Ask The Experts on Trailer Hitches

May 2012 Article

As I sit to write this morning, the birds are singing, the sun is up, and at least for the moment, there is no wind. The phone has started to ring more regularly at Get Hitched and it seems like we in Southern Alberta have pulled through yet another winter. As the spring and towing season approaches I’m very excited to announce that Get Hitched is carrying a New Line of Regular and Adjustable Aluminum Ballmounts crafted by DIVERSI-TECH.

Diversi-Tech, specializes in manufacturing high end professional grade maximum security coupler locks and Self Locking polished aluminum adjustable trailer drop hitch products. Yes you read “Self Locking”. Diversi-Tech has successfully designed an internal locking mechanism utilizing stainless steel pins and dual ORing seals that are water tight and eliminate the need for a hitch pin. 4 Wheel Drive Magazine looked at these Ballmounts and said “Diversi- Tech’s self locking adjustable dual ball mount provides a safer, more secure adjustable aluminum hitch. The Diversi-Tech ball mount features locking mechanisms on the adjuster and the hitch pin; no more keeping track of a separate hitch pin. This means it’s safer because you’re less likely to forget the pin, and it’s more secure because the pin can’t be stolen…” Diversi-Tech’s full line of polished aluminum ball mount trailer hitch products are made of Aircraft Grade Aluminum and are tested and carry a V-5 approved 14,000lb rating. That’s huge! In addition, all of their Ballmounts have Anti-Rattle devices which keep them quiet whether towing or not.

Get Hitched is now stocked with the full line of Diversi-Tech products which also includes Ballmounts for the larger 2 ½ x 2 ½ square Class V Receivers now found on the GM, Chev, and Ford HD and Super Duty Trucks.

GET CAMPING, GET BIKING, GET BOATING, GET TOWING (With Diversi-Tech Ballmounts) GET OUT THERE THIS SPRING…GET HITCHED!

 

 

April 2012 Article

The signs are there that Spring is right around the corner. With winter on it’s way out people’s thoughts turn to camping and boating, biking, and getting hitched up and heading out to enjoy the best that mother nature has to offer in Southern Alberta. With this in mind, the knowledgeable and outgoing staff at Get Hitched are excited about the spring and summer seasons of 2012.

A few of the core products we carry and install are:

The Pullrite Superglide 5th Wheel Hitch. This is known as the shortbox special. When maneuvering tolerances get tight this hitch automatically glides back to a maximum of 16” allowing trailers with the largest overhangs to jackknife 90 degrees without contact with the cab. It is also one of the few options for pulling with a 5 ½’ box truck.

If towing animals or going to the rodeo is in your plans then the Turnover Ball Hitch by B&W is the nicest way to go. Featuring an industry high of 30,000 lbs rating and the only hitch with a square shaft virtually eliminating seizure this “under the box” gooseneck hitch is the finest around. Mate it with the Companion 5th Wheel Hitch and you are set to tow everything.

Yakima, Thule, and Swagman offer a wide variety in receiver mounted and roof mounted bikeracks and cargo boxes. Whether it’s a bike rack for 2 or a family of 5 we can get you set up so that your energy is saved for the trail.

We at Get Hitched carry the latest hitch, towing and electric braking products on the market with hitches and accessories that will get you safely on your way. Get Hitched is the only store in Southern Alberta specializing exclusively in all your towing and wiring needs.

For 2012, GET CAMPING, GET BIKING, GET BOATING, GET TOWING GET OUT THERE…GET HITCHED!

 

 

February 2012 Article

RACK ENVY – It’s a terrible affliction, afflicting hundreds of Southern Albertans using substandard methods to transport their gear.  You can see its terrible effects in the disorganized trunks of cars, disheveled SUV’s, cramped minivans and haphazard pickup truck beds everywhere.  You can also see it on the faces of the unfortunate drivers who own second-rate rack products – none of which are very versatile, easy to use or attractive.

