Patent ID: 8215656

Claim:
A trailer hitch apparatus for mechanically and electrically coupling a towed vehicle having an electrical system to a towing vehicle having an electrical system, the trailer hitch apparatus comprising: a receiver comprising: a receiver tube having an open end; a first electrical connector for attaching to the electrical system of the towing vehicle; a second electrical connector electrically connected to the first electrical connector; and a trailer mount installed within the open end of the receiver tube, the trailer mount comprising: a mounting tube comprising a first end for inserting into the receiver tube and a second end; a third electrical connector operable to mate with the second electrical connector; an attachment mount connected to the second end of the mounting tube; a trailer attachment device connected to the attachment mount for attaching to the towed vehicle; and an electrical receptacle electrically connected with the third electrical connector and attached to a receptacle housing mounted on the mounting tube for providing an electrical signal to the electrical system of the towed vehicle.