scope:

This Standard covers requirements pertaining primarily to the recreational type trailer hitches and towing devices, towing methods, testing methods, and installation.

This Standard applies to trailers having a maximum gross trailer weight of 10,000 pounds or less. This includes, but is not limited to such types as the utility, boat, camping, travel and other trailers which are normally towed by the conventional passenger car, light duty commercial vehicle, and multi-purpose passenger vehicle. It is intended for the ball-and-socket type of primary connecting system.

This Standard does not apply to:

(a) Those arrangements used for drawing another vehicle by means of a tow truck or wrecker, a semi-trailer with a fifth wheel type hitch, or a semi-trailer made into a full trailer by means of a converted dolly;

(b) Trailers with a lunette and pintle, a clevis and pin, or any other means of drawing which is not a ball-and-socket type.