trailer ball capacity / shank size

[msmith1wa]

I use one of these if I am not using my weight distribution hitch http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Andersen/AM3410.html and lowest rated component on weight distribution hitch is rated for 1500 tw with a trailer weight of 15000 I used a 30000# goose neck ball on it.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

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

That's what I use is the stainless convert-a-ball along with their dampened hitch--all rated at 10,000 GVWR, the max tow of my F150. I really like the convert-a-ball system and use their storage box to carry 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16" balls.

 

[Ken45101]

Good idea to bring up this issue.

My heavy duty combo is a solid bar with three balls welded to it. Rated at 10 or 12K IIRC. I use that for my dump trailer, besides the my gooseneck trailers, it's my only heavy rated trailer.

 

[KenB2920]

Anyone ever busted their ball?


A buddy of mine came by just a few weeks ago and opened my eyes to the variety of capacities these balls can carry.

 

[sacmarata]

Good thread here as I'm betting most everyone on this sight at least slightly exceeds your standard off the shelf ball you can pick up at tractor supply.

I was shocked the first time I looked at the weight ratings for 2 5/16 balls off the shelf.

 

[sacmarata]

Good thread here as I'm betting most everyone on this sight at least slightly exceeds your standard off the shelf ball you can pick up at tractor supply.

I was shocked the first time I looked at the weight ratings for 2 5/16 balls off the shelf.

 

[Capt Dan]

I'm going to pay more attention to some of the 12,000-14,000 lb. trailers I see being towed and parked. Try an look at the hitch and educate (or learn).
What is the trailer weight rating (without equalizer) on factory hitch 3/4 ton trucks? Haven't looked at them for a long time and can't remember if the factory hitch would be OK for 14,000# bumper pull without equalizer. The thought of 14,000# on a 6000# ball (Reese stainless) is still scary.

My main trailers I own/tow are an old 12 foot dual axle skid loader trailer and a single axle equipment trailer with my 1/2 ton. I do have a 27 foot boat (4 cylinder gas) that was set up for an equalizer hitch that I only use the regular ball mount to tow it 30 miles twice/year. Haven't towed it for a few years. The 23 foot boat I do use puts me right at legal limits and I've been a little over combined gross on very long trips. That trailer needs a equalizer hitch mounted on it which I've bought and haven't put on (Pole tongue adapter).

I now have a 2001 Ford 1 ton single rear wheel truck I set up for an Alaskan truck camper that has steel utility box and front winch. Old railroad electricians truck. I have it loaded at max rating and would like to have 19.5 tires but rims are not available for it (that I found). Haven't needed to use it for towing yet. Just plan on using it for smaller boats but need to make sure it's ready if I tow the big boat.

I am a truck driver and more careful (safety type person) than most.

Dan

 

[tcartwri]

And how many of you have the tools to torque these fasteners properly...

 

[Sterff]

I recently got a 30K ball and a 2 1/2" ball mount which is good for 18K. I have a class 5 hitch too. Overkill doesn't hurt when it comes to safety.

 

[ultrarunner]

I bought a torque wrench that I keep in my tow vehicle just to make sure the ball is secure.

Some of my hitches have no-rotate balls and have yet to find one loose... also, a fresh lock-washer does a fine job when used.

I have an eclectic assortment of trailers and tow with the following size balls:

1" (Single Wheel Camp trailer from 1957 that uses two 1" balls)

1 3/4" (Around the yard)

1 7/8"

2"

2 5/16"

2 1/2" inch on a custom trailer built in the 1930's... hitch, ball, trailer were all custom made.