once centered over the ball. At this point the user can exit the tow vehicle and lower the trailer onto the hitch in a conventional manner. Also, the “V”-shaped portion of the apparatus is detachable and can be detached by pulling the restraining pin and removing. In such a manner, the user is unencumbered by the “V”-shaped guide during regular driving activities.

Abstract: A hitch device assembly having a lift and alignment guide that is moveably positioned relative to a ball. The guide is moveably connected to a hitch having a ball connected thereto. The guide includes a top wall having an opening and a pair of side wall that extend downward from the top wall. The opening cooperates with the ball such that the guide is movable between an up position wherein the ball is not exposed, and a down position wherein the ball is exposed for engagement with a towable device. A number of cams extend from the hitch and cooperate with respective channels formed in the side walls of the guide. The ball opening and the respective channels and cams are positioned such that the guide cooperates with the tongue of a towable device in a manner that guides the tongue forward and downward into position over the ball.

Abstract: A device for bringing the separated truck and trailer borne elements of a goose neck hitch arrangement fully into position for completing the mating of the two elements without requiring the vehicle operator to leave the vehicle; and then for completing the mating of the elements and locking the hitch into place with the vehicle. An open bottomed receiver well is located in the tow vehicle bed. The trailer borne hitch section that drops into the receiver well comprises a funnel shaped member having a rod shaped probe as its lower end. The rod shaped probe, dependent from the goose neck trailer tongue is used to visually align the hitch over the receiver well as the truck is backed beneath it. The driver then exits and the probe serves to guide the hitch into the receiver well as the trailer tongue is lowered toward the truck bed following which a pair of lock pins are used to complete the hitching.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maneuvering a trailer having jockey wheel assembly comprising a ground engaging wheel (33) rotatably mounted on an axle (34). The apparatus comprising a link member (20) which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on the jockey wheel assembly adjacent the axle (34) and a lever assembly (10) removably securable to said link (20) and adapted to engage a peripheral surface (39) of said wheel (33), whereby movement of said lever (10) rotates said wheel (33).

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool to help move and connect a tractor trailer dolly to the lead trailer in a safe, easy and efficient manner. The dolly jockey is a bar about three feet long with lips at the bottom to connect to the safety chain mounting ring on the rear of trailers. The bar has one or more hooks that connect to a chain with a hook at the end. The chain is connected between the dolly and the bar. The bar is used as a pry bar to pull the trailer towards the lead trailer. The bar can also be used to pry the front of the dolly from side to side in order to line it up with the lead trailer hitch.

Abstract: A hitch mounting assisting system includes a hitch and a hitch connector. A housing is removably mounted on the hitch. The housing has an opening therein. A tether has a free end extending through the opening and removably coupled to the hitch connector. A shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing. A first switch and a second switch are mounted in the housing. The shaft actuates the first switch when the shaft rotates in a first direction and actuates second switch when the shaft rotates in a second direction. The tether rotates the shaft in the first or second directions relative to a direction of misalignment between the hitch and hitch connector. A display screen is in communication with the first and second switches. The display screen indicates required movement of the hitch relative to the hitch connector to align the hitch and the hitch connector.

Abstract: A self-locking universal trailer hitch comprising a hitch receiver, a bar and a pivoting second receiver, wherein the hitch receiver is secured to a towing vehicle, and wherein the bar is removably secured to the hitch receiver, and wherein the second receiver comprises a locking mechanism to removably secure the pivoting second receiver to the bar. The self-locking universal trailer hitch is utilized by securing a trailer to a towing vehicle by obtaining a towing vehicle with a first hitch receiver and a universal trailer hitch with a second hitch receiver, a bar and a pivoting second receiver having a locking mechanism, inserting the bar into the pivoting second hitch receiver, locking the bar to the second hitch receiver, inserting the bar into the second receiver and locking the bar to the second receiver via the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An electronically controlled tow hitch assembly for a vehicle is provided which has a controller for locking and unlocking the assembly. The assembly has a locking unit with a receiving aperture into which a connector attached to a flange for holding a load or trailer is inserted. The locking unit has a locking shaft that extends through the aperture of the unit and passes through a groove in the wall of the aperture and an aligned groove in the connector for locking. An electric motor with a reduction gearbox is utilized to lock and unlock the connector from the locking unit. A spring loaded safety pin is used for locking the locking shaft with the tip of the safety pin entering the aperture and locking the locking shaft in position. The locking unit has an activation switch that determines when the connector has been fully inserted into the unit. The controller will only control the motor to lock the locking shaft when activated by the activation switch.

