Patent Publication Number: US-2021170817-A1

Title: Powered trailer hitch

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/852,687, filed May 24, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/764,262, filed Jul. 26, 2018, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to trailer hitches, and more particularly, to powered trailer hitch systems and methods of using the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Trailer hitches are typically used to couple a vehicle, such as a car or truck, to a trailer carrying some form of cargo. The vehicle typically includes a receiver in which a portion of the trailer hitch is received to couple the trailer hitch to the vehicle. Some trailer hitches include a spherical trailer ball that engages a tongue coupled to the trailer. To secure the trailer to the trailer hitch, an operator typically makes several attempts or approaches to properly align the trailer hitch and trailer tongue by moving the vehicle in reverse to align the trailer hitch with the trailer, exiting the vehicle to confirm alignment, and then repeating as necessary. Once properly aligned, trailer hitch systems utilize a manual crank to lift and lower the trailer tongue to engage or disengage the trailer ball. Using the manual crank is labor-intensive, often demanding considerable physical strength to operate. Moreover, operating the trailer crank in such close proximity to the connection can pose various risks to the operator, such as the pinching or crushing of digits and/or limbs. If the crank is coupled or mounted to the trailer, it can only be used for that trailer, necessitating a crank on each trailer. For at least these reasons, coupling a trailer to a vehicle is often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially dangerous to the operator. The present disclosure is directed to solving these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a trailer hitch system for coupling a vehicle to a trailer includes a housing; a shaft coupled to the housing and being configured to be received within a receiver coupled to the vehicle; a mounting plate including a swing arm extending therefrom, the swing arm being coupled to the housing such that the swing arm can pivot relative to the housing; and an actuator coupled to (i) the housing such that the actuator can pivot relative to the housing and (ii) the swing arm such that movement of the actuator causes corresponding movement of the swing arm between a first position and a second position. 
     According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a powered trailer hitch system for coupling a trailer to a vehicle includes a mounting plate including a pair of swing arms extending therefrom; a trailer ball assembly coupled to the mounting plate, the trailer ball assembly including a trailer ball configured to engage a portion of the trailer; a housing having a base portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the first side portion and the second side portion extending from the base portion, the housing being coupled to the pair of swing arms such that the pair of swing arms can pivot relative to the housing; a shaft coupled to the housing, the shaft being configured to couple the trailer hitch system to the vehicle; and an actuator including a cylinder and a piston, the piston being configured to move relative to the cylinder, the cylinder being coupled to the housing, the piston being coupled to the pair of swing arms such that movement of the piston relative to the cylinder causes corresponding movement of the pair of swing arms between a first position and a second position. 
     According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a method for coupling a trailer to a vehicle using a powered trailer hitch system includes positioning a trailer ball of the powered trailer hitch system generally below a coupling mechanism of the trailer, the powered trailer hitch system including a mounting plate, a swing arm, a housing, and an actuator, the swing arm being coupled to the housing at a first pivot point, the actuator being coupled to the housing at a second pivot point and the actuator being coupled to the swing arm, the actuator being configured to selectively cause the swing arm to move between a retracted position and an extended position; receiving, using a controller, a first user input indicative of a desire to move the swing arm towards the extended position; and in response to receiving the first user input, actuating, via the controller, the actuator of the trailer hitch to automatically move the swing arm towards the extended position until the trailer ball engages the tongue coupled to the trailer. 
     The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description and figures set forth below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an assembled perspective view of an exemplary trailer hitch system according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1  according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a mounting plate and swing arms of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1  according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  is another perspective view of the mounting plate and swing arms of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1  according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a housing of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1  according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1  with the swing arms in a first position according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1  with the swing arms in a second position according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of coupling a trailer to a vehicle using the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1  according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  is a side view of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1 , a vehicle, and a trailer during one step of the method of  FIG. 7  according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8B  is a side view of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1 , the vehicle, and the trailer during another step of the method of  FIG. 7  according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8C  is a side view of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1 , the vehicle, and the trailer during the final step of the method of  FIG. 7  according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is an assembled perspective view of a trailer hitch system according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial exploded perspective view of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 9  according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  are partial exploded perspective views of a trailer hitch system according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12A  is perspective view of the trailer hitch system including some implementations from  FIG. 11  in a first assembled configuration according to some implementations of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12B  is perspective view of the trailer hitch system including some implementations from  FIG. 11  in a second assembled configuration according to some implementations of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of some implementations of the trailer hitch system of  FIG. 1  including an adapter sleeve according to some implementations of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The presently described inventions can be implemented in many different forms. Representative implementations are shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure provides an example or illustration of the principles of the present inventions, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the present inventions to the implementations illustrated. To the extent elements, and limitations that are disclosed, for example, in the Abstract, Summary, and Detailed Description sections, but not explicitly set forth in the claims, they should not be incorporated into the claims, singly or collectively, by implication, inference, or otherwise. 
     For purposes of the present detailed description, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, unless specifically disclaimed; the word “or” shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive; the word “all” means “any and all”; the word “any” means “any and all”; and the word “including” means “including without limitation.” Moreover, words of approximation, such as “about,” “almost,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like, can be used herein to mean “at,” “near,” or “nearly at,” or “within 3-5% of,” or “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof. Additionally, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a trailer hitch system  100  includes a trailer ball assembly  110 , a mounting plate  120 , a first swing arm  130 , a second swing arm  140 , a housing  150 , an actuator  160 , a mounting shaft  170 , and a controller  180 . The trailer hitch system  100  is generally used to couple a trailer to a vehicle such that the vehicle can, for example, transport or tow the trailer from a first location to a second location. As described in further detail herein, the actuator  160  causes movement of the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140 , which in turn causes the trailer ball assembly  110  to engage a coupling mechanism (e.g., tongue) on the trailer. 
     The trailer ball assembly  110  includes a trailer ball  112 , arm portion  114 , and mounting portion  116 . The trailer ball  112  has a generally spherical shape and is generally sized and shaped to engage a receiver of a trailer (not shown) to aid in coupling the vehicle and the trailer. More generally, the trailer ball  112  can have any suitable size and/or shape to aid in securely engaging the trailer to the trailer hitch system  100 . The trailer ball  112  is coupled to the arm portion  114 , which in turn is coupled to the mounting portion  116 . As shown, the trailer ball  112  is coupled to the arm portion  114  via a threaded connection. Advantageously, using a threaded connection to couple the trailer ball  112  to the arm portion  114  permits a user to remove the trailer ball  112  and couple a different trailer ball with a different size and/or shape as the trailer ball  112  to the arm portion  114  such that the trailer hitch system  100  can be used with different trailer configurations. Alternatively, in some implementations, the trailer ball  112  and the arm portion  114  can be coupled using other mechanisms (e.g., welded together), or alternatively still, the trailer ball  112  and the arm portion  114  can be unitary and/or monolithic. As shown, the mounting portion  116  has a generally rectangular shape and includes has a plurality of apertures (e.g., four) for receiving fasteners therein to aid in coupling the mounting portion  116  to the mounting plate  120 , as described in further detail herein. 
