Ball Hitch Sizes For Travel Trailers
The hitch ball used to tow most travel trailers is a 2 inch or 2 5 16 inch trailer ball.
Ball hitch sizes for travel trailers. The ball allows the trailer to pivot to provide smooth turning while towing. The correct ball size should always be used because a smaller ball could allow the. This type of hitch can be used for a trailer 3 500 pounds or less like a folding tent camper or a email protected class 3. 2 5 16 is the current standard.
Trailer hitches the society of automotive engineers has defined four classes of trailer hitch for automobiles based on the weight of the trailer and its cargo the gross towed weight rating gtwr. Travel trailers can weigh anywhere from 5 000 to 10 000 lbs. 1 7 8 inch 2 inch and 2 5 16 inch hitch balls. Considering how many different trailers a company like u haul has to offer you would think getting the right hitch ball size and weight capacity would be.
Recreational and light commercial hitch balls come in a variety of sizes including 1 7 8 2 2 5 16 and infrequently 3. As trailers got larger and heavier the ball sizes or shank sizes have had to increase. This hitch is for vans pickup trucks or even a mid size suvs. Correct ball mounts will match shaft size to receiver tube dimensions.
Commonly used hitch ball sizes diameters are. 4 53 detroit clark 5 spd 40 wide tracks 10 00x20 tires 16 000 capacity 22 000 weight. Smaller 2 balls are common in teardrop trailers because of their lower weight rating. Additionally many travel trailers are pulled using a weight distribution hitch.
Most trailers have a hitch ball size and maximum towing capacity stamped on the tongue coupler handle or frame and you have to choose a trailer ball with the specs that are equal to or exceed those figures. 1 7 8 2 and 2 5 16. So what are the most common travel trailer ball sizes. Bill nodwell rn110 out moose hunting.
A trailer hitch ball is bolted to your hitch s ball mount and provides the attachment point for your trailer s coupler. 6 000 pounds is the max it can tow and would be right for lightweight travel trailers or mini travel trailers like a wolf pup. There are only 3 standard sizes in the united states. The ball mount raises or lowers the hitch ball to ensure that your tow vehicle and trailer remain level as you travel.
You ll also want to pay attention to what weight capacity your hitch ball is rated for. The coupler mounts and locks on top of the hitch ball and articulates around the hitch ball. Trailer hitch balls are sold in various shank lengths and diameters ball diameters and weight capacities to meet your towing needs. The key is to get a ball mount that allows the trailer coupler to be level with the ground.
Another class v is commercially available but is not included in the sae standard and in any case is made for heavier loads and more power than.