2006 Nissan Towing Guide 6 BALL MOUNT
A ball mount (also known as a drawbar or “stinger”) is a bar that holds a hitch ball and is
inserted into a receiver-type hitch. Ball mounts come in a number of weight capacities
(3,500 lbs., 5,000 lbs., etc.) and sizes (1
1/4”, 2”, etc.), and can be weight-distributing or
non-weight-distributing.
HITCH BALL
A hitch ball is bolted through a ball
mount or a hitch hole in the tow
vehicle’s rear bumper. The coupler on
the trailer tongue attaches over the
hitch ball.
Like ball mounts, hitch balls come
in a number of weight capacities and
sizes. Therefore, always make sure
the hitch ball selected has the proper shank diameter and weight rating for the ball mount
as well as the coupler on your trailer. Using a 1
7/8” hitch ball in a 2” coupler, for example,
could result in the trailer separating from the tow vehicle.
There are different diameters of hitch holes. If a hitch ball with a smaller shank is used in
a larger hole, a bushing should be used to take up the excess clearance. Bushings are
often included with Nissan accessory hitch balls.
A simple maintenance routine for the hitch ball is recommended to keep it in top
condition. Coating it with light grease will minimize wear of both the coupler and hitch ball.
Also, by removing the hitch ball when not towing, or by protecting it with a special cover,
you will help prevent rust from forming on it.
TRAILER TONGUE
The tongue is the part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and also
carries the coupler assembly. Knowledge of the trailer tongue load (conventional trailers)
and king pin load (5th wheel and gooseneck trailers) is critical, as it can have a significant
effect on the handling of the tow vehicle. See the SPECIFICATIONS section of this guide,
or refer to your owner’s manual to view the maximum conventional trailer tongue load listed
for your vehicle.
Hitch
Mount BallBall
2006 Nissan Towing Guide 21
TOWING
GLOSSARY
5TH WHEEL
HITCH Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a king pin to serve
as the pivot point for the trailer.
BALL MOUNT A bar that holds the hitch ball and is inserted into the hitch receiver. Also
commonly called a drawbar or “stinger.”
BREAKAWAY SWITCH A safety device using a trailer battery that automatically applies the trailer’s
brakes if it should accidentally become separated from the tow vehicle. A
breakaway switch may be used with both electric or surge trailer brake systems.
BUMPER HITCH A reinforced bumper designed to accommodate a hitch ball.
ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKES When the brakes on a tow vehicle are applied, an electric current is sent to an
actuator which applies the trailer’s brakes.
ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKE CONTROLLER A device that controls the electric trailer brakes.
GOOSENECK HITCH Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a ball to serve as
the pivot point for the trailer.
GROSS AXLE
WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) The maximum amount of weight each vehicle axle (front and rear) is designed to
safely carry.
GROSS COMBINED
WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) The maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and trailer, including
passengers and all cargo.
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, fuel,
hitch, trailer tongue load, and any optional equipment.
KING PIN
LOAD The amount of trailer (5th wheel or gooseneck) weight pressing down on the tow
vehicle hitch.
HITCH BALL
A ball that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle hitch and provides the means
by which the trailer pivots during cornering. Available in a number of sizes and
weight capacities, it must correspond to the trailer coupler size, and have a
sufficient capacity rating for the trailer being pulled.
RECEIVER HITCH A frame- or structure-mounted hitch with a receiver that allows removal of the
ball mount.
SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES Provides an emergency connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer,
should the trailer become disengaged for any reason.
SURGE BRAKES
Hydraulic-type braking system activated by inertia. As the tow vehicle begins to
brake, the trailer pushes against the hitch ball, consequently activating the trailer
brakes.
TRAILER TONGUE/COUPLER The part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and also
carries the coupler assembly.
TRAILER TONGUE
LOAD The amount of trailer (conventional) weight pressing down on the tow vehicle
hitch.
WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH
SYSTEM Type of hitch system that helps shift the trailer tongue weight to all trailer tires
and the tow vehicle front tires. Strongly recommended when towing trailers with
a Maximum Trailer Weight greater than 5,000 lbs.
WIRING HARNESS
Provides an electrical connection linking the tow vehicle’s electrical system to
the trailer’s system.