     While the system  100  has been shown and described herein as including trailer ball  110 , in some implementations, the system  100  includes a pintle hook instead of the trailer ball  110 . In such implementations, the pintle hook performs the same or similar function as the trailer ball  110  in that the pintle hook aids in coupling the vehicle to the trailer. Moreover, in some implementations, the system  100  includes a combination of the trailer ball  110  and a pintle hook. In such implementations, the pintle hook is moveable relative to the trailer ball  110  between a first position and a second position such that the pintle hook is in contact with an upper surface or portion of the trailer ball  110  to aid in securing the trailer to the vehicle when in the second position. 
     The mounting plate  120  has a generally rectangular shape and includes a front surface  122  ( FIG. 2 ) and a rear surface  124  ( FIG. 3A ). As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mounting plate  120  includes pairs of apertures  121 A- 121 E extending between the front surface  122  and the rear surface  124 . Each aperture in each of the pairs of apertures  121 A- 121 E is configured to receive therein one of a plurality of bolts  192 A- 192 D ( FIG. 2 ) for coupling the trailer ball assembly  110  to the mounting plate  120 . To couple the trailer ball assembly  110  to the mounting plate  120 , a first pair of apertures in the mounting portion  116  of the trailer ball assembly is aligned with one of the pairs of apertures  121 A- 121 E of the mounting plate  120 , and a second pair of apertures in the mounting portion  116  of the trailer ball assembly  110 . Once aligned, the bolts  192 A- 192 D are inserted through the apertures in the mounting portion  116  of the trailer ball assembly  110  and the two corresponding pairs of apertures  121 A- 121 E. Corresponding nuts  193 A- 193 D are then threaded onto the bolts  192 A- 192 D to aid in securing the mounting portion  116  of the trailer ball assembly  110  to the mounting plate  120 . 
     Advantageously, the position of the trailer ball  112  relative to the upper and lower ends of the mounting plate  120  can be adjusted by changing which two pairs of apertures  121 A- 121 E the mounting portion  116  of the trailer ball assembly  110  is coupled to. For example, the mounting portion  116  of the trailer ball assembly  110  can be coupled to the mounting plate  120  through aperture pair  121 A and aperture pair  121 B, through aperture pair  121 B and aperture pair  121 C, through aperture pair  121 C and aperture pair  121 D, or through aperture pair  121 D and aperture pair  121 E. Thus, the trailer ball assembly  110  can be removed from the mounting plate  120  and repositioned as desired for a given application. While the mounting plate  120  is shown as including  5  pairs of apertures  121 A- 121 D, in some implementations, the mounting plate  120  has more or less pairs of apertures (e.g., one, two, four, six, ten, etc.) Similarly, while the mounting portion  116  of the trailer ball assembly  110  is shown as including four apertures ( FIG. 2 ), more or less pairs of apertures are possible (e.g., one, four, six, etc.) 
     In some implementations, the mounting portion  116  of the trailer ball assembly  110  is welded to the mounting plate  120  such that the bolts  192 A- 192 D and corresponding nuts  193 A- 193 C are unnecessary. In other implementations, the mounting portion  116  of the trailer ball assembly  110  and the mounting plate  120  are unitary and/or monolithic. However, in both these alternative implementations, a user cannot change the position of the trailer ball  112  relative to the mounting plate  120 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  are coupled to and extend from the rear surface  124  of the mounting plate  120 . The first swing arm  130  and/or the second swing arm  140  can be coupled to the mounting plate  120  using, for example, a welded connection. Alternatively, in some implementations, the first swing arm  130 , the second swing arm  140 , and the mounting plate  120  are unitary and/or monolithic. 
     Referring  FIG. 3A , the first swing arm  130  includes a first aperture  132 A, a second aperture  132 B, and a third aperture  132 C. Referring to  FIG. 3B , the second swing arm  140  is the same as, or similar to, the first swing arm  130  and includes a first aperture  142 A, a second aperture  142 B, and a third aperture  142 C. As shown, the first aperture  132 A of the first swing arm  130  is generally aligned with the first aperture  142 A of the second swing arm  140 , the second aperture  132 B of the first swing arm  130  is generally aligned with the second aperture  142 B of the second swing arm  140 , and the third aperture  132 C of the first swing arm  130  is generally aligned with the third aperture  142 C of the second swing arm  140 . As described in further detail herein, the apertures  132 A- 132 C of the first swing arm  130  and the apertures  142 A- 142 C are used to couple to the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  to the housing  150  and the actuator  160 . 
     In some implementations, a first bushing  134  is disposed within the second aperture  132 B of the first swing arm  130  and the second aperture  142 B of the second swing arm  140 , and a second bushing  136  is disposed within the third aperture I 32 C of the first swing arm  130  and the third aperture  142 C of the second swing arm  140 . As described in further detail herein, the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  are coupled to the housing  150 , and the first bushing  134  and the second bushing  136  aid in permitting (or inhibiting) the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  to move (e.g., pivot) relative to the housing  150 . 
     While the trailer hitch system  100  is shown and described herein as including a pair of swing arms (first swing arm  130  and second swing arm  140 ), in some implementations, the trailer hitch system  100  includes more or less swing arms. For example, an alternative trailer hitch system (not shown) can include one swing arm, three swing arms, five swing arms, or any other suitable number of swing arms, each of which is the same as, or similar to, the first swing arm  130  and/or the second swing arm  140  described herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the housing  150  includes a base portion  151 , a first side portion  152 , and a second side portion  156 . As shown, the first side portion  152  and the second side portion  156  are coupled to, and extend from, the base portion  151 . The base portion  151 , the first side portion  152 , and the second side portion  156  can be unitary and/or monolithic, or coupled together (e.g., welded together). The first side portion  152  includes a first aperture  154 A, a second aperture  154 B, and a third aperture  154 C. Similarly, the second side portion  156  includes a first aperture  158 A, a second aperture  158 B, and a third aperture  158 C. As shown, the first aperture  154 A of the first side portion  152  is generally aligned with the first aperture  158 A of the second side portion  156 , the second aperture  154 B of the first side portion  152  is generally aligned with the second aperture  158 B of the second side portion  156 , and the third aperture  154 C of the first side portion  152  is generally aligned with the third aperture  158 C of the second side portion  156 . 
