If you love to camp, hike, fish, water ski and enjoy the great outdoors; chances are there will come a time when you want to tow a boat or camping trailer. Know before you tow with this guide to towing.
Here are some terms you should be familiar with and what you need to check. The Base Curb Weight Cargo Weight Passenger Weight = GVW or Gross Vehicle Weight. The GVW Loaded Trailer Weight = GCW or Gross Combination Weight.
The GVW must not exceed the GVWR which can be found on the safety Compliance Certification label. The GVWR is the maximum weight allowed on a fully loaded vehicle. This includes passengers and cargo. Once you have this information, you will be able to figure out what size trailer a vehicle can tow.
There are two different types of hitches on the market. A weight carrying hitch is common for small to medium size trailers. Use a good weight carrying hitch that properly distributes the weight. You’ll find a label on the hitch that provides the weight carrying and weight distributing capacity of the hitch. Don’t exceed the rating.
The weight distributing hitch uses a hitch platform to distribute the tongue load to all the wheels of the towing vehicle and trailer. It is the required type of hitch for most Class III and IV trailers. This type of hitch is welded or bolted to the frame of the vehicle and it has equalizing arms that are connected from the hitch to the trailer’s frame.
Besides the GVWR and the correct type of hitch, you also need to make sure your braking system is adequate. If your load is more than 1500 pounds, the law requires a separate braking system. There are two types on the market.
Electronically controlled brakes provide both automatic and manual control of the trailer brakes. The tow vehicle needs to be equipped with a controlling device and requires some wiring. Surge brakes are independent and are activated by a master cylinder that is located at the junction of the trailer tongue and hitch. Make sure your braking system conforms with all legal requirements.
The trailer will also need to be equipped with trailer lights that meet government regulations. Do not connect the trailer lights directly to the vehicle’s lighting system. They need to be installed with a proper wiring harness. See your dealer to ensure you have the correct wiring harness for your vehicle.
Safety chains should always be used when towing. They provide a connection between the trailer and the vehicle should the hitch fail. Cross the chains under the trailer tongue to stop the tongue from connecting with the ground if the hitch fails, and leave only enough slack to allow for a full turn.
A trailer is a great investment. It will take you from the mountains to the valleys and from the river to the lakes. If you haven’t towed before it’s natural to feel overwhelmed about choosing a vehicle and trailer to tow safely. This guide to towing will have you confidently towing in no time!
About the Author:
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for UpTowing.com. To read our entire towing guide and to learn more about towing hitches, visit us.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Your Guide To Towing – Know Before You Tow
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SeaKayak tow harness with carabina. $58.63 |
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Airhead Heavy Duty Tow Harness $26.99 |
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Kwik Tek Tow Harness Self Centering Pulley 12 feet NEW $25.99 |
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NEW OEM INFINITI 2003-2008 FX35 TOW TRAILER HARNESS KIT $94.95 |
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KWIK TEK AIRHEAD SELF-CENTERING TOW HARNESS Length: 12 $19.23 |
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Ski, Tow Harness, 12 ft., Poly $8.00 |
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BUICK LUCERNE TRAILER WIRING HARNESS 2006-2008 $29.50 |
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Dodge Ram truck trailer tow harness 7 pin NEW Mopar $79.06 |
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NIB Chrysler Mopar Tow Wire Harness- 04707682 Caravan $14.90 |
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Airhead Standard Tube Towable Waterski Tow Harness 12′ $9.99 |
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PATRIOT/CALIBER TRAILER TOW HARNESS KIT $49.99 |
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NEW OEM INFINITI 09+ FX35 FX50 TOW TRAILER HARNESS KIT $69.95 |
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Wiring Harness 4 Way Trailer Tow Ddge Minvan NEW in BAG $4.99 |
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NEW TRAILER TOW WIRING HARNESS FORD BRONCO $19.99 |
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Jeep Wrangler 4 Way Trailer Tow Light Wiring Harness $19.95 |
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02-07 Jeep Liberty Hitch Wiring Kit $44.20 |
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12V TRAILER LIGHT KIT 4 LIGHTS WIRE HARNESS Towing Tow $9.95 |
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Trailer Tow Harness (4-pin) $55.00 |
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Ski/Tube Tow Harness – Strong Nylon Webbing – $25.00 |
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Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness Jeep Commander 2006-2009 $49.89 |
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WATER SKI TOW HARNESS W/ WIRE CABLE – 86711 $17.78 |
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New Airhead Tow Demon Harness 8ft KWKAHTH6 $15.20 |
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SKI TOW BRIDLE HARNESS CABLE WATER DEVIL (NEW) 8′ $8.99 |
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Trailer Light Tow Kit Side Marker Wiring Towing Harness $19.99 |
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Kwik Tek TOW HARNESS #AHTH-1 boat marine tube NEW 12′ $11.99 |
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Kwik Tek Airhead Tow Harness 12ft $7.99 |
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Rave 1-2 Rider Standard Tow Harness $7.99 |