Abstract: A positioning guide for aiding connection of a fifth wheel towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, where the fifth wheel towed vehicle has a pin box assembly. A mirror is secured to a cover for the pin box assembly, the mirror being located at an orientation so that it is visible from the towing vehicle when the cover is attached to the pin box assembly. The mirror may be convex and located in a cowl forming part of a cover.

Abstract: The invention is a trailer tongue alignment accessory that attaches to the tongue of the trailer. The invention includes a mounting assembly, three lighted posts, and position sensing means. The position sensing means comprises a laser projector that is attached to the mounting assembly, and a reflector that is attached to the trailer hitch.

Abstract: An alignment mechanism for aligning the ball with the socket of trailer hitch comprised of a ball portion attached to a towing vehicle and a socket portion attached to a trailer. The alignment mechanism has an alignment body that is cylindrical-shaped having an outer wall, an upper face, a lower face, and a circular opening passing through the center of the body. The circular opening has a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the socket. The upper face has a U-shaped slot and a wedge-shaped slot, the slots being adapted to receive the outer end of the socket portion. The lower face has a truncated conical surface extending upwardly and inwardly between the outer wall of the alignment body and the circular opening. A stop member extends downwardly from the truncated conical surface.

Abstract: A storage and carrying rack for a military hitching apparatus. This carrying rack allows for the quick hitching and unhitching of various trailers, cannon, and other military equipment that are towed on wheels.

Abstract: A trailer backup alignment guide apparatus (10) is taught for aligning a vehicle hitch ball (20) to a trailer coupler (22) for attachment therebetween. The apparatus consists of a vehicle ball mount (28) incorporating a ball mounting strap (36) encompassing a vehicle ball. A vehicle mast (58) is disposed within the hitch ball mount in a vertical position. A trailer hitch coupler mount (62) is attached to the trailer which includes an L-shaped base block (64) with a telescoping trailer mast (68) in a vertical position parallel with the vehicle mast. A coupler mounting strap (70) is attached to and circumvents the coupler mount.

Abstract: A hitch assembly comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element suited to be latched to the first coupling element. A rod member has a first end connected to the first coupling element. An actuator has a movable output member that can move between a retracted and an extended position.

Abstract: Provided is a hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle licensed to navigate public roadways. The hitch includes a base member to be coupled adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle, and a first support member portion coupled transversely to the elongated shank and extending outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A first arm is telescopically adjustable relative to the support member and supports a first connector provided adjacent to a distal end thereof. The first gimbal connector is cooperable with a first trailer connector to establish a linkage with first trailer connector. A second support member portion is coupled to the base member and extends outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A second connector is supported adjacent to a distal end of the second support member and is also cooperable with a second trailer connector to establish a linkage with the second trailer connector.

