MGA is the industry leader and has been a trusted partner providing testing support to hitch manufactures and OEMs. For a decade we continue to meet strength and durability requirements based on gross vehicle weights and trailer ratings. Our experts are familiar with industry standards and provide testing services for all types and classes of trailer hitches and towing accessories including receiver hitches, safety chain attachments, tow bars, couplers, goosenecks, and fifth wheels. As an accredited testing lab we are experienced in testing to SAE, European, and Australian standards.

Modern trailer hitches come in a variety of coupling styles and towing classes. Receiver style hitches are available for most vehicles and are divided into five classes depending on towing capacity and receiver tube size. Gooseneck and fifth wheel hitches have larger towing capacities and are available for pickups and other heavy-duty vehicles. The intended performance of these hitches is critical for road safety.

The Society of Automotive Engineers developed and defined vehicle testing strength standards and rating criteria for manufactures to meet. SAE J684 is the coupling, hitches, and safety chain testing standard used to test trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 10,000 lbs. These are the types that are towed by passenger cars and light-duty trucks. This standard defines the strength requirements for couplings, hitches, and safety chains. SAE J2638 is the fifth wheel and gooseneck testing standard used to test trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 30,000 lbs. These are the types that are towed by heavy-duty trucks and vehicles. This standard defines the strength requirements for fifth wheel and gooseneck attachment systems.

MGA can support all of your trailer hitch and towing accessory testing needs. Our services and capabilities include:

  • Strength testing of weight carrying and weight distributing hitches.
  • Real time multi-axis durability testing of weight carrying and weight distributing hitches.
  • Drive file development and data matching of road load data.
  • Drive file damage analysis and strain measurements.
  • Emergency vehicle tow testing.
  • Strength and durability testing of gooseneck and fifth wheel attachments.
  • Design, fabrication, and assembly of test fixtures.

 

Let us show you why for over a decade major OEM and hitch manufacturers have collaborated with MGA to meet industry and internal testing standards. We have several locations throughout North America and our extensive capabilities and experience make MGA Research the right choice for all types of trailer hitch testing.