Trailering: Anybody using Tow & Stow?

Rolando · Oct 30, 2005

Is anybody using the B&W <font color="blue">Tow & Stow Receiver Hitch</font>? I know it's not for every situation, since it's only rated for up to 10,000 lbs and 1000 lb tongue weight. But given that parameter, what do you all think about it? Anybody have experience with it?

It comes in 6, 8 and 10 inch vertical adjustment models, and in double and triple ball versions. I think it would be good to be able to adjust the hitch height, and I also need the three ball sizes. It's very easy to changes things out with pins and to be able to leave the hitch installed and fold it underneath the vehicle to avoid skinned shins.

ronjhall · Oct 30, 2005

You do not mention what type of vehicle or trailer you are planning to use the hitch on. Many pickup trucks require a Weight Distribution Hitch to haul over 5000 lbs weight. Here is a recent thread on the subject. Click Here.
I like the hitch. Sure would stop me from knocking my shines on the hitch when it is folded back. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Rolando · Oct 30, 2005

The hitch's capacity exceeds my towing capacity, so I didn't think to mention it. I have a Yukon XL with 7,200 lb towing capacity (trailering package with weight distributing hitch) and will be towing pretty close to that limit with a 9,600 lb rated aluminum trailer.

My question wasn't about whether I could use this hitch, but will it perform at the hitch's rated capacity and how well. Any experience or opinions about the design?

Highbeam · Oct 30, 2005

That's the point. To test that hitch system to its capacity requires you to far exceed the ratings and limitations of your vehicle. You'll never know nor should you care, unless you have no respect for the rated limits.

That hitch system should be fine for loads less than those requiring the use of a weight distributing hitch. Once you get to that point, 5000 lbs for most vehicles, then you need to step up to the proper weight distribution hitch.

Rolando · Oct 30, 2005

Let me try again. Did you look at the link I put in to the Tow and Stow in the original post? The Tow and Stow is just a ballmount that sticks into whatever hitch set up you have on your vehicle. Are you saying you don't think it will handle more than a 5,000 lb trailer, even if the tow vehicle and trailer can?

I wasn't asking if I could tow a 10,000 lb load with this product, obviously that depends of the capability of my tow vehicle and trailer. All I wanted to know was that given a situation where a vehicle can tow 10,000 lbs, does it look like this ballmount would be able to handle it? I don't have to need the rated capacity to be curious about whether it looks accurate or is inflated. Any towing situation is limited by its weakest link. I just wanted to know if you think that this Tow and Stow product looks like it could handle its rated capacity, or if you saw some other pitfall in its design.

I guess nobody here owns one. I was also curious about how anyone that had one and was using it liked it.

tlbuser · Oct 31, 2005

I have a "similar type" like this one awdirect They're not exactly economical, but they are handy to have. When I don't have a pintle adapter in, this is what's there.
A word of caution though, if you don't remove the assembly every so often, you might end up selling it with the truck. They get dirt/rust/whatever in them and can be a real bear to get out.

Farmwithjunk · Oct 31, 2005

I've got their "Hide-A-Ball" gooseneck hitch, and a more conventional ball reciever hitch. My right shin would have appreciated the "Stow-And-Go" hitch this morning. There's a 2" wide "dent" about mid-shin now. I gotta be more carefull walking in back of the truck in the dark.

I'm not sure I'm sold on the idea entirely. It looks a little suspect to me. I'm sure it will handle a light trailer OK, but MOST people tend to over-load their hitch and/or trailer. All those pins look like a weak link to me. (But what do I know.........)

SkyPup · Oct 31, 2005

You are going to need a weight distributing receiver hitch for that rig with that kind of weight, not the Tow and Stow. You'll also need to install a transmission oil cooler as well.

Check out the weight distributing hitches here at U-Haul:

http://store.uhaul.com/(rqq31n551p3bxw55ooencvfl)/products.aspx?id=97

funford · Oct 31, 2005

I use a tow and stow almost every day. I own a trailer buisness and it makes life much easier. I love it.

SkyPup · Oct 31, 2005

Anyone bumper towing 10,000 lbs with a 1,000 lb tongue weight behind a GMC Yukon will be requiring more than just a "Tow N' Stow".

Glad to hear that you love it although there are things allot more important when it comes to heavy duty bumper trailer hitches than "skinned shins".