Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball is provided. The assembly includes a housing with a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. A ball clamp is disposed within the interior of the coupler housing and is movable toward and away from the coupler socket. The ball clamp has a clamping portion that retains the hitch ball within the coupler socket with the ball clamp positioned toward the coupler socket in a hitch ball retention position. A guide ramp is disposed within the coupler housing rearward of the coupler socket. The guide ramp projects toward the ball clamp and slopes upward and forward toward the coupler socket. A lateral guide member is disposed on the ball clamp rearward of the guide ramp. The lateral guide member cooperates with the guide ramp surface to limit forward movement of the ball clamp into the coupler socket.

Abstract: A hitch includes a vertically extending trunk portion, a first limb horizontally extending from the trunk portion and a second limb horizontally extending from the trunk portion below the first limb.

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.

Abstract: An interchangeable hitch ball assembly that may be easily interchangeable with the hitch of a towing vehicle and that may prevent a trailer socket from being connected to the hitch ball prior to securing the hitch ball to the hitch bar. The hitch ball assembly may include a ball member, a body, a passageway, at least one locking member, an elongated member located within the passageway and biased toward the at least one locking member, and a plunger capable of being moved by the elongated member between a locked position and an unlocked or release position. The plunger may be moved toward the locking member to force at least a portion of the locking member outside of the body to lock the assembly. The plunger may be moved away from the locking member to allow the locking member to retreat into the body and unlock the assembly.

Abstract: A trailer hitch adapter that elevates the height of a trailer hitch to lower the rear edge of a trailer, thus allowing a safer entry by a motorcycle into the trailer.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided including a first coupling member or portion and second coupling member or portion where the second coupling member is configured to releasably engage the first coupling member. The second coupling member includes a locking sleeve or locking sleeve assembly slideably mounted on a cup body with the sleeve capable of being shifted toward an opening of the cup body to an unlocked position that permits insertion of the first coupling member into the second coupling member. The sleeve has an inner surface that covers and protects a fastening element positioned within bores of the cup body in both the locked and unlocked positions thereof. In one form, the locking sleeve assembly includes a locking device which restricts the sleeve from inadvertently shifting toward the unlocked position.

Abstract: A hitch device for a trailer mount is provided. The hitch device includes a mounting portion, a receiver sleeve receiving the mounting portion, wherein the receiver sleeve includes a cross-section having a quadrilateral shape. In one aspect, the mounting portion includes a plurality of walls, wherein each of the walls projects towards internal corners of the receiver sleeve. In another aspect, the walls includes a concave portion and a convex portion. In yet another aspect, a center distance between each of first center portions of a first pair of opposing walls is less than an edge distance between each of two first edge portions, and a second center distance between each of second center portions of a second pair of opposing walls is less than a second edge distance between each of two second edge portions.

Abstract: A tow hitch comprises an elongated tubular shank of rectangular cross-section having four side walls; and at least one tow ball mounted to an adjacent side wall of the shank with a mounting shank extending from a base of the tow ball through a first hole in the adjacent side wall and a second hole in a side wall opposite the adjacent side wall.

Abstract: A plant handling, tagging and shipping system includes a flood trailer towed by a cart for delivering potted plants from a grow site to a prepping station while also soaking the pots, an on-demand tag-printing system for printing plant tags based on customized client data, and a conveyor system that enables workers to trim, weed, clean, and tag the plants as they travel along the conveyor. This novel system and process for handling, tagging and shipping plants provides enormous efficiencies as compared with traditional processes.

Abstract: A hitch ball assembly attenuates the lateral forces experienced by a trailer while being towed by a tractor. A ball assembly has a flange with a neck extending upwardly therefrom and a hitch ball seated atop the neck. A wedge, having a pair of linear points, extends downwardly from the flange as does a threaded shank that passes through the wedge, the points being located on either side of the shank. The ball assembly is attached to a draw bar attached mount arm such that the shank passes through a bore in the mount arm with the points of the wedge seated within slots on an upper surface of the mount arm. A resilient bushing is received on the shank and abuts a lower surface of the mount arm, while a plate abuts the bushing, each held thereat by a locking nut threadably attached to an end of the shank.

