Towing

Commonly Asked Towing Questions

Towing a trailer can be a great way to transport items such as boats, RVs, or furniture. Many industry professionals even utilize towing every day. However, if you’re new to towing, it can be a bit intimidating. It’s always important to understand what you’re doing and how you can stay safe on the road. There are many questions that people have when it comes to towing, and in this blog post, we’ll address the most commonly asked towing questions.

What kind of vehicle do I need to tow a trailer?

To tow a trailer, you need a vehicle that is rated to tow the weight of the trailer you’re planning to use. To identify if your vehicle can tow a trailer, look for a vehicle with a towing capacity that exceeds the weight of your loaded trailer. Check your vehicle’s owner manual for its towing capacity or consult with a dealership for guidance.

What kind of hitch do I need?

The type of hitch you need depends on the weight of your trailer and the towing capacity of your vehicle. There are five classes of hitches, and each one is rated for a specific weight range. Ensure that your hitch is rated for the weight of your trailer and that it is installed correctly.

How do I load my trailer properly?

You need to load your trailer so that the weight is evenly distributed. Place the heaviest items over the trailer’s axles and ensure that the weight is balanced from side to side. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the load as you go to maintain balance.

How do I adjust my driving when towing?

Towing changes the way your vehicle handles, so you need to adjust your driving accordingly. Keep a greater distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Slow down when going around corners, and be aware of your trailer’s sway.

Do I need a special driver’s license to tow a trailer?

The requirements vary by state, but most states do not require a special driver’s license for towing a trailer. However, if your trailer exceeds a certain weight, you may need to obtain a commercial driver’s license.

What should I do if my trailer starts to sway?

Trailer sway can be dangerous, and you should reduce trailer sway when possible. However, it may happen, so you need to know how to handle it. If your trailer starts to sway, gently apply the brakes on your vehicle and steer straight ahead. Do not try to turn the steering wheel sharply, as this can make the sway worse.

How often should I check my trailer’s brakes?

It’s important to check your trailer’s brakes before each trip to ensure that they are working correctly. You should also have them inspected by a professional at least once a year.

What kind of maintenance does my trailer need?

Your trailer requires regular maintenance, including checking the tire pressure, inspecting the brakes and lights, and ensuring that the hitch is secure. You should also have your trailer serviced regularly by a professional to ensure that it’s in good condition.

Towing a trailer requires some knowledge and preparation, but it can be a safe and enjoyable way to transport items. By understanding the basics of towing and taking the necessary precautions, you can have a successful towing experience.

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GEN-Y Hitch Limited Lifetime Warranty

This Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in the materials or workmanship of All GEN-Y manufactured products and is limited to the repair or replacement of the product by GEN-Y Hitch. The decision as to whether the solution is replacement or repair shall be at GEN-Y Hitch’s sole determination. This Limited Lifetime Warranty is provided only to the original purchaser and applies only to the original installation.

TORSION-FLEX Hitches

All rubber components for TORSION-FLEX Hitches are assured for 5 years from the date the unit was purchased.

Click HERE to purchase a TORSION-FLEX Lifetime Warranty  

This Limited Lifetime Warranty Warranty is expressly IN LIEU of any other express warranty and is further IN LIEU of any implied warranty, including, but not limited to, any implied WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE except as may otherwise be required by applicable Federal or State law at the time the hitch was manufactured.

This Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover the following:

  • normal wear and tear 
  • the finish on the product  →  wear around the shank of the hitch, the ball mount & the pintle saddle is inevitable and should be expected with normal use of the hitch due to metal on metal contact from trailer couplers / lunette rings
  • replacement of the product by any person or entity other than GEN-Y Hitch
  • any consequential or incidental damages including, but not limited to: commercial loss, loss of time, loss or damage to personal property, lodging, meals or other related travel costs or any other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of the product, the inability to use the product or for any other reasonable delay in performance under this Lifetime Warranty
  • service or labor charges for:
    • installing the product 
    • removing the product
    • returning the product to GEN-Y Hitch or replacing the product by anyone other than GEN-Y Hitch
    • damages caused by abuse, neglect, misuse, misapplication, overloading or improper installation, improper maintenance, repair, negligence or acts of God
    • alteration of the product in any way other than by GEN-Y Hitch
    • failure to utilize the product in compliance with it’s User Manual
    • failure of any product to which the GEN-Y product was attached

GEN-Y Hitch shall not be held responsible for any or all “compatible parts or products” being used or being utilized for towing with or around a GEN-Y Hitch product. GEN-Y Hitch products shall never be altered in any circumstance or for any reason and will void any warranties if done so.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Limited Lifetime Warranty gives you specific legals right, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. The laws applicable to any litigation, dispute, mediation, arbitration, or any claim whatsoever arising from the sale, purchase, or use of the product shall be the laws of the State of Indiana, without regard to rules pertaining to conflicts of law. The exclusive jurisdiction for deciding any claims, demands or causes of action relating in any way, from the sale, purchase, or use of the product shall be with the courts of the Circuit or Superior Courts of Elkhart County, Indiana.

Changes in the Design of and/or Improvements to GEN-Y Hitch products and substitution of parts or components

GEN-Y Hitch reserves the unrestricted right at any time and from time to time to make changes in the design of and/or improvements upon GEN-Y Hitch products without thereby imposing any obligation upon itself to make corresponding changes or improvements in or upon GEN-Y Hitch products already manufactured. GEN-Y Hitch further reserves the right to substitute parts or components of substantially equal quality in any warranty service required by the operation of this Limited Warranty.

If your GEN-Y product was involved in an accident, do not continue to tow with it. There may be structural damage to the hitch that you cannot see that could result in product failure