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KWIK TEK HEAVY DUTY BOAT SKI TUBE TOW TOWING HARNESS $24.99 |
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12V TRAILER LIGHT KIT 4 LIGHTS WIRE HARNESS Towing Tow $9.95 |
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Airhead Self-Centering Tow Harness 3000 lb Strength NEW $24.95 |
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09 Kia Borrego Brake Control Wiring Harness Adapter Tow $7.69 |
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09 Kia Borrego Brake Control Wiring Harness Adapter Tow $7.69 |
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Stearns tow rope harness, 2 rider (340lb), 8 foot, NR $10.00 |
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12V TRAILER LIGHT KIT 4 LIGHTS WIRE HARNESS Towing Tow $9.95 |
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Airhead Tow Harness Self Centering Pulley Ski Rope12 ft $18.10 |
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FORD F150 F250 2004 TRAILER TOW HARNESS $.99 NEW $0.99 |
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Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness Hyundai Veracruz 2007-2009 $40.99 |
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2010 Chevy Equinox – GMC Terrain Trailer Wire Harness $29.00 |
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2007-08 Dodge Durango Trailer Tow Wiring Harness Combo $207.06 |
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2007-08 Dodge Nitro Trailer Tow Wiring Harness $161.97 |
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2008 Dodge Ram Trailer Tow Wiring Harness $98.51 |
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NEW! WELLINGTON Water Tow Bridle Harness 8′ #11110 $8.95 |
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Airhead Self Centering Tow Harness $15.04 |
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Airhead Heavy Duty Tow Harness $13.84 |
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Airhead Tow Demon Cable Tow Harness $14.95 |
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Airhead Heavy Duty Tow Harness $23.29 |
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Airhead Tow Demon Rope Tow Harness $12.88 |
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Rave 1-4 Rider Heavy Duty Tow Harness $13.99 |
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OEM TOW WIRING HARNESS FOR LAND / RANGE ROVER SPORT $152.00 |
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Tow Ready Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler Trailer Wiring Harness $0.99 |
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NEW OEM INFINITI 09+ FX35 FX50 TOW TRAILER HARNESS KIT $69.95 |
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Sea Kayak pfd-with tow harness suit serious paddler. $143.42 |
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NEW Jeep Grand Cherokee 7 way round trailer tow harness $74.10 |
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Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness Camry FJ Cruiser Camry 4dr $49.89 |
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VW Volkswagen Routan 2009-2010 Tow Wire Harness Kit $135.00 |
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AirHead 12′ Boat Tow Harness Water skiing Towable $9.00 |
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FORD F SERIES (F-150/F-250) TRAILER TOW HARNESS $10.00 |
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Tow Wiring Harness and Relay F-series Instructions NEW $0.01 |
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Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness Jeep Wrangler TJ 1998-2006 $22.69 |
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Dodge Charger trailer tow WIRING HARNESS 82209472 $71.00 |
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escalade yukon tahoe suburban silverado tow harness $19.99 |
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New OEM S60 & S60 R Cable Harness for Removable Tow Bar $79.00 |
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12 FOOT SKI TOW HARNESS – 86721 $19.60 |
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8 FOOT SKI TOW HARNESS – 86701 $15.12 |
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Airhead Self-Centering Tow Harness $24.51 |
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Ford 7 and 4 way trailer tow connector and harness $50.00 |
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TRAILER WIRING HARNESS FORD GM MULTI-TOW $27.99 |
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TRAILER WIRING HARNESS FORD GM MULTI-TOW $27.95 |
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JEEP WRANGLER 07-10 TOW HITCH WIRING HARNESS $24.99 |
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755-1518 NAPA TOW VEHICLE WIRE HARNESS ADAPTER $5.95 |
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755-1519 NAPA TOW VEHICLE WIRE HARNESS ADAPTER $5.95 |
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Airhead – Self-Centering Tow Harness – 12Ft.!!! $18.95 |
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Airhead – Heavy Duty Tow Harness – 12Ft.! $17.95 |
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Kwik Tek Airhead Tow Harness 12ft $7.25 |
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Rave 1-2 Rider Standard Tow Harness $11.90 |
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Rave 1-4 Rider Heavy Duty Tow Harness $18.51 |
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STEARNS HARNESS SKI TOW VC 1/4″ dia. X 12′ long $19.85 |
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STEARNS SKI TOW HARNESS VINYL CABLE 1/4″ dia. X 8′ long $16.95 |
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Towing Receiver Tow HITCH 7-WAY WIRING HARNESS Kit OEM $119.99 |
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Towing Receiver Tow HITCH 4-WAY WIRING HARNESS KIT OE $119.99 |
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Tow Towing HITCH Receiver 7-WAY WIRING HARNESS KIT OEM $89.99 |