Abstract: Towing adjustment and coupling techniques may include a retentive lateral trailer adjustment device of a trailer (1) configured to provide lateral adjustment of the trailer (1). In some embodiments, a trailer (1) may include a coupler element (3) and at least one retentive lateral adjustment device configured to provide adjustment in a lateral direction (8) of the coupler element (3). Embodiments may have configurations directed to couplers such as a gooseneck hitch, a fifthwheel hitch, and a pull-type or tongue hitch. Embodiments may also provide a fore-aft position indicator (44) with or without a fore-aft position sensor (50) through which proper positioning of a source of tow power (54) relative to a trailer (1) may be facilitated in a fore-aft direction (7). Corresponding methods are included as embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A trailer connection assist system includes a towing vehicle having a hitch receiver, a trailer having a trailer hitch, a system controller, a position sensor provided on the hitch receiver and the trailer hitch and communicating with the system controller, a vehicle motor of the towing vehicle interfacing with the system controller, vehicle wheels of the towing vehicle interfacing with the vehicle motor and a steering system connected to the system controller and the vehicle wheels and adapted to steer the vehicle wheels. The system controller is adapted to operate the vehicle motor and the steering system responsive to input from the position sensor. A method of aligning a hitch with a hitch receiver provided on a towing vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hitch support system for relieving a portion of the weight placed upon a rear end of a vehicle. The hitch support system includes a connecting structure for connecting to a hitch unit of a vehicle and for receiving a receiver, a vertical member adjustably connected to the connecting structure, and a wheel rotatably connected to a lower end of the vertical member. When the connecting structure is connected to the hitch unit of a vehicle, the wheel supports the extra weight of the vehicle or the extra weight of a trailer attached to the receiver.

Abstract: An assembly 10 which may be selectively and removably attached to a selectively movable assembly, such as a vehicle 90 and which provides the driver 94 of the selectively movable assembly 90 with an image of the trailer connection portion 99 of the selectively movable assembly 90 as the selectively movable assembly 90 is moved toward a trailer 102.

Abstract: A hitch system for interconnecting a trailer to a tow vehicle, wherein the tow vehicle includes a hitch ball centered about a medial axis. The hitch system includes an elongate extension coupling having a proximal end portion rotatably mountable to the trailer and extending toward a distal end portion that is movably mountable to the hitch ball, and an anti-yaw mounting assembly for interfacing the extension coupling to the hitch ball such that the distal end portion is restricted from rotating about the medial axis.

Abstract: A system for assisting the alignment of a hitch pin mounted on the rear of a vehicle with a hitch socket mounted on the front of a trailer. The system includes a camera mounted to the vehicle and positioned to capture an image rearwardly of the vehicle. A video display is contained within the vehicle which displays the image captured by the camera. A processor is also contained in the vehicle which calculates a preferred path of travel of the vehicle to position the hitch pin in alignment with the hitch socket. The processor is programmed to provide instructions to an operator of the vehicle of the required steering to maintain the vehicle on the preferred path of travel. The processor recalculates the preferred path of travel whenever the vehicle veers from the preferred path of travel by a preset threshold.

Abstract: A probe-operated guide is provided with battery-powered lights on a pole, such that a driver can attach a trailer to a vehicle without help from another person. The guide is mounted directly above the trailer cup on a trailer, and the lights on the guide can be adjusted in height and orientation to achieve the optimum visibility for the driver from most viewing angles. A direction light on the guide can be switched on, so that when backing up the driver can align it with a small light placed in the center-back of the vehicle. A directional probe on the guide can also be adjusted to turn on a second light on the guide when the vehicle is in position for attaching the trailer cup to a trailer hitch on the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle, the driver switches off, removes, and stores the guide and attaches the trailer to the vehicle.

Abstract: A camper alignment system for use in guiding a pickup under a camper for loading of the camper uses a light source and a target for alignment. The pickup has a pickup cab and a pickup bed having a bed length. The camper has a camper front portion and a camper base. There is a light source capable of emitting a beam of light in the visible light spectrum when in operation. The light source is affixed on the camper front. There is a beam target disposed along the bed length. The beam target is substantially perpendicular with respect to the rear edge of the pickup bed. When the beam of light is substantially parallel to and projecting on the beam target, the pickup can be safely backed up toward the camper front portion and under the camper base for transport of the camper with the pickup.