     The shaft  170  is coupled to the base portion  151  of the housing  150  and extends therefrom. The shaft  170  has a generally rectangular profile and is used to couple the trailer hitch system  100  to a vehicle (e.g., a car, a truck, etc.) Specifically, a portion of the shaft  170  is received within a receiver coupled to the vehicle (e.g., coupled to the vehicle bumper or to the vehicle frame). To aid in preventing movement of the shaft  170  relative to the receiver (e.g., such that the shaft  170  does not slide out when the vehicle is moving), the shaft  170  includes an aperture  172  ( FIG. 4 ) extending therethrough. The aperture  172  ( FIG. 4 ) is sized and shaped to receive therein a mating pin  196  ( FIG. 1 ). The mating pin  196  can be inserted through the aperture  172  and a corresponding, aligned aperture in the receiver (not shown) to aid in preventing movement of the shaft  170  relative to the receiver. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mating pin  196  can include a cotter pin  197  having a general “R” shape (also referred to as an “R-clip”) that can be inserted into an aperture in the mating pin  196  to aid in inhibiting the mating pin  196  from sliding out of the aperture  172  (e.g., as the vehicle is moving). In some aspects, the mating pin  196  can include a lynch pin (or some type of locking mechanism) to aid in inhibiting the mating pin  196  from sliding out of the aperture  172 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the actuator  160  includes a cylinder  162 , a piston  164 , a rear pivot sleeve  166 , and a forward pivot sleeve  168 . The piston  164  is partially disposed within the cylinder  162  and is moveable relative to the cylinder  162  between a retracted position and an extended position. The actuator  160  can be a hydraulic actuator that uses fluid (e.g., liquid) to move the piston  164  relative to the cylinder  162  (e.g., by opening or closing a valve to create a pressure differential). Alternatively, the actuator  160  can be a pneumatic actuator that uses compressed fluid (e.g., compressed air or another compressed gas) to move the piston  164  relative to the cylinder  162 . For these hydraulic and pneumatic actuators, the trailer hitch system  100  can further include fluid transfer line(s)  174  and a fluid reservoir  176  (e.g., a reservoir for holding the hydraulic fluid; a tank for storing the compressed gas or compressed air). The fluid transfer line  174  is in fluid communication with the cylinder  162  of the actuator  160  and the fluid reservoir  176  and can selectively deliver fluid (e.g., compressed gas, hydraulic fluid, etc.) between the fluid reservoir  176  and the cylinder  162  (e.g., using a valve) to cause the piston  164  to extend and/or retract relative to the cylinder  162  of the actuator  160 . In some implementations, it is contemplated that fluid delivery may occur using a pump in the case of a hydraulic actuator, or valve for regulating compressed gas from a pressurized gas storage tank or an air compressor for a pneumatic actuator. It is contemplated that the actuator  160  may further include an electric motor (e.g., 12V or 24V) for assisting (e.g., operating the pump, valve, or compressor) with the fluid delivery operations. 
     The rear pivot sleeve  166  is coupled to the cylinder  162 . As described in further detail herein, the actuator  160  is coupled to the housing  150  via the rear pivot sleeve  166  such that the actuator  160  can pivot relative to the housing  150 . The forward pivot sleeve  168  is coupled (e.g., welded, otherwise secured) to an end of the piston  164 . As described in further detail herein, the actuator  160  is coupled to the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  via the forward pivot sleeve  168  such that movement of the piston  164  relative to the cylinder  162  causes corresponding movement of the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  relative to the housing  150 . 
     In some implementations, the actuator  160  can be an electro-mechanical actuator (e.g., a ball screw) in which a voltage differential causes the actuator  160  to extend and retract, for example, an arm such as the piston  164 . In one non-limiting example, the actuator  160  can be a Heavy Duty Linear Actuator manufactured by Progressive Automations, model number PA-17, which has a stroke length between about 1 inch and about 24 inches, and can push and pull approximately 2,000 lbs. In such implementations, the electro-mechanical actuator  160  can be powered by, for example, the battery of the vehicle to which the trailer hitch system  100  is coupled via the shaft  170 . Advantageously, such implementations do not require the fluid reservoir  176  like a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , when the trailer hitch system  100  is assembled, the trailer ball assembly  110  is coupled to the mounting plate  120 , the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  ( FIG. 2 ) are coupled to the housing  150 , and the actuator  160  is coupled to the housing  150 . The first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  are coupled to the housing  150  at a first pivot point A. Specifically, the third aperture  132 C of the first swing arm  130  ( FIG. 3A ), the third aperture  142 C of the second swing arm  140  ( FIG. 3B ), the first aperture  154 A of the first side portion  152  ( FIG. 4 ), and the first aperture  158 A of the second side portion  156  ( FIG. 4 ) are aligned within one another. A fastener  190 A ( FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 ) is inserted through the first aperture  154 A, the first aperture  158 A, and the second bushing  136  ( FIGS. 3A &amp; 3B ) to couple the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  to the housing  150 . The fastener  190 A includes a cotter pin  191 A that is the same as, or similar to, the cotter pin  197  describe above, and aids in inhibiting the fastener  190 A from sliding out. While the fastener  190 A is shown as being unthreaded in  FIG. 2 , alternatively, the fastener  190 A can be fully threaded or partially threaded (e.g., a shoulder bolt). Alternatively still, the fastener  190 A can include a snap ring and groove that is configured for the same or similar function as the cotter pin  191 A. 