FORTUNATELY THE CURE IS SIMPLE – Get Hitched now carries the full line of Yakima racks.  No matter the sport or budget, there’s a Yakima product that’s right for everyone.  It’s our mission to supply the easiest solutions possible for carrying your gear so you can spend your time in the places you love most.  Yakima products are easy to install and easy to load which will de-stress and un-pain-in-the-neckify your next trip to the great outdoors.

Mention this ad when you come in to Get Hitched and save at least the GST on your Yakima rack and accessory purchase.

Get Biking, Get Boating, Get Towing, Get Out There, Get RACKED….Get Hitched.

 

 

October 2011 Article

I’m very excited to announce that Get Hitched is carrying a New Line of Regular and Adjustable Aluminum Ballmounts crafted by

DIVERSI-TECH.

Diversi-Tech, specializes in manufacturing high end professional grade maximum security coupler locks and Self Locking polished aluminum adjustable trailer drop hitch products.  Yes you read “Self Locking”.  Diversi-Tech has successfully designed an internal locking mechanism utilizing stainless steel pins and dual O-Ring seals that are water tight and eliminate the need for a hitch pin.  4 Wheel Drive Magazine looked at these Ballmounts and said  “Diversi-Tech’s self locking adjustable dual ball mount provides a safer, more secure adjustable aluminum hitch. The Diversi-Tech ball mount features locking mechanisms on the adjuster and the hitch pin; no more keeping track of a separate hitch pin. This means it’s safer because you’re less likely to forget the pin, and it’s more secure because the pin can’t be stolen…”

Diversi-Tech’s full line of polished aluminum ball mount trailer hitch products are made of Aircraft Grade Aluminum and are tested and carry a V-5 approved 14,000lb rating.  That’s huge!  In addition, all of their Ballmounts have Anti-Rattle devices which keep them quiet whether towing or not.

Get Hitched is now stocked with the full line of Diversi-Tech products which also includes Ballmounts for the larger 2 ½ x 2 ½ square Class V Receivers now found on the GM, Chev, and Ford HD and Super Duty Trucks.

GET CAMPING, GET BIKING, GET BOATING, GET TOWING (With Diversi-Tech Ballmounts) GET OUT THERE…Get Hitched!

 

 

August 2011 Article

The sun has been shining, the birds have been singing. The 2011 camping and boating, biking and towing season is in full swing. With the days getting a little shorter and the pressure to fit all of the excitement we can in before September we can sometimes get a bit relaxed and hurried as we hook up to our trailers and head out. I have always believed that a brief walk around the tow vehicle and trailer is mandatory before heading out on the road. I ask myself a few simple questions before I head out.

Just a few simple reminders to keep us safe, secure and ready. Be sure to ask these questions and follow the safeguards.

 

  • Is the ball mount, shank, bike rack, cargo tray or equalizer kit properly pinned into the receiver hitch?
  • Is the trailer coupler completely locked on the hitch ball? Is the safety pin or coupler lock in place?
  • Are the trailer’s safety chains crossed and hooked securely onto the safety loops of the receiver hitch? Crossing the safety chains ensures that in the event the trailer comes off the ball the coupler will not grind on the ground potentially jamming a pothole, causing the trailer to flip.
  • Is your 5th wheel jaw fully locked with the safety pin in place?
  • Have the wheel chocks been removed or put into place releasing or securing the movement of the trailer?
  • Are ALL of the electrical components working properly? Including signal lights, brake lights, running lights, reverse lights, 12 v auxiliary power wire, and electric brake control.
  • Are the electric brakes on the trailer functioning when manually applied from the brake control? Do they function completely when the emergency brake away cable is pulled? Are there any frays in that cable? Is the break-away battery fully charged?
  • Is the electric brake control set to provide the needed amount of braking for the weight being towed?

I have found that this short (not necessarily quick) walk around my truck and whatever trailer I’m towing, before every outing has proven to be essential. Even after more than 26 years of towing, that walk around, observing all lights, connections, and functions gets me think about safety and driving defensively. Lets all enjoy the remainder of summer 2011 safely together.