Abstract: A hitch coupling features a hitch ball receiving socket, a guide body connected thereto and a mounting body extending from the guide body at an end opposite the socket. The guide body features two generally vertical side walls horizontally spaced apart adjacent the socket and diverging horizontally away therefrom and a ramping surface defined between the two generally vertical side walls extending upward away from the mounting body toward the socket. The sloped ramping surface encourages mating of the hitch and socket under the weight of a trailer. A rear wall of the socket extends downward toward the ramping surface to block inadvertent withdrawal of a hitch ball. When the coupling is not in use, access to the socket can be blocked by a unique anti-theft device that is removable to avoid interference with subsequent use of the sloped ramping surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a trailer hitch and receiver includes an elongated channel or tube defining an angle, such that when the trailer is tilted back for hitching, the upper tube is substantially vertically aligned. A rubber tipped rod extends from the lower tube and contacts the vehicle when the vehicle draws near the trailer. As the rod is pushed into the lower tube, a connecting rod drives an actuator or indicating rod upwards. A calibration tube is slid over the upper tube, and is aligned along the upper tube to expose a brightly colored painted region on the indicating rod at the point where the receiver and hitch are aligned one above the other. Alternatively, the calibration tube moves a series of switches up or down, whereby the actuator is pushed by the rod to contact the switches successively to indicate the approach to and arrival at a hitching position, by the illumination of electric lights, and or by activation of an audible signal.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the backing of a vehicle to couple a hitch and trailer, the system including one or more cameras providing visual images to the vehicle driver to assist in backing the vehicle and making the coupling.

Abstract: Variations of a tow coupling system are disclosed. In one variation, a coupler guide having at least one side panel configured to guide a coupler to a desired position with respect to a ball of a tow vehicle, also includes a top panel, rear panel, or intermediate panel. In one variation, the tow coupling system includes a coupler guide having at least one side panel which is configured such that a bottom side thereof will be positioned above an operatively connected ball. In one variation, the tow system includes an apparatus for operatively connecting a coupler to a ball of a tow vehicle, including a rod which is operatively connected to both the coupler and a vertical adjustment device which acts upon the rod to raise and lower the coupler. A tow coupling kit including both a coupler guide and an apparatus for connecting to a ball of a tow vehicle is also disclosed, as is a method of manufacturing a tow coupling system.

Abstract: A three-way hitch assembly for a tractor-type vehicle, such as an ATV/UTV, is designed facilitates the attachment of multiple accessory devices to the vehicle. The hitch assembly includes: (a) a receiver portion adapted to be attached to a vehicle, said receiver portion having a profiled opening for receiving a drawbar portion; (b) a drawbar portion having a matching profile to said receiver portion and adapted to be inserted in the receiver portion in one of a plurality of orientations as required for a particular application; (c) means for retaining the drawbar portion in the receiver portion in said one orientation; (d) a hook attached to one side of the drawbar portion adapted to receive a tow chain or strap; (e) a pintle attached to one side of the drawbar portion adapted to receive a pin/pintle attachment accessory; and (f) a trailer ball attached to one side of the drawbar portion adapted to receive a trailer hitch mount.

Abstract: A collapsible patient supporting carrier configured as either a backboard or a stretcher for being pulled or towed behind a person, animal or vehicle, such as a bicycle, motorcycle, snow mobile or jet ski. The carrier comprises a plurality of support sections interconnected by connecting mechanisms that are configured to selectively place the carrier in a collapsed condition having a support surface for carrying medical supplies or an extended condition for transporting an injured person. Each support section is made up of a frame and one or more support members, such as a rigid plate or a somewhat flexible material, attached to the frame. The forward end of the carrier has a tow connector member to connect to a tow member for towing. Transport members, such as wheels, skis or a floatation member, are operatively connected near the second end of the carrier to facilitate movement over a surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device (1) for tractive vehicles or similar. Said device comprises a frame (2), a coupling ball (3) and a retaining element (4). According to the invention, the frame (2) is equipped with a guide (21) and a carriage element (5) is displaceably mounted in said guide (21). The coupling operation is carried out by a sliding motion of the carriage element (5).