     The actuator  160  is coupled to both the housing  150  and the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140 . First, the rear pivot sleeve  166  coupled to the cylinder  162  ( FIG. 2 ) is aligned with the third aperture  154 C of the first side portion  152  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ) and the third aperture  158 C of the second side portion  156  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ). A fastener  190 C (which includes a cotter pin  191 C) that is the same as, or similar to, the fastener  190 A described above is inserted through the rear pivot sleeve  166 , the third aperture  154 C and the third aperture  158 C such that the actuator  160  is coupled to the housing  150  and can pivot relative to the housing  150  about a third pivot point C ( FIG. 1 ). Second, the forward pivot sleeve  168  coupled to the piston  164  ( FIG. 2 ) is aligned with the first aperture  132 A of the first swing arm  130  ( FIG. 3A ) and the first aperture  142 A of the second swing arm  140  ( FIG. 3B ). A fastener  190 B (which includes a cotter pin  191 B) that is the same as, or similar to, the fastener  190 A and/or the fastener  190 C described above is inserted through the first aperture  132 A of the first swing arm  130  ( FIG. 3A ), the forward pivot sleeve  168  of the actuator ( FIG. 2 ), and the first aperture  142 A of the second swing arm  140  ( FIG. 3B ) such that the actuator  160  is coupled to the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140 , and can pivot relative to the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  about a second pivot point B ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In the fully assembled state with the trailer hitch system  100  secured in a transport position, as generally shown in  FIG. 1 , a mating pin  194  is inserted through the second aperture  154 B of the first side portion  152  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ), the second aperture  132 B of the first swing arm  130  ( FIG. 3A ), the first bushing  134  ( FIG. 3A &amp; 3B ), the second aperture  142 B of the second swing arm  140  ( FIG. 3B ), and the second aperture  158 E of the second side portion  156  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ). The mating pin  194  is similar to the fasteners  190 A- 190 C described above in that the mating pin  194  includes a cotter pin  195  ( FIG. 2 ), linch pin, or similar locking pin(s). The mating pin  194  differs from the fasteners  190 A- 190 C in that the mating pin  194  includes a handle  194 A to aid a user in grasping the mating pin  194  to insert and/or remove the mating pin  194 . When inserted as shown in  FIG. 1 , the mating pin  194  aids in inhibiting movement of the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  relative to the housing  150 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the trailer hitch system  100  is shown with the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  in a first position. In this position, the piston  164  ( FIG. 2 ) of the actuator  160  is in a fully retracted position relative to the cylinder  162 . As shown by a comparison to  FIG. 1  and/or  FIG. 5 , the trailer ball assembly  110  is angled downward relative to the housing  150 . As described in further detail herein, angling the trailer ball assembly  110  downward aids in positioning the trailer ball  112  underneath a coupling mechanism (e.g., tongue) coupled to the trailer. Further, the mating pin  194  ( FIG. 1 ) is not inserted through the housing  150  and the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  because in this position, the second aperture  154 B of the first side portion  152  and the second aperture  158 B of the second side portion  156  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ) are not aligned with the second aperture  132 B of the first swing arm  130  ( FIG. 3A ) and the second aperture  142 B of the second swing arm  140  ( FIG. 3B ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the trailer hitch system  100  is shown with the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  in a second position. In this position, the piston  164  ( FIG. 2 ) of the actuator is in a fully extended position relative to the cylinder  162 . As shown by a comparison to  FIG. 1  and/or  FIG. 4 , the trailer ball assembly is angled upward relative to the housing  150 . Further, the mating pin  194  ( FIG. 1 ) is not inserted through the housing  150  and the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  because in this position, the second aperture  154 B of the first side portion  152  and the second aperture  158 B of the second side portion  156  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ) are not aligned with the second aperture  132 B of the first swing arm  130  ( FIG. 3A ) and the second aperture  142 B of the second swing arm  140  ( FIG. 3B ). 
     The controller  180  ( FIG. 1 ) is used to move the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  between the first position ( FIG. 5 ) and the second position ( FIG. 6 ) as desired. Specifically, the controller  180  ( FIG. 1 ) is communicatively coupled to the actuator  160  (e.g., by a wireless connection or a wired connection). The controller  180  causes the piston  164  of the actuator  160  ( FIG. 2 ) to move between the retracted position and the extended position relative to the cylinder  162  (e.g., by opening or closing a valve), and thus causes the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  to move between the first position ( FIG. 5 ) and the second position ( FIG. 6 ). The controller  180  includes a first user input  182  and a second user input  184 . Responsive to a user selecting the first user input  182  (e.g., by pressing and holding the first user input  182 ), the controller  180  causes the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  to move towards the second position ( FIG. 6 ). Conversely, responsive to the user selecting the second user input  184  (e.g., by pressing and holding the second user input  184 ), the controller  180  causes the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  to move towards the first position ( FIG. 5 ). In this manner, the user/operator can position the trailer ball  112  as desired. During movement between the first position ( FIG. 5 ) and the second position ( FIG. 6 ), and vice versa, the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  pivot relative to the housing  150  at the first pivot point A ( FIG. 1 ). At the same time, the actuator  160  pivots relative to the first swing arm  130  and second swing arm  140  at the second pivot point B ( FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 ) and relative to the housing at third pivot point C ( FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 ). That is, the trailer hitch system  100  includes up to three pivot points, A, B, C, at which the various components pivot relative to the housing  150  and swing arm(s)  130 ,  140 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the controller  180  can be a hand-held remote control. Alternatively, the controller  180  can be coupled to the vehicle and/or the trailer (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the controller  180  can be coupled on an exterior portion of the vehicle (e.g., at or near the rear of the vehicle), or inside of the vehicle (e.g., such that a driver can operate the controller  180  while sitting in the cab). Alternatively, the controller  180  can be integrated into a hand-held device or as an on-board component of a computing device. In some examples, the controller can be integrated into a smartphone (e.g., the controller  180  is smartphone that includes an application communicatively coupled to the actuator  160  and providing a graphical user interface). 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a method  700  for coupling a vehicle to a trailer using the trailer hitch system  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) is illustrated. Alternatively, the method  700  can be used to couple the vehicle to the trailer using trailer hitch systems that are similar to the trailer hitch system  100  (e.g., the trailer hitch system  200  or  400  shown in  FIGS. 9-12  and described in further detail herein). 
     Step  701  of the method  700  includes positioning the trailer ball  112  of the trailer hitch system  100  generally below an adjacent to the trailer. Referring to  FIG. 8A , during step  701 , an operator positions the trailer ball  112  of the trailer hitch system  100  below a coupling mechanism  802  of a trailer  800 . The trailer hitch system  100  is coupled to a vehicle  900 . Specifically, the shaft  170  is disposed within a receiver  902  of the vehicle  900  and secured via the pin  196 . The coupling mechanism  802  is a tongue that is sized and shaped to engage the trailer ball  112 . The operator positions the trailer ball  112  by moving (e.g., backing up) the vehicle to which the trailer hitch system  100  is coupled via the shaft  170 . In some implementations, step  701  includes removing the mating pin  194  ( FIG. 1 ) from the housing  150  and the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  if the mating pin  194  is not already removed so as to permit movement of the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  relative to the housing  150 . 
