As promised in my recent KiraVan review, here are a few of the top towing products we discovered at the SEMA show 2015 in Las Vegas last month.
First, for the Class A RV folks out there—how’s this for a toad?
OK, just kidding. Looks like somebody has a new pipe bender and too much time on their hands!
Best New Trailer Hitch & Ball Round-up
Having hauled a fifth wheel for the past 8+ years, I was happy to see the folks from Pullrite at SEMA 2015. I love my 3300 Superglide! But as far as RV accessories go, it was these trailer hitches and related products that grabbed my attention.
Curt Gooseneck Ball
I’ve hitched up a few gooseneck trailers while workamping at Vickers Ranch, and honestly it’s always been a pain. I may just be used to hitching up our fifth wheel, but on more than one occasion somebody was crawling under a truck to release some pin or various methods of persuasion were used to pull the ball out.
booth, all the reps seemed too busy talking to each other to give us a demo. But I quickly discovered how easy this ball is to remove from the truck bed: flip up the tab, turn 90º and lift out the ball.
Apparently this CURT Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Kit
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Weigh Safe Drop Hitch
Another RV and towing related product that caught my eye on the show floor was the Weigh Safe Drop Hitch
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Convert-A-Ball Hitch System
Another ingenious new product we found for RVers—and anyone who tows different trailers—is the Convert-A-Ball Hitch System. These interchangeable trailer hitch kits come with a 3/4″ or 1″ shank and three sizes of balls. Integrated locking pins secure the balls on to the shaft, so switching out your hitch takes only seconds.
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Favorite quote from the SEMA Show:
You gotta lubricate your balls and keep your shaft covered.
—Convert-A-Ball
Trailer Valet Tongue Jack Dolly
Traveling alone? Here’s a handy tool to help you easily park your trailer in small sites! Use the Trailer Valet Tongue Jack Dolly
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Bonus Find: Titan Trailer Brake Conversion Kit
Ever since first reading about it in Escapees magazine, I’ve been thinking about doing a hydraulic over electric trailer brake conversion. Then I talked to the guys from Titan International at SEMA. It makes perfect sense to use their BrakeRite system, rather than piecing together components from various vendors.
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And just for fun…
As far as toads go, the Motoped we discovered at SEMA is much more our style!
I have hydraulic over electric brakes and they are great. However the new Pickups with integrated braking systems can’t seem to pickup the signal. I’ve had this issue on my 2011 Chev 2500 and now my 2014 Dodge 3500. Took it to the dealer and they couldn’t do anything. End up on both pickups having to purchase a 3rd party braking system.. From then on things work fine. I’m not sure if it’s the age of my 5ther trailer (2004) or the system itself (Dexter) …I even called Dexter and they couldn’t help. However it’s just something to have checked out if and when you do go hydraulic…as I said they are very good …better than all Electric in my opinion.
Thanks for the feedback Calvin! Are you saying everything works well after using a third party brake controller? With our 2006 Dodge Ram, that’s what we’ll be doing. What controller did you choose?