trailer ball capacity / shank size

[Bigfoot62]

Capt. Dan,
Good point. Let me share a story with you.

Recently, My cousin asked me to move a large travel trailer (park model) for his grandson. Dry weight on the trailer is over 11,000#. I told him that we needed a Class 5 (15k) ball and ball mount. (my F-350 has a Class 5 hitch) He asked, "What for? NOBODY uses stuff like that." I explained that I would not move the trailer without the proper ball and mount. (I didn't have one because all my heavy trailers are G/N) He grumbled around for a few days and then ordered one. Then, I gladly moved the trailer for them.

Point is, I don't think MOST people understand the difference in towing equipment, or even know what they have.

Again, good topic. Maybe someone will read this thread and avoid future problems.

 

[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

When I was looking it was back in 2007 and they were very scarce and only found the REESE PRO SC equalizing hitch rated for 14k and had to add the Super Hitch receiver for the 15k rating, now all the big 3 have the 2 1/2 hitch receivers.

David Kb7uns

 

[ultrarunner]

Neighbors Suburban came with a 2 1/2 reciever from the factory... at first he was a little miffed about it because he had everything for the 2"

He tows about 600 miles a week and looking back appreciates the heavier components.

 

[94BULLITT]

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

I do. I periodically make sure the ball is tight.

 

[Capt Dan]

I'm guilty of this and have to learn how you quote.

"Originally Posted by tcartwri View Post
And how many of you have the tools to torque these fasteners properly..."

I've have never put my old 1/2 inch beam torque wrench to a trailer ball. Need to check it's capability. Usually put mine on with a 24 inch long breaker bar. Don't think I've used a cheater bar to install a ball. Am I getting a 1 inch shank close to torque? How often do they get over torqued?

I have stopped cars twice for a loose ball. Once was in Utah towing a U-haul to east coast.

Dan

 

[newbury]

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

Or even know the specs?

My 14K equalizer

Hitch balls require a 1-7/8 socket and a torque wrench capable of
approximately 430 ft-lbs torque for installation

So I just put a 24" bar on the big socket and put most of my weight on it

I'm guilty of this and have to learn how you quote.

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

I've have never put my old 1/2 inch beam torque wrench to a trailer ball. Need to check it's capability. Usually put mine on with a 24 inch long breaker bar. Don't think I've used a cheater bar to install a ball. Am I getting a 1 inch shank close to torque? How often do they get over torqued?

I have stopped cars twice for a loose ball. Once was in Utah towing a U-haul to east coast.

Dan

A torque wrench for 430 ft lbs to be used once a decade is expensive.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Actually got the Harbor Freight 3/4 socket set for this and put the stinger in the receiver on its side and step on the wrench handle until tight, think one of the balls had a spec of 480ft lbs so 2 foot handle and 240lbs will do it.

David Kb7uns

 

[bcp]

I was in Lowes today so I checked the 2 5/16 ball as I walked by.

Stamped on top was 6000 LBS

Their description doesn't show a rating.
Shop Reese Class III/IV, 2-5/16-in Dia Chrome Towpower Standard Hitch Ball at Lowes.com

Bruce

 

[lutt]

Well, I'm down to one hitch brand. B&W, I've got a flip over with a 2 and 2 5/16 rated for 10,000 pounds and 1000 pound tongue weight, that's fully height adjustable, and a flip- over gooseneck from them. There stuff is top quality. LUTT

 

[Dan Hunter]

I think for some folk "I can't bend it by hand" becomes "It can't be bent". Sadly, there's a vast spectrum above that demonstrated daily in "accidents".