Abstract: An interchangeable hitch ball assembly is provided having hitch post, a removable hitch ball, and a connector pin. The hitch post defines an annular groove proximate to the top end that is sized to receive spaced-apart prongs of the connector pin along opposing sides of the hitch post. Removable hitch ball defines a pin recess aligned with the annular groove of the hitch post. The user can remove the hitch ball by extracting the connector pin. In this manner, the user can utilize hitch balls of different sizes, as needed.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball has a housing with an interior that defines a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. A ball clamp is disposed within the interior of the coupler housing and is movable toward and away from the coupler socket. The ball clamp has a clamping portion that retains the hitch ball within the coupler socket with the ball clamp positioned toward the coupler socket in a hitch ball retention position. A guide ramp is disposed within the coupler housing rearward of the coupler socket. The guide ramp projects toward the ball clamp and slopes upward and forward toward the coupler socket. A lateral guide member is disposed on the ball clamp rearward of the guide ramp. The lateral guide member cooperates with the guide ramp surface to limit forward movement of the ball clamp into the coupler socket.

Abstract: A new and improved trailer coupler for connecting a trailer to a ball hitch mounted on a towing vehicle comprising a housing having a recessed socket, a retractable latching plate, a locking mechanism, an access port, a visual indicator, an alarm system for indicating coupling and decoupling, and a mechanical means to assist an operator to remotely attach and remove safety chains generally used in conjunction with trailers without need for the operator to climb into the truck bed.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: A hitch assembly comprises housing that includes a generally cylindrical socket with an inner diameter and a slot along an outer periphery of the socket. A hitch ball includes a base that is selectively received within the socket. The base includes a radial groove that generally aligns with the slot. A sliding member selectively engages the slot and the radial groove to retain the hitch ball within the socket.

Abstract: A fork lift hitch receiver has a trailer attachment side and a fork lift receiving side separated by an insert guard. Top, middle and bottom structural layers on the fork lift receiving side are provided with apertures which form a rod reception path. The fork lift receiving side is inserted into a receiving cavity of the forklift where an attachment rod of the forklift is inserted through the rod reception path. The insert guard covers the receiving cavity and assists in orienting the fork lift receiving side to a location within the cavity where the attachment rod can be inserted through the reception path. A guide path formed in the top layer on the receiving side of the fork lift hitch receiver further aids in guiding the attachment rod to the reception path. A ball and a ball support member are attached to the trailer attachment side.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for an adjustable trailer hitch which allows the ball to be adjustable laterally and longitudinally so that the tongue of the trailer can be can be more easily attached to the ball of the towing vehicle. A body portion is mounted on a slide-tube for insertion in a receiver-tube wherein the body portion has an interior pocket or space which allows the draw bar having the ball mounting thereon to move laterally inside the pocket along with a plurality of apertures so that the draw bar can be laterally adjusted using the apertures and a first locking pin. The slide-tube also has a longitudinal adjustment slot in it which allows it to slide longitudinally inside the receiver-tube wherein a second locking pin holds the slide-tube in the receiver-tube allowing the entire trailer hitch to be longitudinally adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer coupling dock theft-proof lock to prevent unauthorized coupling and hauling of a trailer during parking includes a locking dock, a coupling assembly and a lock assembly. The coupling assembly can be latched in a dome of a trailer coupling dock. By locking and unlocking of the lock assembly the coupling assembly can be retained or removed so that unauthorized towing of the trailer can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tow ball device adapted to connection to a tow bar of a vehicle having a substantially horizontal surface and a vertical aperture, the tow ball device including a solid ball with a shaft extending to a flange, the flange including an underside surface adapted to abut with the tow bar horizontal surface, and at least two upright, parallel flat surfaces to provide an engagement surface for a gripping tool above the tow bar. The tow ball device further includes a threaded shaft extending downwardly from the flange through said tow bar aperture, and a correspondingly threaded nut adapted for engagement with the threaded shaft below the tow bar when the flange is rotated using the gripping tool.