Abstract: A mirror is mounted on the tailgate of a truck and is oriented to reflect the tailgate target to the rear view mirror of the truck whereby a driver can align a trailer and the tailgate.

Abstract: A device for detecting the support load with which a tongue of a trailer vehicle acts on a tractor vehicle. The device includes a first coupling element, a second coupling element that can be detachably connected to the first coupling element, and with a sensor arranged between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The sensor is designed to detect the vertical force component acting between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The first coupling element is pivotably connected to the tongue or the tractor vehicle such as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot shaft. The first coupling element is also connected to the second coupling element such as to be movable about an axis running parallel to the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A trailer of the type that is intended to be towed with a towing vehicle has a trailer body with an elevated front portion. The towing vehicle has a vehicle hitch assembly, and the trailer body has an elevated front portion, with a mounting arrangement extending downward from beneath the front portion. A reflector is integral with the front portion of the trailer body. The reflector faces forward and downward such that the driver of the towing vehicle may view the reflection of the vehicle hitch assembly and the mounting arrangement extending from the trailer body as the towing vehicle is backed up. This facilitates positioning the towing vehicle for connection to said trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other examples associated with a hitch ball coupler are described herein. In one example, a coupler includes a body and a cap. The body and cap are pivotally connected on a first end. The body includes a first recess and a shoulder. The cap is selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. The cap includes a second recess that selectively forms a socket with the first recess, and an arm extending from a second end that engages the shoulder when the cap is in the open position.

Abstract: A hitch assistance system including a tow ball position indicator; wherein the tow ball position indicator includes a base member having a gripping member, a bias member, and an extension member. The tow ball position indicator also includes a telescoping staff coupled to the extension member and an indicating member. The system includes a hitch position indicator configured to facilitate knowing a position of a hitch, wherein the hitch position indicator includes a base member configured to couple to a hitch. The base member includes a coupling member, a flared extension extending upwardly and outwardly, and a bias member, wherein the bias member is configured to bias the arms against contraction such that the flared extensions of the coupling member is disposed within an interior of a hitch and thereby couple thereto. The base member includes an extension member, a telescoping staff, and an indicator includes an indicating member.

Abstract: A positioning guide for aiding connection of a fifth wheel towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, where the fifth wheel towed vehicle has a pin box assembly. A mirror is secured to a cover for the pin box assembly, the mirror being located at an orientation so that it is visible from the towing vehicle when the cover is attached to the pin box assembly. The mirror may be convex and located in a cowl forming part of a cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assisting a driver of a towing vehicle to reverse the vehicle into alignment and proximity with a trailer, so that the towing vehicle and the trailer can be easily hitched together. The invention includes a detachable alignment system with a signal device to show a stop point via side mirrors to the driver while he is reversing the vehicle toward the trailer. The invention includes two complementary units respectively releasably attached to the vehicle and trailer, each unit having equal-length transverse support beams that respectively extend beyond the sides of the vehicle and trailer and that have visible markers depending from their distal ends, whereby the markers are visible to the driver via the side view mirrors.

Abstract: A hitch release system for releasing the locked engagement of a hitch, the hitch having a manually operable release bar coupled to a locking mechanism, the hitch release system includes a selectively actuatable power assist system, the power assist system being releasably, operably coupled to the release bar, wherein actuation of the power assist system acts to translate the release bar in a first axial direction, such translation acting to release the locking mechanism. A method of release is further included.

Abstract: A device to hasten the process of attaching a trailer, primarily a gooseneck variety, to a towing vehicle. The invention temporarily snaps on the towing ball of the vehicle and, when contacted with the trailer tongue, is activated and partially lowered. This action is observed by the vehicle driver and indicates a quick and sure position for attachment.

