When you’re towing a trailer, your trailer hitch is the lifeline between your vehicle and everything you’re hauling. Whether you’re on a short weekend trip or a cross-country journey, a single broken or missing hitch component can bring your travel plans to an abrupt stop.
Carrying a small set of spare parts can mean the difference between a quick roadside fix and an expensive tow to the nearest repair shop. The good news? Most of these items are compact, inexpensive, and easy to store in your vehicle.
In this guide, we’ll go through the essential trailer hitch spare parts you should carry — and why each one matters.
1. Hitch Pins and Clips
The hitch pin is what locks your ball mount or other towing accessory into the receiver. Without it, the ball mount could slide out while you’re driving — a dangerous and potentially costly situation.
Why carry spares: Hitch pins can get lost during hook-ups, damaged from rust, or bent from excessive stress. Clips, in particular, are small and easy to misplace.
Tip: Keep several extra clips in a sealed bag or container to prevent losing them in your vehicle.
2. Coupler Latch Pins or Locks
The coupler latch pin ensures the latch stays locked onto the hitch ball during travel. Some setups use a pin, others use a lock for added security.
Why carry spares: Pins and locks can break, corrode, or go missing, especially if you remove them often. Without one, your coupler could unlatch on bumpy roads.
Tip: If you use a keyed lock, bring a spare key and keep it separate from your main set.
3. Safety Chain Hooks or Quick Links
Safety chains are your backup connection if the hitch fails, and the hooks or quick links are the parts that connect them to your vehicle.
Why carry spares: Hooks can bend or snap under stress, and quick links can seize or corrode over time.
Tip: Choose spare connectors rated for at least the same weight capacity as your current chains.
4. Electrical Wiring Adapters and Connectors
Your trailer’s wiring connects through a plug to power brake lights, turn signals, and sometimes brakes.
Why carry spares: Electrical connectors can corrode, break, or get damaged during use. A spare adapter ensures you can hook up your trailer even if your original connection fails.
Tip: Keep a small tube of dielectric grease with your spares to protect connections from moisture.
5. Trailer Light Bulbs or Fuses
Even if your wiring is intact, a burnt-out bulb or blown fuse can leave you without functioning trailer lights.
Why carry spares: Lights are required by law for towing, and losing them can put you at risk for accidents or tickets.
Tip: Store spare bulbs and fuses in a padded, waterproof container to prevent breakage.
6. Spare Hitch Ball
Hitch balls come in different sizes and weight ratings. Sometimes you may need to swap to a different size if your trailer coupler doesn’t match your current ball.
Why carry spares: A hitch ball can become damaged, or you might unexpectedly need to tow a different trailer.
Tip: Mark each spare ball with its size and weight rating so you can grab the correct one quickly.
7. Basic Tools
While not technically “parts,” a small toolkit is essential for replacing or tightening hitch components.
Include tools like:
- Adjustable wrench or socket set
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- Torque wrench (for proper hitch ball installation)
Tip: Store these tools with your spare parts so everything is in one place when you need it.
8. Spare Breakaway Cable
If your trailer has brakes, it may have a breakaway cable that activates the brakes if the trailer disconnects.
Why carry spares: Breakaway cables can fray, snap, or get tangled during travel.
Tip: Choose a spare that matches your current cable’s length and strength rating.
9. Extra Washers, Nuts, and Bolts
Over time, vibration can loosen or damage small hardware on your hitch assembly.
Why carry spares: Having the right-sized nuts, bolts, and washers can let you make quick roadside repairs instead of searching for a hardware store in the middle of nowhere.
Tip: Store them in a labeled container to avoid mixing sizes.
10. Lubricants and Anti-Seize Compound
Keeping hitch components lubricated helps prevent wear and rust.
Why carry spares: A small tube of grease or anti-seize can make reassembly easier and extend the life of your parts.
Tip: Keep them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent leaks in your vehicle.
Packing and Organizing Your Spare Parts
The key to making spares useful is keeping them organized and accessible. Here are some tips:
- Use a dedicated storage box — A small plastic bin or toolbox keeps everything together.
- Label each part — Makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
- Inspect spares annually — Replace any that are rusted or damaged before you actually need them.
Final Thoughts
Carrying spare trailer hitch parts might feel unnecessary — until something breaks far from home. By keeping a small, well-organized kit of pins, clips, connectors, bulbs, and basic tools, you can handle common problems on the spot and avoid costly delays.
Think of it as insurance for your trip: the investment is small, but the payoff in peace of mind is huge. With the right spares on hand, you’ll be ready to keep your trailer rolling smoothly no matter where your travels take you.