If you're considering buying a camper, utility, or equipment trailer, you'll need more than just a trailer hitch. In fact, you might be surprised at the complexity and variety of the towing components required to attach a new trailer to your vehicle. Since 1992, Smith Trailers and Equipment, Inc. of Cincinnati, OH, has been renting and selling high-quality trailers for every purpose, as well as trailer hitches, axles, brake shoes, and other towing accessories. Whether you need to transport your boat, skid steer, or a utility trailer with a load of junk to the scrapyard, their experts offer every trailer towing component you could need.

Below are five of the most common towing components you'll encounter:

• Trailer Hitch: The trailer hitch is the apparatus that mounts to the vehicle. A sticker should indicate the maximum trailer weight it can pull, as well as the maximum tongue weight (or downward pushing weight).
• Ball Mount: The ball mount attaches to the towing hitch and supports the hitch ball. Ball mounts come in different rating classes, each of which fit different hitch sizes, weight requirements and position the hitch ball at the proper height for the trailer.
• Hitch Ball: The hitch ball attaches to the ball mount and attaches the trailer to the vehicle by slipping into the trailer coupler.  To select the right hitch ball, you need to know the gross trailer weight, the trailer coupler size, and the ball mount hole diameter.
• Safety Chains: The safety chains secure the trailer to the tow vehicle in case of emergencies. They should only be long enough to allow tight turns, and should not drag on the ground.
• Trailer Wiring & Brake Controls: The trailer wiring connects the trailer's brake lights, taillights, turn signals, and electric brakes to the vehicle. That way, signals can be sent to activate the appropriate lights or engage the electric brakes on the trailer.

Smith Trailers and Equipment—the leading hitch installation, trailers sales, rentals and service in Cincinnati, OH—has been in business for over two decades. No matter what experience you have, their professional team will help you tow a trailer quickly, safely, and affordably. Visit Smith Trailers and Equipment, Inc. online to learn more, or call (513) 755-2497 to speak with a friendly expert about your towing needs.