trailer ball capacity / shank size

[Capt Dan]

In reading the thread about 5000 lb capacity single axle trailers got me thinking about trailer balls. WOW! I've been looking at the ratings from different manufactures and now need to look at all the ball mounts/stingers I've acquired over the years. At least I'm pretty sure the main ones I use are OK. I never realized people could be towing car trailers and other dual axle 7000# trailers with a 3/4 inch shank 3500 pound rated trailer balls.

Even many Curt brand 1 inch shank 2 inch balls are only rated for 6000#.

The Reese 2 5/16 ball in STAINLESS 1 inch shank is only rated for 6000#. I don't even know if that should be sold.

Went out and looked at a few and found one I'm going to change. I purchased it new and have a 5000# 1 inch shank ball on a 7500# mount.
At least I only found one mount with a 3/4 inch shank. I was afraid there could have been more. It had a 2000# 1 7/8 ball. Not used often outside of the yard anymore.

Dan

Reese Hitch Balls - Reese

Curt 2 IN Trailer Balls

 

[FTG-05]

Did the same thing recently with my balls (no pun intended).

I have a 2 5/16" and 2" ball both rated at 10K lbs. These and only these are used to haul trailers around on public roads. The 6k lbs and lower balls are used on the tractor as yard dogs.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I spent the coin a few years ago and got a forged shank/stinger rated at 12k or 14k and a 12k rated ball so I never had to worry about it. About $90 later that is. I also never let that hitch out of my sight for that reason.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I get 1" shank 2" balls rated for 7500# and 2 5/16" rated for 12000#.

I also get 1 1/4" shank 2 5/16" balls rated for 25000#

Chris

 

[bcp]

Here is a two inch, 12,000 lb ball:
Hitch Ball with 2" Diameter Ball, 12,000 lbs GTW - Chrome Curt Balls 40038

Lots of two inch, 10,000 lb balls:
10000 lbs GTW 2 Inch Diameter Ball 1 Inch Diameter Shank Balls | etrailer.com

Bruce

 

[Capt Dan]

The original Convert a balls are what I use most. I have two mounts for different drops. Both mount and ball rated for 10,000#. Also have some equalizer hitches and pintle hitches on solid square mounts. It was the odd ones laying around I was concerned about.

Dan

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Ever try to find a 2 5/16 ball rated for 14k or 15k, bit hard to do, also have seen a goose neck 2 5/16 rated for 30k.

David Kb7uns

 

[bcp]

Etrailer.com 2 5/6 balls by capacity:

Gross Trailer Weight Capacity

10000 lbs GTW (14)
12000 lbs GTW (6)
14000 lbs GTW (3)
15000 lbs GTW (1)
16000 lbs GTW (1)
2000 lbs GTW (3)
20000 lbs GTW (8)
24000 lbs GTW (2)
25000 lbs GTW (5)
30000 lbs GTW (20)
6000 lbs GTW (1)
7500 lbs GTW (1)
8000 lbs GTW (2)

From:
http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Balls-pc-2~5|16_Inch_Diameter_Ball.aspx

Bruce

 

[newbury]

Did the same thing recently with my balls (no pun intended).

I have a 2 5/16" and 2" ball both rated at 10K lbs. These and only these are used to haul trailers around on public roads. The 6k lbs and lower balls are used on the tractor as yard dogs.

Ever try to find a 2 5/16 ball rated for 14k or 15k, bit hard to do, also have seen a goose neck 2 5/16 rated for 30k.

David Kb7uns

Etrailer.com 2 5/6 balls by capacity:

Gross Trailer Weight Capacity

10000 lbs GTW (14)
12000 lbs GTW (6)
14000 lbs GTW (3)
15000 lbs GTW (1)
16000 lbs GTW (1)
2000 lbs GTW (3)
20000 lbs GTW (8)
24000 lbs GTW (2)
25000 lbs GTW (5)
30000 lbs GTW (20)
6000 lbs GTW (1)
7500 lbs GTW (1)
8000 lbs GTW (2)

From:
2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball Balls | etrailer.com

Bruce

Good thread. I've been telling y'all to check your balls for about two years now. Ever since I tried to find one for my dually and found 15K rated ball mounts with 6K rated balls.

My 14K Equal-izer was bought with a 14K ball.

 

[94BULLITT]

A larger shank does not always mean it is rated for a higher capacity.

Amazon used to have some good prices on Curt ball mount and ball combos.