     Step  702  of the method includes moving the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140 , and consequently the trailer ball  112 , towards the second position ( FIG. 6 ). The operator causes the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  to move towards the second position using the controller  180  shown in  FIG. 1  (e.g., by pressing and holding the first user input  182 ). As the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  move toward the second position ( FIG. 6 ), the trailer ball  112  will engage the coupling mechanism  802  of the trailer  800 , as shown in  FIG. 8B . 
     The trailer  800  also includes a jack stand  804  that supports the tongue portion of the trailer  800  when it is not coupled to a vehicle so that the trailer  800  does not tip forward or down. The operator cannot tow the trailer  800  until the jack stand  804  has been retracted. Typically, prior systems required the operator to manually lift a portion of the weight of the trailer  800  (e.g., using a manual crank) to retract the jack stand  804 . Step  702  of the method  700  includes continuing to move the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  towards the second position ( FIG. 6 ) after the trailer ball  112  has engage the coupling mechanism  802  such that the trailer hitch system  100  supports the tongue portion of the trailer  800  so that an operator can retract the jack stand  804 . For example, the operator can retract the jack stand  804  by removing a pin  806  and sliding the jack stand  804  upward. Thus, the operator of the trailer hitch system  100  can desirably retract the jack stand  804  without being required to manually raise the tongue portion of the trailer  800  relative to the ground surface via a manual crank system or via alternate manual methods. 
     Step  703  of the method  700  includes moving the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  towards the first position ( FIG. 5 ). As described above, the mating pin  194  ( FIG. 2 ) is removed from the first swing arm  130 , the second swing arm  140 , and the housing to permit movement of the swing arms  130  and  140  relative to the housing  150  during steps  701  and  702 . However, the mating pin  194  needs to be reinserted to inhibit this movement during transport of the trailer  800 . Thus, during step  703 , the operator causes the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  to move back towards the first position ( FIG. 5 ) using the controller  180  ( FIG. 1 ) (e.g., by pressing and holding the second user input  184 ). Specifically, the operator causes the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  to move towards the first position until the second aperture  132 B of the first swing arm  130  ( FIG. 3A ) and the second aperture  142 B of the second swing arm  140  ( FIG. 3B ) are aligned with the second aperture  154 B of the first side portion  152  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ) and the second aperture  158 B of the second side portion  156  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ). If the operator overshoots the alignment, the operator can use the controller  180  to move the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  back towards the second position ( FIG. 6 ) so that the apertures can be aligned for the mating pin  194 . 
     Step  704  of the method  700  includes inserting the mating pin  194  through the second aperture  154 B of the first side portion  152  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ), the second aperture  132 B of the first swing arm  130  ( FIG. 3A ), the first bushing  134  ( FIG. 3A &amp; 3B ), the second aperture  142 B of the second swing arm  140  ( FIG. 3B ), and the second aperture  158 B of the second side portion  156  of the housing  150  ( FIG. 4 ). Step  704  can also include securing the mating pin  194  using the cotter pin  195  ( FIG. 2 ) (or a lynch pin, for example). With the mating pin  194  inserted, the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  are inhibited from moving relative to the housing  150  (e.g., the first swing arm  130  and the second swing arm  140  are locked or secured), and the vehicle can now tow the trailer  800 . As shown in  FIG. 8C , with the mating pin  194  inserted, the vehicle  900  can tow the trailer  800  with the hydraulic stress transferred to the mating pin  194 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a trailer hitch system  200  that is the same as, or similar to, the trailer hitch system  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) is shown. The trailer hitch system  200  is shown in an assembled configuration in  FIG. 9 . The trailer hitch system  200  is similar to the trailer hitch system  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) in that the trailer hitch system  200  includes a first swing arm  230  ( FIG. 10 ), a second swing arm  240  ( FIG. 10 ), a housing  250  ( FIG. 9 ), an actuator  260  ( FIG. 9 ), and a shaft  270  ( FIG. 9 ) that are the same as, or similar to, the first swing arm  130 , the second swing arm  140 , the housing  150 , the actuator  160 , and the shaft  170  of the trailer hitch system  100  described herein. 
     Like the trailer hitch system  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ), the trailer hitch system  200  includes a trailer ball assembly  210 . The trailer ball assembly  210  is similar to the trailer ball assembly  110  ( FIG. 2 ) in that the trailer ball assembly  210  includes a trailer ball  212 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the trailer ball assembly  210  differs from the trailer ball assembly  110  in that the trailer ball assembly  210  includes a rail  211 , a receiver portion  214 , and a jacket portion  218 . The rail  211  has a generally rectangular shape and is coupled to the trailer ball  212  (e.g., via a threaded connection, a welded connection, or the like). The rail  211  includes a plurality of apertures  213 A- 213 E that extend through the rail  211 . While the rail  211  is shown as including five apertures  213 A- 213 E, the rail  211  can more generally include any suitable number of apertures (e.g., one, three, six, etc.) 
     The receiver portion  214  includes an aperture  215  and an opening  216 . The opening  216  is generally rectangular and is sized and shaped to receive therein a portion of the rail  211 . To couple the rail  211  to the receiver portion  214 , a portion of the rail  211  is disposed within the opening  216 , and a pin  217  that is the same as, or similar to, the mating pin  196  ( FIG. 2 ) described above is inserted through the aperture  215  and one of the plurality of apertures  213 A- 213 E, as shown in  FIG. 9 . A cotter pin  217 A ( FIG. 10 ) can be used to aid in securing the pin  217  within the aperture  215 . In this manner, the relative position of the trailer ball  212  relative to the receiver portion  214  and the jacket portion  218  (and consequently the mounting plate  220 ) can be adjusted by inserting which of the apertures  213 A- 213 E the pin  217  is inserted through. For example, if the pin  217  is inserted through aperture  213 E, the trailer ball  212  and the rail  211  will be in a fully retracted position relative to other components of the trailer ball assembly  210 . Conversely, if the pin  217  is inserted through aperture  213 A, the trailer ball  212  and the rail  211  will be in a fully extended position relative to the other components of the trailer ball assembly  210 . Repositioning the trailer ball  212  relative to the rest of the trailer hitch system  200  can aid in adapting the trailer hitch systems to different coupling mechanism configurations of different trailers, thus expanding the versatility of the trailer hitch system  200 . 
