There are four standard trailer hitch sizes:
1-1/4′′, 2′′, 2-1/2′′ and 3′′
. The hitch size refers to the inside dimensions of the hitch receiver.
How do I know what size trailer ball I need?
To determine the proper size of ball that you need,
look at the coupler on the tongue of your trailer
. Most couplers have the proper ball size and towing capacity stamped into them. The most common sizes of trailer balls are 1 7/8′′, 2′′ and 2 5/16′′.
What is the most common ball size for trailers?
The most common size trailer hitch ball is the
2-inch diameter ball
. The 2-inch ball is used on a variety of popular trailers, such as boat trailers, utility trailers and campers. 2-inch trailer balls have a wide weight capacity range from 3,500 pounds to 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
How do I choose a ball for my trailer?
- Find your hitch height. Measure the height from the top of your vehicle's hitch receiver tube to the ground.
- Find your coupler height. Level your trailer and measure the height from the bottom of the coupler to the ground.
- Measure the difference.
How much weight can a 2 inch ball pull?
| Size of Tow Ball Diameter Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) Max | 2” Always rated at 8,000 lbs | 2-5/16′′ 12,500 lbs | 18,500 lbs | 21,000 lbs |
|---|
How high should my tow ball be?
We normally recommend
at least 11” of clearance from the bottom
of your LOADED trailer hitch ball mount to the ground, no less. That 11” of clearance gives you some leeway for bumps, dips, and slanted driveways so that you do not scrape the bottom of your hitch.
What size ball does uhaul trailer use?
All U-Haul trailers can be towed using either a
1-7/8′′ or 2′′ ball
. The only thing you need to pay attention to is weight capacity.
Can you use a 1 7 8 ball on a 2 inch hitch?
No, it is not safe to use a 1
-7/8 inch ball with a trailer that has a 2 inch ball coupler. Most couplers have an adjustment for the latching mechanism that may solve your issue.
What's the difference between a Class 3 and Class 4 trailer hitch?
The main difference between a Class III hitch and a Class IV hitch is
the capacities they set for the hitches
. Class III hitches are rated for up to 6,000 lbs GTW with 600 lbs TW whereas a Class IV is rated for up to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,000 TW. For more info on the hitch classifications check out the link I attached.
What is the difference between a Class 1 and Class 3 trailer hitch?
Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to 3,500 lbs in GTW and up to 525 lbs in TW. Class III, on the other hand, have a
2 inch
receiver and have up to 8,000 lbs GTW and 800 lbs TW.
What happens if trailer hitch is too low?
If your hitch is too low, it's going to
put a lot of strain on the back of your car
. The back bumper could be bent and damaged by this weight and pressure, plus the weight will not be evenly distributed throughout your tow vehicle.
Should my trailer be level when towing?
When towing, trailers should be
level to improve stability, braking performance, and ground clearance
. A level trailer will prevent poor towing characteristics, like sway, and uneven tire wear. If a trailer level is not possible the next best option is to have the trailer nose down a little.
What is the proper height for a trailer hitch?
Normally trailer coupler height is
around 17 inches
, from the ground to the bottom of the coupler, and most hitch manufacturers design their hitches to work with a ball mount that will end up very close to this measurement.
Can you put a 2 inch ball on a Class 1 hitch?
Question:
Yes
the Hitch Ball with 2′′ Diameter and Short Shank, item # 19258, would be a good match for the Curt Class I Trailer Hitch Receiver, item # 11076. …
How much weight can a 2 5/16 ball handle?
2-5/16′′ trailer balls range in capacity from
6,000 up to 30,000 lbs.
How much weight do you put on a tow ball?
A rule-of-thumb is that your tow ball download should be
about 10% of your van's weight
… …but you need to check your compliance plate or owner's manual to see if they specify the tow ball download for your trailer. Some are as low as 5%, and others as high as 15%.