Abstract: An automatic locking trailer hitch comprising a housing having a first portion adapted to be connected to the tongue of a draft vehicle and a second portion forming a socket for receipt of a ball member, a trigger assembly responsive to a ball entering a socket to move a keeper assembly and a locking assembly to maintain said keeper assembly in a locked position relative to the ball.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step for use in allowing a user to access a vehicle is provided. The retractable vehicle step includes a mounting bracket that can be configured for attachment with a trailer hitch receiver of the vehicle. A pair of arms are provided and are pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. The pair of arms are movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A step is carried by the pair of arms. The step is configured for being stepped on by the user to access the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer of the type that is intended to be towed with a towing vehicle has a trailer body with an elevated front portion. The towing vehicle has a vehicle hitch assembly, and the trailer body has an elevated front portion, with a mounting arrangement extending downward from beneath the front portion. A reflector is integral with the front portion of the trailer body. The reflector faces forward and downward such that the driver of the towing vehicle may view the reflection of the vehicle hitch assembly and the mounting arrangement extending from the trailer body as the towing vehicle is backed up. This facilitates positioning the towing vehicle for connection to said trailer.

Abstract: The present invention is used to align the holes of a 3 pint hitch implement with a primary device, for example, a tractor. Many times the points of attachment between the implement and the primary device are difficult to align for easy insertion of a hitch pin. The present invention is a system and a method to utilize an alignment tool which is tapered on one end and with an indentation on the other end for inserting a tip of the hitch pin. The tool is inserted into the hitch pin holes of the implement and the primary device allowing for the manipulation of the holes with the tapered portion and finely aligning the holes and finally pushing the alignment tool through the holes with said hitch pin.

Abstract: An improved jack assembly for use with a trailer tongue of a towed vehicle. The jack assembly including telescoping height adjustment of the assembly, a pivot assembly for pivoting between a vertical and horizontal stowed position, and a clip for maintaining a handle assembly in a stowed position when not in use. The jack assembly also includes the use of bushings for the telescoping tubes to enhance the sliding movement between the tubes and aid in maintaining the axial alignment of the tubes thereby extending the life of the jack assembly. The pivot assembly further includes an attachment bracket that may be rotated to accommodate at least two different sizes of trailer tongues.

Abstract: The hitch step assembly has a platform securable to a hitch bar and pivotable from a storage position to a stepping position with respect to the hitch bar. The platform is preferably substantially planar and parallel to the length of the hitch bar at the stepping position. The platform is pivotable to the storage position that exposes a ball mount assembly connected to the hitch bar. Walls extending downward from the platform to substantially enclose the ball mount assembly and prevent its exposure as a trip hazard during use of the hitch step. A locking pin is provided that maintains the platform at the storage position or the stepping position.

Abstract: A trailer hitch having an adjustable hitch bar for coupling with a tow vehicle and a front member coupled with the adjustable hitch bar. A rear member couples with a trailer frame and a yoke couples between the rear member and the trailer frame. Converging links connect between the front member and the rear member, whereby the angular position between the front member and the rear member can be varied. The converging links effectively move the pivot point between the tow vehicle and trailer forward of the hitch assembly.

Abstract: A roll coupling assembly includes a roll torque transfer structure and an alignment mechanism. The torque transfer structure includes- a first load bearing structure mountable to the rear of the tow vehicle, and a second load bearing structure mountable to the front of the trailer drawbar. Corresponding first and second load bearing surfaces cooperate so as to releasably mate with one another for towing of the trailer behind the tow vehicle. The bearing surfaces are distributed across a substantially planar interface between the rear of the tow vehicle and the front of the trailer drawbar so as to distribute to the tow vehicle torque imparted to the drawbar by relative rolling motion between the trailer and tow vehicle. The coupling alignment mechanism adjusts the relative orientation of the first and second load bearing surfaces so as to align them for mating to one another.