Abstract: A precision, light weight, high strength hitch for coupling a trailer or other vehicle to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes a mounting ball attached to a portion of the trailer or other vehicle and a ball socket attached to the towing vehicle. The mounting ball and the ball socket have compatible surfaces that permit seating of the two components regardless of the axial, transverse or longitudinal angular or rotational orientation of the two vehicles.

Abstract: The multi-task trailer hitch assembly of the present invention provides receiving tubes for the attachment of one or more trailer hitch-mounted receiver-type accessories while retaining a trailer hitch for pulling a trailer in the single hitch receiver provided on many trucks and ATVs. This permits the simultaneous use of multiple accessories while retaining the concurrent ability to tow. Multiple receiver tubes can be provided, both horizontal and vertical, and oriented not only toward the rear but also at right angles from the ball mount. This permits fastening one or more attachments from not only the rear but also from the top and inward from both sides toward the ball mount. Extra hitch ball mounts and other towing accessories may also be conveniently stored in the receiver tubes of the present invention while towing with a particular Class II or Class III hitch ball mount in the appropriate vehicle-mounted hitch receiver.

Abstract: An interchangeable hitch ball assembly is provided having hitch post, a removable hitch ball, and a connector pin. The hitch post defines an annular groove proximate to the top end that is sized to receive spaced-apart prongs of the connector pin along opposing sides of the hitch post. Removable hitch ball defines a pin recess aligned with the annular groove of the hitch post. The user can remove the hitch ball by extracting the connector pin. In this manner, the user can utilize hitch balls of different sizes, as needed.

Abstract: The multi-task trailer hitch assembly of the present invention provides receiving tubes for the attachment of one or more trailer hitch-mounted receiver-type accessories while retaining a trailer hitch for pulling a trailer in the single hitch receiver provided on many trucks and ATVs. This permits the simultaneous use of multiple accessories while retaining the concurrent ability to tow. Multiple receiver tubes can be provided, both horizontal and vertical, and oriented not only toward the rear but also at right angles from the ball mount. This permits fastening one or more attachments from not only the rear but also from the top and inward from both sides toward the ball mount. Extra hitch ball mounts and other towing accessories may also be conveniently stored in the receiver tubes of the present invention while towing with a particular Class II or Class III hitch ball mount in the appropriate vehicle-mounted hitch receiver.

Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a housing bracket having side members and a connecting member. A lower platform is attached to the housing bracket such that a cavity is formed between the lower platform and the connecting member. An L-shaped upper platform is configured to engage the cavity. A mounting bracket is connected to the housing bracket and has at least one adjustment aperture.

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 system is described for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer. The system includes a linear rocking member suspended between the towing vehicle and the trailer, a shock absorber between the linear rocking member and the vehicle, and a pendulum having a fulcrum connected to the vehicle and a swinging component rotationally connected to the linear rocking member, and a fastening device connecting the linear rocking member to the trailer to be towed.

Abstract: The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position.

Abstract: A trailer quick disconnect ball mount assembly provides a more secure, less cumbersome, more visible and better-fitting connection between the towing vehicle and trailer. The trailer quick disconnect ball mount assembly features a receiver housing with an angled sidewall that defines a tapered opening for rapid and precise alignment of the ball inside the receiver housing. The receiver housing, angled sidewall and fastening pins only cooperate only when the ball is correctly seated inside the receiver housing and also prevents accumulations of dust and dirt. The need for correctly seating the ball allows the user to instantly determine that the ball is securely connected to the receiver housing. A trailer quick disconnect ball mount system and a method for securely hitching a trailer with a quick disconnect ball mount assembly are also provided.

