Section 308.10. Trailer and mobile home classification and standard minimum strength requirements of hitch and coupling.

 

(1)   Hitch definition. The hitch is that part of the connecting mechanism, including the coupling platform and its attaching members or weldments, which is attached to the towing vehicle.

(2)   Coupling definition. The coupling is that part of the connecting mechanism, including the coupling and its attaching members or weldments, which is attached to the trailer or mobile home and by which connection is made to the hitch.

(3)   Trailer and mobile home classification. Trailers and mobile homes shall be classified according to the following gross weights, which gross weight shall include the weight of the vehicle and the actual load carried.

(a) Class 1—All vehicles whose gross weight does not exceed 2000 lbs.

(b) Class 2—All vehicles in excess of 2000 lbs. gross weight but not exceeding 3500 lbs. gross weight.

(c) Class 3—All vehicles in excess of 3500 lbs. gross weight and not exceeding 5000 lbs. gross weight.

(d) Class 4—All vehicles with gross weight, in excess of 5000 lbs. but not to exceed 10,000 lbs.

(e) Class 5—All vehicles with a gross weight in excess of 10,000 lbs.

(4)   Strength rating for trailer and mobile home couplings and for class 5 vehicle hitches.

(a) The trailer or mobile home coupling shall be of such design as to conform to the minimum strength requirements set forth in par. (b) . Where a ball-and-socket type of coupling is used, the ball must conform to the minimum load ratings of the mating coupling.

(b) Minimum strength ratings for the coupling used in conjunction with specific classes of trailers and mobile homes and for the hitch used in conjunction with Class 5 vehicles. - See PDF for table

(5)   Coupling, mounting. Each coupling is to be mounted to the attaching member by bolting, welding or riveting in such manner that the maximum loading required for the coupling designation shown in sub. (4) (b) is safely and adequately transferred to that member.

(6)   Required mechanism. Each hitch and coupling, regardless of classification, must be equipped with a manually operated mechanism so adapted as to prevent disengagement of the unit while in operation.

(7)   Strength rating for trailer and mobile home hitches.

(a) The hitch and its coupling platform shall be of such design and shall be so attached to the towing vehicle as to safely and adequately handle the gross load of trailer or mobile home including contents thereof.

History: Cr. Register, July, 1968, No. 151 , eff. 8-1-68; emerg. am. (3) (a) to (d) and (4) (b), cr. (3) (e), r. (4) (c), eff. 4-14-80; renum. from MVD 8.10 and am. (3) (a) to (d) and (4) (b), cr. (3) (e), r. (4) (c), Register, September, 1980, No. 297 , eff. 10-1-80.