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.

 

[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.