Schuck Cushion
Trailer Hitches
Frequently Asked
Questions
What is included with my hitch?
All Bolt-on hitches include mounting bolts and
stiffening braces. Hitches designed for receiver
tubes include a pin and keeper.
What information do I need to ensure
that I am buying the appropriate hitch?
Before selecting a hitch, it is important to
know the following information:
-
Gross trailer weight
-
Tongue weight
-
Vehicle's maximum towing capacity
GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT (GTW) - the weight of the
trailer completely loaded.
To determine GTW, weigh the loaded trailer on a
vehicle scale.
TONGUE WEIGHT (TW) - the downward force exerted
on the VEHICLE'S MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY - this
is determined by the manufacturer and can be
found in the owner’s manual.
How do I know I'm choosing the correct
towing equipment?
The most important factors in choosing the
correct towing equipment is the gross trailer
weight (GTW), the tongue weight (TW) and your
vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT (GTW) - the weight of the
trailer completely loaded.
To determine GTW, weigh the loaded trailer on a
vehicle scale.
TONGUE WEIGHT (TW) - the downward force exerted
on the VEHICLE'S MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY - this
is determined by the manufacturer and can be
found in the owner’s manual.
Why should I purchase a cushion hitch vs. a
spring loaded hitch?
Spring loaded hitches, unlike cushion hitches,
are built to a pre-determined load. When that
load is insufficient or exceeded, the spring
does not function properly. They either do not
work at all, or they bottom out. In the initial
stages of compression,
Schuck Cushion Hitches will cushion the
lightest of loads, yet in the final stages of
compression will feather our loads in excess of
600 bushels, or 40,000 lbs.
What are the advantages of using a cushion
hitch?
1. Reduces wear on vehicle's entire drive train
2. Increases vehicle's overall performance
through reduction of load shock
3. Reduces driver fatigue
Schuck Cushion Hitches are engineered to absorb
minor or major tongue thrust shocks from towing
loads off road or on the highway. The innovative
design of each hitch contains injection-molded
urethane cushions to absorb end thrust shock and
high density polyethane bearings to increase
tongue loads. There is no metal-to-metal
contact, which translates into a smoother and
quieter ride. This unique design is built for
years of service, and is virtually
maintenance-free.
More...
What are the advantages of using a swivel
cushion hitch?
You can save time and effort by eliminating the
frustrating job of backing into an exact
position for hookup. Our telescoping swivel
cushion tongue extends out a full seven inches
beyond the "tow" position and swivels 60 degrees
laterally (or 12" left to right) for fast, easy
hook-ups to your
towing trailer. When the towing member is
hooked-up to the
swivel hitch, simply back up the tow vehicle
to engage the self-adjusting cam latch. That's
all there is to it. The positive cam latch
system is rattle-free, and provides secure
automatic latching. Please note dimensions
before ordering.
More...
What kind of warranty do Schuck Cushion
Hitches have?
Schuck Cushion Hitches have a 1 year warranty
from date of purchase on parts and workmanship.
The warranty does not cover shipping charges.
Which accessories do I need with my
hitch?
Once the correct
trailer hitch is selected,
towing accessories complete the towing
package. Schuck Metal Fabrication & Design
offers a complete line of accessories.
More...
How do I prevent trailer sway?
One of the main causes of trailer sway is not
having a large enough percentage of trailer
tongue weight compared to gross trailer weight.
Usually tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the
trailer's gross weight. To help prevent the
trailer from swaying back and forth, a few
things can be done. Try placing heavier cargo in
the front of the trailer, ahead of the trailer's
axle. Also center the cargo left-to-right and
use tie-downs to keep the load from sliding.
Trailer Sway can lead to a loss of vehicle
control. When starting out with a new load on a
trailer, make sure it will not sway by gradually
increasing your speed in intervals until highway
speed is reached. If the trailer does begin to
sway, try adjusting the cargo and equipment
accordingly and then repeat the test. If
repositioning the load and equipment did not
help reduce the sway, a sway control may be
needed.
What suggestions do you have for safe
towing?
The addition of a trailer adds weight and length
to the tow vehicle. More weight means more time
to speed up and more importantly, slow down.
Overall handling is also affected. When towing,
allow for extra time when switching lanes,
stopping and passing other vehicles. To assist
in slowing down, many people use an electric
trailer brake controller. The extra length can
cause problems on turns. Because the trailer
does not follow the exact path as the vehicle on
turns, remember to swing out wider when
traveling around bends and corners.
Do you have any suggestions for
improving gas mileage when towing?
To conserve fuel when towing, travel at moderate
speeds. Faster speeds increase wind resistance,
reduce gas mileage, and place added strain on
the vehicle and trailer. When traveling over
large hills or down gravel roads, use a lower
gear to ease transmission and engine operation.
Shifting out of overdrive and into a lower gear
may also improve vehicle gas mileage.
How long do my cushions and bearings
last?
The Urethane Cushions and Polyethane Bearings
tend to last about 8-10 years depending on use.
How will I know it is time to replace my
cushion and bearings?
You will feel slop in your tongue when it is
time to replace the cushion and bearings. Schuck
offers a complete line of rebuild kits to extend
the life of your hitch. All components in our
cushion
trailer hitches are easily accessible and
replaceable. Rebuild Kits
Always come to www.schuckhitches.com first for
all of your towing equipment and accessory
needs. We have trailer hitches, truck hitches,
receiver hitches, swivel hitches, cushion
hitches. Our units work with Reese, Draw tight
and Putman 2inch frame mounts.
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