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: In some embodiments, a trailer dolly may include one or more of the following features: (a) a main body having a proximal and distal end, (b) an adjustable hitch operably coupled to the distal end of the main body, (c) at least one wheel operably coupled to the distal end of the main body, (d) an operator's handle coupled to the main body at the proximal end, (e) at least one grip coupled to the operator's handle, (f) a V-shaped support coupled to a lower side of the main body, (g) a hitch receiving aperture coupled to the distal end of the main body, (h) a support beam operably coupled to the main body at one end and the hitch receiving aperture at an opposite end, and (i) an axle coupled to the main body at the distal end and operably coupled to the at least one wheel.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball has a housing with an interior that defines a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. A ball clamp is disposed within the interior of the coupler housing and is movable toward and away from the coupler socket. The ball clamp has a clamping portion that retains the hitch ball within the coupler socket with the ball clamp positioned toward the coupler socket in a hitch ball retention position. A guide ramp is disposed within the coupler housing rearward of the coupler socket. The guide ramp projects toward the ball clamp and slopes upward and forward toward the coupler socket. A lateral guide member is disposed on the ball clamp rearward of the guide ramp. The lateral guide member cooperates with the guide ramp surface to limit forward movement of the ball clamp into the coupler socket.

Abstract: A ball hitch coupler permits self-latching with a ball hitch. The ball hitch coupler has a housing with a generally downwardly facing open socket for receiving a ball hitch. A ball clamp member within the open socket is attached to an adjustment lever by a clamp rod that extends through a top surface of the housing. A camming surface provided on the lever causes the clamp rod to pull the ball clamp member upwardly and outwardly from the socket as the lever is pivoted to an open position. When the lever is in a neutral ready position, a ball hitch may be inserted into the socket and will automatically be coupled with the ball hitch coupler without further adjustment.

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 trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: The hitch-mounted Lawn and Garden Tractor/ATV Accessory System provides an assembly for the attachment of one or more accessories, attachments, or implements to a lawn and garden tractor and/or ATV. The hitch-mounted support base of the accessory system accommodates the attachment of numerous accessories. With no restrictions to equipment brands and models, the accessory system is easily transferable from one equipment brand to the next as well as between lawn and garden tractors and ATVs, resulting in maximum versatility in accessory choice and use.

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.

Abstract: A control device for an articulated road train provided with a system for detecting pivoting and articulating angles between the central longitudinal axes of the tractor and a semi-trailer coupled thereto by a coupling pin during coupling and parking and/or a control device for an articulated road train provided with a system for detecting pivoting and articulating angles between the central longitudinal axes of a drawbar and a trailer which is coupled by the drawbar during coupling and parking. The system has a plurality of Hall sensors (21) arranged side-by-side on the arc of a circle and a constant magnet (30) interacting therewith in such a way that it acts on the nearest Hall sensor according to the radial position thereof, a required angle (?) being determined on the basis of the excited Hall sensor position.

Abstract: The maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly provides an assembly for securing a ball mount or other accessory shank to a receiver hitch on automotive vehicles, tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles equipped with a receiver-type hitch. As the shank of a hitch accessory or implement is inserted into a receiver, dual retractable hitch pins automatically engage the receiver when the pins align with the two hitch-pin apertures in the receiver tube, thereby securing the ball mount/accessory's shank to the vehicle's receiver. A shank end cap shields the hitch pin assembly's internal components from dirt and/or rust particles, and the end cap also serves as an innovative and useful alignment aid when inserting the shank into a vehicle's receiver.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for tractive vehicles, in particular agricultural tractors, consisting of two vertical guidance cheeks (7), fitted with lateral spacing to the rear of the vehicle, the guidance cheeks including vertical slots (7a) and a bearing member (11) held detachably at the lower end region of the guidance cheeks, on which a coupling member (12) is arranged for attaching an implement. In the case of a prior art trailer coupling, all forces transmitted from the attached implement to the coupling member used, a ball coupling (12) for example, are conducted via the bearing member (11) into the guidance cheeks (7). Thus this involves the undesirable necessity of having to dimension the guidance cheeks in a robust manner, which in turn leads to space problems within the tail end region of the vehicle. Therefore a trailer coupling is to be created which reduces the load on the guidance cheeks (7), when the forces of the attached implement are conducted into the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball includes a coupler housing with an interior that defines a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. The coupler housing also includes a sight hole that communicates with the coupler socket and allows a user to see into the coupler socket to confirm proper engagement of the hitch ball and coupler.