     The jacket portion  218  is coupled to the receiver portion  214  and has a general “U” shape that is sized and shaped to receive therein a portion of the mounting plate  220 . The jacket portion  218  and the receiver portion  214  can be coupled together (e.g., via a welded connection), or can be a unitary and/or monolithic component. The jacket portion  218  includes a plurality of apertures  219 A- 219 C. Specifically, the plurality of apertures  219 A- 219 C extend from a first side surface  218 A of the jacket portion  218 . The jacket portion  218  also includes a plurality of corresponding apertures that are the same as, or similar to, the plurality of apertures  219 A- 219 C that extend through an opposing second side surface  218 B ( FIG. 10 ) of the jacket portion  218 . 
     The mounting plate  220  is similar to the mounting plate  120  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) in that the mounting plate  220  includes a plurality of apertures  224 A- 224 E. The mounting plate  220  differs from the mounting plate  120  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) in that the plurality of apertures  224 A- 224 E extend from a first side surface  226 A of mounting plate  220  towards an opposing second side surface  226 B, rather than from a front surface  222  towards a rear surface. The plurality of apertures  224 A- 224 E are generally the same size and shape as the plurality of apertures  219 A- 219 C of the jacket portion  218 . The mounting plate  220  also includes a plurality of corresponding apertures that are the same as, or similar to, the plurality of apertures  224 A- 224 E that extend from the opposing second side surface  226 B towards the first side surface  226 A. To couple the mounting plate  220  to the jacket portion  218 , the trailer ball assembly  210  further includes a plurality of fasteners  228 A- 228 D. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the fastener  228 A and the fastener  228 B are each disposed within one of the plurality of apertures  219 A- 219 C of the jacket portion  218  and one of the plurality of apertures  224 A- 224 E of the mounting plate  220 , thereby inhibiting movement (e.g., sliding) of the mounting plate  220  relative to the jacket portion  218 . The fasteners  228 C and  228 D are disposed within corresponding apertures on the opposite side of the jacket portion  218  and the mounting plate  220 . 
     Similar to the mounting plate  120  and the trailer ball assembly  110  of the trailer hitch system  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ), the relative vertical position of the trailer ball  212  relative to the rest of the trailer hitch system  200  can be adjusted by removing the fasteners  228 A- 228 D and sliding the jacket portion  218  relative to the mounting plate  220  to align corresponding apertures. For example, aligning aperture  219 C of the jacket portion  218  and aperture  224 E of the mounting plate  220  and inserting the fastener  228 A will move the vertical position of the trailer ball  212  relative to the rest of the trailer hitch system  200  up relative to the position shown in  FIG. 9 . Conversely, for example, aligning apertures  219 A of the jacket portion  218  and apertures  224 A of the mounting plate  220  and inserting the fastener  228 B will move the vertical position of the trailer ball  212  relative to the rest of the trailer hitch system  200  down relative to the position shown in  FIG. 9 . In this manner, the trailer hitch system  200  can be adjusted to adapt to various trailer coupling mechanism configurations, increasing the versatility of the trailer hitch system  200 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B , a trailer hitch system  400  that is similar to the trailer hitch system  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) and the trailer hitch system  200  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ) is shown. The trailer hitch system  400  is shown in an exploded configuration in  FIGS. 11A-11B , a first assembled configuration in  FIG. 12A , and a second assembled configuration in  FIG. 12B . The trailer hitch system  400  is similar to the trailer hitch system  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) described herein in that the trailer hitch system  400  includes a first swing arm  430  ( FIGS. 12A-12B ), a second swing arm  440  ( FIGS. 12A-12B ), a housing  450  ( FIGS. 12A-12B ), an actuator  460  ( FIGS. 12A-12B ), and a shaft  470  ( FIGS. 12A-12B ) that are the same as, or similar to, the first swing arm  130 , the second swing arm  140 , the housing  150 , the actuator  160 , and the shaft  170  of the trailer hitch system  100  described herein. 
     Similar to the trailer hitch system  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ), the trailer hitch system  400  can include a trailer ball assembly  410 . The trailer ball assembly  410  is similar to the trailer ball assembly  110  ( FIG. 2 ) in that the trailer ball assembly  410  includes a trailer ball  412  that is the same as, or similar to, the trailer ball  112 . As shown in  FIG. 11A , the trailer ball assembly  410  differs in that the trailer ball assembly  410  includes an arm  411  and a mounting adapter  414 . The mounting adapter  414  and the arm  411  are coupled together via, for example, a welded connection. Alternatively, the mounting adapter  414  and the arm  411  can be unitary and/or monolithic. The mounting adapter  414  has a general “U” shape and includes a first plurality of apertures  416 A- 416 B on a first side and a second plurality of apertures  418 A- 418 B on a second side. While the mounting adapter  414  is shown as including two apertures on either side, the mounting adapter  414  can more generally include any suitable number of apertures on either side (e.g., one, three, five, etc.) 
     The trailer hitch system  400  further differs from the trailer hitch system  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) in that the trailer hitch system  400  includes a mounting sleeve  420  that is similar to the mounting plate  120  ( FIG. 2 ). As shown in  FIG. 11A , the mounting sleeve  420  has a general “U” shape and includes a first plurality of apertures  422 A- 422 E on a first side and a second plurality of apertures  424 A- 424 E on a second side. 
