Importance of Knowing the Trailer Ball Sizes
Whether you are planning to go out for camping or moving from one city to another, having a trailer provides a lot of conveniences. If you are planning to buy a trailer or already have one then do not make one of the most common mistakes that people make over and over again - not using the right trailer hitch ball.
So, before we tell you why trailer ball sizes are important, let's start with the basics.
Using the Right Hitch Ball
On the hitch ball mount, there is a bolted trailer ball that acts as a connection point of a trailer's coupler. The hitch ball is extremely important because it pivots the trailer and provides a smooth turning while you are towing. For your towing system, it is imperative for you to comprehend that the hitch ball has to be properly rated and your trailer's lowest-rated item has to be equal to the maximum weight rating of the system. An upgrade of your hitching system to a higher rating than the maximum is not possible.
Things to Consider While Choosing the Right Hitch Ball
The Hitch Ball Diameter: An undersized ball enables the trailer to bounce loose and that is why the diameter of a hitch ball has to be same as the diameter of the trailer coupler.
The Shank Length: It needs to be long enough so that when the hitch ball is installed, two threads are visible and the nut is fully tightened.
The Shank Diameter: The selected ball mount's hole diameter has to be same as the shank's diameter of the hitch ball.
Know the Right Trailer Ball Sizes
To meet your towing needs, trailer hitch balls come in different weight capacities, shank diameters and lengths, and ball diameters. In order to select the right hitch ball, there are few things that you must need to know:
Ball Capacity and Diameter
With most trailers, you will find that hitch ball's maximum towing capacity, diameter, frame or coupler is listed. For the purpose of towing a trailer, any hitch ball to be used must have the same maximum capacity and diameter as the one that is listed (it also can be greater than that). The diameters of most commonly used hitch balls is 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16".
Dimensions of Hitch-Ball Shank
It is important that the trailer hitch ball must fit your trailer and ball mount as well - there is a hole in ball mount that receives the ball. To fit diverse ball mounts, the hitch balls come in a variety of shank diameters and lengths. The common diameters of ball mounts are 3/4", 1", and 1-1/4", however, you can find balls in other sizes as well. After knowing the diameter (try to measure the precise one) of the mounting hole, the ball shank diameter can be chosen of the same size as well.
Ball Diameter Specifics
| Ball Diameter | Typical Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1-7/8" | Up to 2,000 to 3,500 lb | Small, light-duty trailers: small utility, jet ski, compact boat |
| 2" | 3,500 to 12,000 lb (most rated up to about 8,000 lb) | The most common size: utility, cargo, boat, and mid-size trailers |
| 2-5/16" | 6,000 to 30,000 lb | Heavy loads: large equipment, gooseneck, RV, commercial and ag trailers |
| 3" | Up to about 30,000 lb | Gooseneck and heavy commercial towing |
These are typical ranges. The certified GTW for any given ball is stamped on top of the ball itself, so always match the ball's stamped rating and diameter to your trailer's coupler.
All in all, it is fair to say that you need to have some knowledge of trailer hitch ball sizes. It is important because the trailer coupler size and ball size have to match each other while the weight rating has to sufficient. It is best to do some search of your own or consult an expert. Talking about experts in the field, you can always ask North Carolina Trailer Sales if you have any questions related to trailers.
Need help matching a hitch to your trailer? Our service team can help, or browse our trailer inventory.
Not sure which hitch ball you need?
Call us or stop by either lot and we will help you match the right ball and hitch to your trailer.
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