What Is a Trailer Ball?

Trailer Ball is a towing accessory that bolts onto a trailer hitch ball mount and provides the connection from your truck to your trailer’s coupler. It comes in a variety of diameters, weight capacities and lengths to ensure a proper and secure fit.

Trailer ball sizes range from 1-7/8, 2-5/16 and 3 inches. They also vary in shank diameter and length, determining their weight capacity.

Material

Trailer balls are a key part of a hitch system that connects your vehicle and trailer. They are made up of a metal ball and threaded shank that provides the coupling point for your trailer coupler.

When buying a trailer ball, make sure to choose one that matches the size of your coupler. This ensures that the two components have a solid connection to tow your trailer safely and smoothly.

The best way to find the right size for your trailer is to look at the coupler itself and see what measurements are stamped into it. You can also use a tape measure or ruler to find the diameter of the inside opening and measure that.

A 1 7/8″ trailer ball is common for light-duty towing, while a 2 5/16″ trailer ball is more common for medium-duty towing, such as travel trailers and equipment haulers. Each trailer ball comes in a variety of weight capacities, ranging from 2,000 up to 30,000 pounds.

Most trailer balls are manufactured from steel. Some come with chrome plating or stainless steel coatings to help resist corrosion and rust.

However, these coatings can wear away if they are not applied properly and over time can reduce the effectiveness of the ball. Alternatively, some manufacturers opt for a raw forged steel surface, which may be more durable but may not have the same corrosion-resistant qualities as other ball finishes.

The size of your trailer ball is very important, as it can cause a serious mishap if the ball is not the right fit for your receiver. You should also always check the weight rating of your trailer ball to ensure that it meets or exceeds the gross weight of your trailer. This can prevent the ball from falling off your hitch.

Diameter

The diameter of a Trailer Ball is one of the most important aspects to consider when selecting the right hitch ball for your needs. It must match the size of the coupler opening, have a shank diameter that matches the hole in the correct ball mount and be the proper weight capacity to safely tow your trailer.

The three most common sizes for trailer hitch balls are 1-7/8”, 2” and 2-5/16” in diameter. Occasionally, you may find 3” or even larger size balls.

To ensure the correct size, first check the opening on your trailer coupler, which is usually stamped or labeled by manufacturers. Once you know the correct size, it is then a matter of matching the ball’s length, which is the length from the bottom of the ball platform to the end of the threaded stem.

This is the most crucial aspect of choosing a hitch ball, as it will determine the level of towing your trailer can do. It is also important to choose a ball that has the correct amount of rise, which is how high it sits off the base when connected.

A trailer ball with a too-large shank diameter will shift while towing, making it less stable and potentially coming loose. Similarly, a ball that is too-short will allow your trailer to bounce around while towing.

Once you have found the appropriate trailer ball for your setup, you will need to make sure you have the correct ball mount. A ball mount is a removable platform that slides into the receiver of your hitch and fastens with a pin and clip. These ball mounts are available in a variety of different heights to adjust the hitch’s height for level towing.

Length

The Trailer Ball is a key part of the hitch on your truck or SUV that connects Trailer Shackle the trailer to the vehicle. It is made of steel, usually forged, and can be found in various sizes.

The size of a Trailer Ball is important to ensure safe and secure towing. It must fit the coupler on your trailer perfectly and have the correct weight capacity. Most companies stamp or label the correct size of the ball on the coupler, so it’s easy to find and use.

There are four different trailer ball sizes: 1-7/8 inches, 2-inch, 2-5/16 inches and 3-inch. Each has a different shank or stem diameter and weight capacity.

These balls are designed for different types of trailers, from utility trailers and teardrop campers to boat trailers and goosenecks. They have a wide range of weight capacities from 2,000 to 30,000 pounds.

One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a trailer ball is the shank length. This is measured from the bottom of the base of the ball to the end of the threads.

It is a crucial measurement because it determines how much rise the ball will add to your hitch connection. The more rise a trailer ball has, the greater its impact on your trailer’s tow rating.

Another important factor to consider is the shank diameter, which is measured from the hole in your ball mount’s platform to the top of the threads. This is a critical measurement because if the shank is too small, it may come loose while towing.

Finally, the trailer ball’s height should match that of the coupler. There are standard rise balls and high rise balls, which can add an extra 1-2’’ of height to your ball.

Rise

The Trailer Ball is the tow ball that attaches to a hitch mounted on a vehicle. It is used for towing a trailer and must be chosen correctly to ensure safe operation. This is accomplished by matching the ball diameter and maximum towing capacity with the trailer.

When choosing a ball mount, you should consider the following three qualifications: Drop (C) or Rise (D), Shank Size and Weight Capacity. A ball mount with the right ‘rise’ or ‘drop’, the correct shank size and a sufficient weight capacity can help keep your vehicle and trailer safely level.

Generally, the ball mount’s drop is determined by the difference between the height of the truck’s trailer hitch and the trailer coupler. To determine this measurement, first park your vehicle on level ground and measure the distance from the ground to the top of the inside of the hitch receiver opening. Then, subtract this number from the difference between the coupler height and the truck’s hitch receiver opening.

A ball mount’s rise is Trailer Shackle typically the same as its drop, but many of them can be flipped for use in the drop position to accommodate different heights of trailer couplers. These adjustable mounts can be a great option for work trucks and fleet vehicles that tow multiple trailers with different coupler heights.

There are many different sizes and types of ball mounts to choose from, so it is important to be sure you’re choosing the correct one for your needs. Most ball mounts have 3 key measurements that make it easy to find the right one for your needs: length, rise or drop and shank size.

Weight

The weight of a Trailer Ball is important to know because it affects trailer stability and the amount of weight you can safely tow. It also impacts how your trailer and vehicle react to the road, which can cause issues such as mechanical sympathy, swaying or damage to the frame and suspension of the tow vehicle.

The diameter of a Trailer Ball must match the size of your coupler, the shank diameter must fit into the hole in the platform of a ball mount or bumper hitch and the ball must have a weight rating that exceeds the gross weight of your trailer. These three factors are essential to safe towing.

A common ball for light-duty towing is the 1-7/8-inch size, which has a maximum weight capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. This is a popular choice for trailers such as teardrop campers, utility trailers and fishing boat trailers.

Depending on the type of trailer you are towing, there are other options for trailer balls. These include the standard, switch and tri-ball trailer balls.

These are welded into the ball mount or bumper hitch and can be interchanged to fit different coupler sizes. These are handy if you have more than one trailer that needs different coupler sizes.

High rise balls are another option that can add 1-2 inches of height to the ball, increasing the amount of weight you can tow with it. This is particularly useful if your truck or tow vehicle is not level with your trailer.

To measure tongue weight, load your trailer and truck up just as they will be for the trip you are making and take them to a commercial scale. Then jack up the trailer and record its weight, taking into account the weight of the truck with its trailer attached.