Disclosed is a slip hitch system for coupling and uncoupling trailers from tractors having a three point lift. The slip hitch system comprises a tractor component mounted directly to the three point lift or in other embodiments to a standard 3 point hitch connected to the tractor's 3 point lift. A trailer component is configured for mating with one or more trailers to be moved. A tractor plate on the tractor component is configured for seating within a trailer component capture space or the inverse. Elevation of the tractor's 3 point lift consequently lifts the trailer component and trailer tongue for trailer relocation. Once relocated, the 3 point lift is lowered and the trailer and tractor components are separated while the operator remains in the tractor cab. Also disclosed are various locking mechanisms between the tractor and trailer components and methods of use and integration of power take-off.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for engaging, lifting, and moving objects such as wheeled cargo trailers are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile apparatus includes a transport mechanism, a frame, and one or more lift assemblies. The lift assemblies may be adjusted using one or more attached actuators that position the lift assemblies and/or components thereof for engaging and lifting an object. The transport mechanism may be autonomously operated. A vision system may be used to locate and identify objects and/or guide the mobile apparatus into position to engage and lift the objects. An adapter for a pneumatic braking system of a wheeled cargo trailer is also provided. The adapter provides a pneumatic attachment for a pressurized air source that is separate from a glad hands connector attached to the braking system.

A hitch mounting system capable of attaching to a vehicle, where, the vehicle includes a frame and a load bed is disclosed. The hitch mounting system may include at least one rail, the rail being a generally continuous member, where the rail includes at least one end portion, and where the end portion is deformed in a shape capable of attaching to the frame of the vehicle. The hitch mounting system may also include at least one mounting aperture located in the rail, the mounting aperture capable of having secured thereto an accessory.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for engaging, lifting, and moving objects such as wheeled cargo trailers are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile apparatus includes a transport mechanism, a frame, and one or more lift assemblies. The lift assemblies may be adjusted using one or more attached actuators that position the lift assemblies and/or components thereof for engaging and lifting an object. The transport mechanism may be autonomously operated. A vision system may be used to locate and identify objects and/or guide the mobile apparatus into position to engage and lift the objects. An adapter for a pneumatic braking system of a wheeled cargo trailer is also provided. The adapter provides a pneumatic attachment for a pressurized air source that is separate from a glad hands connector attached to the braking system.

A trailer hitch attachment hold-down device for providing attachment points to a trailer frame has a trailer attachment plate that has a central portion and two side portions and a ratchet tie-down rotatably connected to the trailer attachment plate. In one embodiment the trailer attachment plate is angled downward. In one embodiment the trailer attachment plate is secured to a trailer frame by inserting a trailer ball through a trailer ball opening in the trailer attachment plate. In another embodiment, the trailer attachment plate is secured by using a lower attachment plate and bolts to clamp the trailer frame between the attachment plate and the lower attachment plate. In another embodiment, a standoff attachment bracket is provided that clamps the trailer frame between the lower portion of the bracket and an attachment plate using bolts. A ratchet tie-down is attached to the upper portion of the bracket.

An adjustable trailer hitch disposed on a ball mount, the adjustable trailer hitch including a trailer ball to receive a trailer coupler thereupon, a plurality of elongated members disposed on and within at least a portion of the trailer ball to move from retracted in a first position to at least partially extended in a second position, and an adjustment assembly disposed on and within at least a portion of the trailer ball to move the plurality of elongated members in response to a rotation of the adjustment assembly.

The invention relates to a trailer coupling for a motor vehicle (11), in particular a passenger car, comprising a retainer (20), which is arranged on or can be fastened to the motor vehicle (11), and a retainer part (30), which can be detachably fastened to the retainer (20) and which has a retainer insertion projection (33) for inserting into a retainer insertion receptacle (24) of the retainer (20), wherein the retainer part (30) has an integrated locking device (70) having at least one locking body (71) and has an actuation body (73), which is supported in the retainer part (30) so as to be movable in order to actuate the at least one locking body (71) into a locking position (R), wherein the at least one locking body (71) interlockingly engages in a locking receptacle (72) on the retainer (20) in the locking position (R) and is moved out of the locking receptacle (72) in a detaching position (L), the retainer insertion projection (33) of the retainer part (30) therefore being interlockingly locked in the retainer insertion receptacle (24) of the retainer (20) in the locking position (R) of the at least one locking body (71) and being removable from the retainer insertion receptacle (24) of the retainer (20) in the detaching position (L), wherein the retainer part (30) is provided for forming a coupling arm (15), which has a coupling part (60) having a coupling element (65), in particular having a coupling ball, for coupling a load carrier (200) or a trailer, or is provided for directly coupling a load carrier (200). According to the invention, the retainer part (30) has a receiving sleeve (40) having a tubular coupling insertion receptacle (41) for inserting a coupling insertion projection (66; 266) of the coupling part (60) or of the load carrier (200).

A lift and tow module for use with a trailer and method of towing a trailer with a truck. The module has an arm having a connection point for securing to a tow vehicle and a lift body having a connection point for securing the lift body to a trailer. The connection point comprises at least two connection mechanisms spaced apart on the main body for connection to corresponding mechanisms on the trailer. A support plate is extendable from and operably supported by the main body and the lift body is movable in reciprocal directions. Mechanical actuators are operably coupled to the body and the arm for controlling respective movement, which allows the module to jack up a trailer, connect to a trailer, and/or tow a trailer.

Systems are provided for assisting in towing a trailer by a lead vehicle. A wheeled tow assist unit couples between the lead vehicle and the trailer. A drive unit onboard the tow assist unit drives the wheels in response to a force between the trailer and the tow assist unit. The tow assist unit bears at least a portion of the force required to tow the trailer.

Disclosed is a detachable receiver apparatus for a hitch assembly. The apparatus includes a body having an attachment portion and a receiver portion. The attachment portion may be selectively attached to a frame of a towing vehicle. The receiver portion may be selectively attached to a receiver member. The receiver member may selectively attach to a hitch bar. In one embodiment, the receiver portion is received within the receiver member. In another embodiment, the receiver portion defines a cavity for receiving the receiver member. The attachment portion may include at least one locking member for selectively locking or unlocking the attachment portion to the frame of the towing vehicle. The assembly may include an actuator for selectively locking and unlocking the locking member.