     As shown in the first assembled configuration of  FIG. 12A , the mounting sleeve  420  is generally sized and shaped such that the mounting adapter  414  can be received within a portion of the mounting sleeve  420 . A first pin  428 A and a second pin  428 B that are coupled to a plate  426  ( FIG. 11A ) are used to couple the mounting adapter  414  of the trailer ball assembly  410  to the mounting sleeve  420 . Specifically, the first pin  428 A can be inserted through a first corresponding pair of the apertures  422 A- 422 E of the mounting sleeve  420  and a first corresponding pair of the apertures  416 A- 416 B and  418 A- 418 B of the mounting adapter  414 . Likewise, the second pin  428 B can be inserted through a second corresponding pair of the apertures  422 A- 422 E of the mounting sleeve  420  and a second corresponding pair of the apertures  416 A- 416 B. A cotter pin  429  ( FIG. 11A ) can be inserted through apertures in the first pin  428 A and the second pin  428 B to aid in securing the mounting plate  420  and the mounting adapter  414  (e.g., such that the mounting adapter  414  does not move relative to the mounting sleeve  420 ). Thus, similar to the trailer hitch systems  100  and  200  described herein, the position of the trailer ball assembly  410  can be changed relative to the mounting plate  420 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12B , alternatively, the trail hitch system  400  can be assembled in a second exemplary configuration where the trailer hitch system  400  includes a receiver adapter  490  instead of the trailer ball assembly  410 . As shown in  FIG. 11B , the receiver adapter  490  includes a main opening  498  for receiving a shaft therein (e.g., in the same or similar manner as the adapter  300  sleeve shown in  FIG. 13 , described below). The receiver adapter  490  includes a first pair of apertures  492 A- 492 B and a second pair of apertures  494 A- 494 B that are sized and shaped to receive the first pin  428 A and the second pin  428 B therethrough. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 12B , the receiver adapter  490  can be coupled to the mounting sleeve  420  in the same or similar manner as the trailer ball assembly  410  described above. The receiver adapter  490  also includes an aperture  497  that receives an angled mating pin  499  (with a cotter pin arrangement) therein to couple a shaft to the receiver adapter  490 . The angled mating pin  499  is the same as, or similar to, mating pin  496 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in some implementations, the trailer hitch systems described herein (e.g., the trailer hitch systems  100 ,  200 ,  400 ) can include an adapter sleeve  300 . As described above, the trailer hitch system  100  includes a shaft  170  that is received with a received coupled to a vehicle to couple the trailer hitch system  100  to the vehicle. However, not all vehicle receivers are the same size. Trailer hitch receivers are often categorized into different classes (Classes I-V) for different applications (e.g., light towing loads versus heavy towing loads). 
     For example, Class I and Class II receivers can be coupled to the vehicle bumper or the vehicle frame and have a generally rectangular opening having a length of about 1 inch and a width of about 1.25 inches. In contrast to the Class I and Class II receivers which can be coupled to the vehicle bumper, if desired, Class III, Class IV, and Class V receivers are designed for heavier tow loads and must be coupled to the vehicle frame. Class III and Class IV receivers have a generally rectangular opening having a length of about 2 inches and a width of about 2 inches. Class V receivers also have a generally rectangular opening having a length of about 2.5 inches and a width of about 2.5 inches. 
     In some implementations, the shaft  170  described herein has a generally square profile with a length and width of about 2 inches thus that the shaft  170  can be received within Class III and Class IV trailer hitch receivers. Alternatively, the shaft  170  can be sized for Class I and Class II receivers. While the shaft  170  may be sized for a Class III or a Class IV receiver, an operator would not be able to use the trailer hitch system with a Class V receiver without modifying the shaft  170 . That is, an operator may require a first trailer hitch system for Class III and Class IV receivers and a second trailer hitch system for Class V. 
     To increase the versatility of the trailer hitch systems described herein, the adapter sleeve  300  can be coupled to the shaft  170 . The adapter sleeve  300  has an opening for receiving therein a portion of the shaft  170 . As shown, the adapter sleeve  300  has a first dimension d 1  that is greater than a second dimension d 2  of the shaft  170 . For example, the first dimension d 1  can be about 2.5 inches and the second dimension d 2  can be about 2 inches. That is, the shaft  170  is sized for Class III and Class IV receivers, and the adapter sleeve  300  is sized for Class V receivers. The adapter sleeve  300  includes an aperture  302  that is the same as, or similar to, the aperture  172  ( FIG. 2 ) of the shaft  170  that receivers the mating pin  196  for securing the trailer hitch system to the receiver. Thus, a trailer hitch system can be adapted for Class V receivers by sliding the adapter sleeve  300  onto the shaft  170  and coupling them together (e.g., butt-welding them together) or securing via a pin. 
     While the adapter sleeve  300  is shown and described as being used to adapt a Class III or Class IV sized shaft  170  for use with a Class V receiver, alternatively, an adapter sleeve that is the same, or similar to, the adapter sleeve  300  can be used to adapt a trailer hitch system for a Class III, IV, or V receiver to a Class I or Class II receiver. In sum, the adapter sleeve is advantageously because it permits the trailer hitch system to be adapted for use with different trailer hitch receiver classes that are required for different towing applications. 
     In some implementations, the trailer hitch system  100  and/or the trailer hitch system  200  further includes a camera and a display device. The camera is coupled to the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle bumper) or the housing of the trailer hitch system (e.g., housing  150 ) such that the field of view of the camera is directed at the trailer ball of the trailer hitch system. That is, the camera is positioned such that the engagement/coupling of the trailer ball of the trailer hitch system and the coupling mechanism of the trailer (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 8B ) are within the field of view of the camera. The camera generates image data reproducible as one or more images of the trailer ball and/or coupling mechanism of the trailer (e.g., still images, video images, or both) that can be displayed via the display device. The display device can be, for example, a touchscreen, a LCD or LED panel, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, etc. In one example, the display device is integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle. 
     In such implementations, the operator can remotely view the position of the trailer ball and trailer coupling mechanism during the steps of the method  700  described herein without having to exit the vehicle and observe the connection. For example, if the controller  180  and the display device are located inside the vehicle, the operator does not need to exit the vehicle to perform steps  701  and  702  of the method. The operator need only exit to retract the trailer jack stand and insert the mating pin in the trail hitch system. In contrast, prior systems often required an operator to exit the vehicle multiple times to confirm proper alignment of the trailer hitch and the trailer coupling mechanism, which is time consuming and labor-intensive. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each of these implementations and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is also contemplated that additional implementations according to aspects of the present disclosure may combine any number of features from any of the implementations described herein. 
     ALTERNATIVE IMPLEMENTATIONS 
     Implementation 1. A trailer hitch system for coupling a vehicle to a trailer, the system including a housing; a shaft coupled to the housing and configured to be received within a receiver coupled to the vehicle; a mounting plate including a swing arm extending from the mounting plate, the swing arm coupled to the housing such that the swing arm can pivot relative to the housing; and an actuator coupled to (i) the housing such that the actuator can pivot relative to the housing and (ii) the swing arm such that movement of the actuator causes corresponding movement of the swing arm between a first position and a second position. 
     Implementation 2. The system according to implementation 1, further including a mating pin configured to aid in inhibiting movement of the swing arm relative to the housing responsive to the mating pin being received within an aperture in the housing and a corresponding aperture in the swing arm when the swing arm is in a third position that is between the first position and the second position. 
     Implementation 3. The system according to any one of implementations 1 to 2, further including a controller communicatively coupled to the actuator, the controller being configured to selectively cause the movement of the swing arm between the first position and the second position. 