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KWIK TEK TUBE TOW HARNESS 12FT. SELF CENTERING PULLY $39.99 |
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NEW OEM Hummer H3 Trailer Tow Hitch POWER HARNESS PLUG $19.50 |
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Tow Ready Jeep Lighting Harness $25.00 |
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2008-2009 Buick Enclave Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $32.00 |
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1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $19.99 |
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1991-96 Chevrolet Caprice Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $19.99 |
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1994-1996 Chevrolet Impala Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $19.99 |
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1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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2009 Chevrolet Traverse Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $32.00 |
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1995-2004 Honda Odyssey Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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2001-2006 Acura MDX Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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1997-2003 Acura CL Series Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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1994-2001 Acura Integra Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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1994-02 Honda Accord Sedan Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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1996-2001 Acura RL Series Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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2001-2002 Honda Prelude Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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2003-2004 Honda Element Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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1996-2003 Acura TL Series Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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1997-2006 Honda CR-V Wiring Harness QUICK CONNECT $29.95 |
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Airhead Watersports Kwik Tek Heavy Duty Tow Harness Airhead Watersports – Outdoor – This 5,000-pound tensile strength tow harness is perfect for pulling skiers, wake boarders and the big 4 rider towables. Simply clip it onto your boat with the 5,000-pound tensile strength hooks, and attach your ski or tube rope to the heavy duty Kwik-Connect. A 6 float keeps the Kwik-Connect floating on top, away from your propeller. 12 feet long to fit larger boat… |
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Airhead Watersports Self-Centering Tow Harness Airhead Watersports – Outdoor – This 3,000-pound tensile strength tow harness is perfect for pulling skiers, wake boarders and up to 2 rider towables. A stainless steel pulley glides along the length of the rope to provide the optimum pull at all times. Simply clip it onto your boat with the 5,000-pound tensile strength hooks provided, and attach your ski or tube rope to the heavy duty Kwik-Connec… |
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Valley Tow 38706 Custom Brake Control Wiring Harness $98.87 … |
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Tow Harness-Coated Wire 86711, Tow Harness-Coated Wire… |
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Tow Demon Harness 12′ Cable AHTH7, Tow Demon Harness 12′ Cable… |
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Swix Swix Tow Strap Harness $88.00 Safely control your child’s decent when going down hill on skis, or assist your child by towing on the flat… |
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SPEEDSTER Dual Resistance Trainer – 2 Athlete Speed Resistance Training Equipment $24.95 SPEEDSTER DUAL RESISTANCE TRAINER – 1 – 10′ nylon strap with 4′ loops (48″) on each end. No buckles or adjustments to make. 3″ wide belts rest securely over hips. An economical way for two athletes to work together to develop a powerful stride for the lead runner and eccentric leg strength for the trail runner. *Powerful Stride * Eccentric Leg Strength * Overspeed * Resistance * Agility *Great for… |
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SPEEDSTER Tough Tow Resistance Trainers – 2 Complete Kits ** SHOULDER X-HARNESS, SWIVEL WAIST BELT, 2 SETS OF TOW LINES AND 2 HANDLES ** $41.95 2 – SPEEDSTER TOUGH TOW RESISTANCE TRAINER KITS Extremely effective training equipment for all levels of athletes! Multiple drills can be performed with this device. INCLUDES: Dual Use Reversible 2″ Wide Nylon Swivel Waist Belt fits up to 48 inch waist, Dual Use Reversible Nylon Shoulder X-Harness fits up to 48 inch chest (Shown in 2nd picture on female athlete. Resistance cord attached to X-Harne… |
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SPEEDSTER RESISTANCE SPEED SLED * TORPEDO JET POWER DRAG SLED, SHOULDER X-HARNESS, PADDED WAIST BELT, TOW LINES, RESISTANCE BAGS * NO STEEL PLATES NEEDED! * $94.95 SPEEDSTER TORPEDO RESISTANCE SLED PACKAGE: Custom design sled made from high density plastic polymers. Constructed to provide years of intense training. 4 – RESISTANCE BAGS are special order design weight resistance bags – Fill with sand, each bag weighs 20lbs. The resistance bags are specially manufactured for this purpose and are VERY sturdy. SET OF TOW LINES with two attachment points to keep s… |
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Tow Ready 118336 T-One Connector Assembly with Converter $18.41 Trailer Accessories: 1997-2003 Acura CL 1994-2001 Acura Integra 2001-2006 Acura MDX 1996-2001 Acura RL 1996-2003 Acura TL 1994-2002 Honda Accord Sedan 1997-2006 Honda CRV 2003-2004 Honda Element 1995-2004 Honda Odyssey 2003-2007 Honda Pilot 2001-2002 Honda Prelude 1996-1999 Isuzu Oasis; T-One Connector Assembly with Converter… |