Abstract: The Multi-Function Anti-Rotational/Anti-Theft Hitch Ball Assembly of the present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotational hitch ball mechanism that can also serve as an anti-theft hitch ball mechanism and can further simultaneously function as an attachment method for securing additional hitch accessories to the ball mount. The invention provides an engagement method for interlocking the hitch ball with the ball mount preventing rotation of the hitch ball relative to the ball mount. The interlocking engagement assembly may also be locked in place preventing the hitch ball from being removed from the ball mount if the hitch ball fastener is removed. In addition, a component of the assembly can serve as an attachment method for securing additional accessories to the ball mount.

Abstract: A precision, light weight, high strength hitch for coupling a trailer or other vehicle to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes a mounting ball attached to a portion of the trailer or other vehicle and a ball socket attached to the towing vehicle. The mounting ball and the ball socket have compatible surfaces that permit seating of the two components regardless of the axial, transverse or longitudinal angular or rotational orientation of the two vehicles.

Abstract: A high-load drawbar eye (1) with a hitch socket (2) which is open about the rim for receiving a matching hitch ball (7), a hitch arm (3) and a hitch flange (4), includes a hold-down device (5) which cooperates with the hitch socket (2), for realizing a compact hitch connection with a hitch apparatus having a hitch ball.

Abstract: An interchangeable hitch ball assembly that may be easily interchangeable with the hitch of a towing vehicle and that may prevent a trailer socket from being connected to the hitch ball prior to securing the hitch ball to the hitch bar. The hitch ball assembly may include a ball member, a body, a passageway, at least one locking member, an elongated member located within the passageway and biased toward the at least one locking member, and a plunger capable of being moved by the elongated member between a locked position and an unlocked or release position. The plunger may be moved toward the locking member to force at least a portion of the locking member outside of the body to lock the assembly. The plunger may be moved away from the locking member to allow the locking member to retreat into the body and unlock the assembly.

Abstract: A trailer hitching machine including a trailer hitch with a ratcheting pulley system, and support plates cooperating in mechanical linkage to provide a hitch ball with additional rearward extension and sideways sweep.

Abstract: The vehicle hitch assembly disclosed herein provides a system and method for modifying a vehicle such as, for example, a performance car, to haul or tow a load. As disclosed herein, the system and method provides an aesthetically pleasing towing assembly that cooperates with the vehicle frame to allow a performance vehicle to tow or haul a load. In one embodiment, a vehicle hitch assembly includes a hitch mounting bracket having a support sleeve, the hitch mounting bracket sized to cooperate with a cavity provided within a vehicle facia. The assembly further includes a hitch adaptor fixedly coupled to the hitch mounting bracket and sized to removably engage a mounting passage provided within the vehicle facia, and a mounting plate configured to removably engage the support sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is a hitching system for attaching a trailer to a tractor. The tractor includes a frame, a front axle, and rear axle. The trailer includes a frame and a gooseneck arm extending from the frame. A hitch-receiver pair is provided to fixedly attach the trailer to the tractor. One of the hitch and the receiver is attached to the gooseneck arm, and the other of the hitch and the receiver is attached to the tractor frame above and ahead of the rear axle. The hitch is configured to freely rotate with respect to the receiver by freely pivoting, pitching, and oscillating.

Abstract: This invention is related to a retractable hitch-ball mechanism adapted for coupling to a frame of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The mechanism includes a support structure that is secured to the frame by a mounting-frame assembly, a housing having a tubular sleeve, a hitch ball member slidably disposed within the tubular sleeve, a drive plate, and a linkage coupled to the drive plate at one end and having a user-engageable portion at an opposed end. Upon a user exerting force on the opposed end, the hitch ball member is selectively movable between an extended use position, wherein a portion of the hitch ball member extends upwardly from the tubular sleeve, and a retracted storage position, wherein the ball portion is substantially hidden. Selective adjustment is facilitated by an inclined edge on the drive plate that slidably engages at least a portion of the hitch ball member.

Abstract: A rigid trailer hitch is disclosed that uses pressure produced by a wedge into force against trailer hitch receiver walls, while still retaining a retaining pin as a backup. The wedge can be driven by rotary force translated through a compound miter or a split wedge across a retaining pin.

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.