Ball hitch: role, installation and price

A ball joint is one solution for attaching a trailer or caravan to your vehicle. Placed at the rear, it is fixed to the frame and allows you to pull additional equipment. Thus, there are many different models of hitches available depending on your needs. In this article, you will learn what you need to know about the tow ball: its role, how to choose and install it, and its price!

🚗 What is the role of the coupling ball?

Also called square ball jointball joint metal piece with a spherical part to be clamped on a trailer and a cylindrical part for installation on your car. So can she be fastened with 2 to 4 bolts on your car. This hitch model is especially demanded in conditions of regular use. For example, you will often find it on SUVs or trucks.

You should know that the use of a hitch is regulated by law or rather Code de la Ruth... Indeed, the latter stipulates that any protruding elements in the rear of the vehicle are completely prohibited. However, there is a permissible vacuum around the ball coupling, since the installation is not considered hazardous according to article 2317-27 of the Road Code... Indeed, other elements can be considered dangerous and affect the safety of road users, especially in the event of accidents or collisions.

As you can understand It is better to disassemble the ball joint when not in use... In fact, if there is no trailer or caravan attached to it, it can cause collisions with other users, either while traveling or while parking.

💡 Ball, hook or gooseneck: which to choose?

If you want to equip your vehicle with a trailer hitch, you have the choice between a towball, gooseneck or towbar. Thus, we find under the swan's neck and hooks on city cars or cars. These are those the most affordable models for the price... it's the same retractable couplers, they are retracted under the frame of the car and can be deployed when the motorist wants to use them.

To choose the right hitch, the following criteria must be taken into account:

1. Coupling compatibility with your car;
2. Its durability over time (anti-corrosion, anti-corrosion, etc.);
3. Ergonomics of the coupling and, in particular, the possibility of its dismantling;
4. Construction material;
5. Weight towed by hitch;
6. Static mass, e.g. in the frame of a bicycle rack
7. The price of this equipment.

Before purchasing a towing device, you will need to make sure that your vehicle can be equipped. Really, homologation required install the tow hitch on the chassis of the car. To find this information, you can refer to technical overview of your vehicle.

🛠️ How to install the ball joint?

The ball joint is easy to install on your vehicle and requires special equipment to secure it correctly.

Required material:

• Protective gloves
• Protective glasses
• Toolbox
• Ball joint

Step 1. Disassemble the elements at the back.

You will need to start by removing the car's rear bumper as well as the mudguard and various covers. This will allow you to access the hitch mountings at frame level. Generally, the use of a jack and plugs is not required for this type of operation.

Step 2: Install the ball joint

You can now install the hitch ball mounting bracket and brackets. Then you must connect the eyes of the harness to the conductive wires of the rear lights and then screw the keel of the hitch to the vehicle.

Step 3: collect the parts

Finally, you will replace the light blocks, covers, as well as the mudguard and bumper.

💰 How much does a towball cost?

A towbar is an inexpensive equipment that a motorist can purchase. Depending on the models and brands, the price may vary to a greater or lesser extent. On average, a ball joint is sold between 20 € and 80 €... You should be aware that the hitch kit is part of the checks carried out during technical control, it must be installed correctly and not interfere with the view of your plate number.

The ball joint is a very useful piece of equipment if you want to mount a trailer or caravan to your vehicle. This device can be assembled by you from the comfort of your home or by a professional in a car repair shop!