     Implementation 4. The system according to implementation 1 to 3, wherein the controller is configured to receive a first user input indicative of a desire to move the swing arm towards the first position and a second user input indicative of a desire to move the swing arm towards the second position. 
     Implementation 5. The system according to implementation 4, wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the actuator via a wireless connection and/or a wired connection. 
     Implementation 6. The system according to any one of implementations 1 to 5, further including a trailer ball assembly coupled to the mounting plate, the trailer ball assembly including a trailer ball configured to engage a portion of the trailer to aid in coupling the trailer to the vehicle. 
     Implementation 7. The system according to implementation 6, wherein the trailer ball assembly includes a jacket portion coupled to the trailer ball, the jacket portion being configured to receive a portion of the mounting plate therein. 
     Implementation 8. The system according to any one of implementations 1 to 7, wherein a portion of the mounting shaft is disposed within and coupled to an adapter sleeve, the adapter sleeve having a first dimension that is greater than a corresponding second dimension of the mounting shaft to aid in coupling the system to the receiver coupled to the vehicle. 
     Implementation 9. The system according to any one of implementations 1 to 8, further including a camera and a display device, the camera being configured to generate image data reproducible as one or more images including the trailer ball, and the display device being configured to display the one or more images including the trailer ball to aid a user in coupling the trailer to the vehicle. 
     Implementation 10. A powered trailer hitch system for coupling a trailer to a vehicle, the system including a mounting plate including a pair of swing arms extending therefrom; a trailer ball assembly coupled to the mounting plate, the trailer ball assembly including a trailer ball configured to engage a portion of the trailer; a housing having a base portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the first side portion and the second side portion extending from the base portion, the housing being coupled to the pair of swing arms such that the pair of swing arms can pivot relative to the housing; a shaft coupled to the housing, the shaft being configured to couple the trailer hitch system to the vehicle; and an actuator including a cylinder and a piston, the piston being configured to move relative to the cylinder, the cylinder being coupled to the housing, the piston being coupled to the pair of swing arms such that movement of the piston relative to the cylinder causes corresponding movement of the pair of swing arms between a first position and a second position. 
     Implementation 11. The system according to implementation 10, wherein (i) the pair of swing arms include a first aperture extending therethrough, a second aperture extending therethrough, and a third aperture extending therethrough, (ii) the housing includes a first aperture extending through the first side portion and the second side portion, a second aperture extending through the first side portion and the second side portion, and a third aperture extending through the first side portion and the second side portion, and (iii) the cylinder of the actuator includes a first pivot sleeve and the piston of the actuator includes a second pivot sleeve. 
     Implementation 12. The system according to implementation 11, further including a mating pin configured to be selectively inserted through the second aperture of the pair of swing arms and the first aperture of the housing when the pair of swing arms are in a third position between the first position and the second position, thereby aiding in inhibiting movement of the pair of swing arms relative to the housing. 
     Implementation 13. The system according to any one of implementations 10 to 12, wherein the mounting plate has a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface, and the trailer ball assembly includes (i) a mounting portion having a plurality of apertures and (ii) a plurality of fasteners, the plurality of fasteners being disposed within the plurality of apertures of the mounting portion of the trailer ball assembly and corresponding ones of the plurality of apertures of the mounting plate. 
     Implementation 14. The system according to any one of implementations 10 to 13, wherein the mounting plate has a first surface, an opposing second surface, a first plurality of apertures extending from the first surface towards the opposing second surface, and a second plurality of apertures extending from the opposing second surface towards the first surface, the trail ball assembly including (i) a jacket portion configured to receive a portion of the mounting plate therein, the jack portion having a first plurality of apertures and an opposing second plurality of apertures, and (ii) a plurality of fasteners, each of the fasteners being configured to be disposed within one of the first plurality of apertures of the jacket portion and one of the first plurality of apertures of the mounting plate or within one of the second plurality of apertures of the jacket potion and one of the second plurality of apertures of the mounting plate. 
     Implementation 15. The system according to implementation 14, wherein the trailer ball assembly includes a receiver portion, a rail portion, and a pin, the receiver portion having an aperture and an opening, the rail portion being coupled to the trailer ball and having a plurality of apertures, the rail portion being configured to be disposed within the opening of the receiver portion, the pin being configured to be disposed within the aperture of the receiver portion and one of the plurality of apertures of the rail portion to couple the rail portion to the receiver portion. 
     Implementation 16. The system according to any one of implementations 10 to 15, further including a controller communicatively coupled to the actuator, the controller being configured to receive a first user input to selectively cause movement of the pair of swing arms towards the second position and a second user input to selectively cause movement of the pair of swing arms towards the first position. 
     Implementation 17. The system according to any one of implementations 10 to 16, wherein a portion of the shaft is disposed within and coupled to an adapter sleeve, the adapter sleeve having a first dimension that is greater than a corresponding second dimension of the shaft to aid in coupling the powered trailer hitch system to a receiver coupled to the vehicle. 
     Implementation 18. A method for coupling a trailer to a vehicle using a powered trailer hitch system. the method including positioning a trailer ball of the powered trailer hitch system generally below a coupling mechanism of the trailer, the powered trailer hitch system including a mounting plate, a swing arm, a housing, and an actuator, the swing arm being coupled to the housing at a first pivot point, the actuator being coupled to the housing at a second pivot point and being coupled to the swing arm, the actuator being configured to selectively cause the swing arm to move between a retracted position and an extended position; receiving, using a controller, a first user input indicative of a desire to move the swing arm towards the extended position; and in response to receiving the first user input, actuating, via the controller, the actuator of the trailer hitch to automatically move the swing arm towards the extended position until the trailer ball engages the tongue coupled to the trailer. 
     Implementation 19. The method according to implementation 18, further including, subsequent to the trailer ball engaging the coupling mechanism of the trailer, retracting a jack stand of the trailer. 
     Implementation 20. The method according to any one of implementations 18 to 19, further including subsequent to retracting the jack stand, receiving, using the controller, a second user input indicative of a desire to move the swing arm towards the retracted position; in response to receiving the second user input, actuating, via the controller, the actuator of the trailer hitch to automatically move the swing arm towards the retracted position until an aperture in the housing is aligned with a corresponding aperture in the swing arm; and inserting a mating pin through the aperture in the housing and the corresponding aperture in the swing arm to aid in preventing movement of the swing arm relative to the housing. 
     It is contemplated that any element or any portion thereof from any of implementations 1 to 20 above can be combined with any other element or elements or portion(s) thereof from any of implementations 1 to 20 to form another implementation of the present disclosure.