
What is the most common size trailer ball?
- 1-7/8-inch ball has up to up to 2,000 lbs capacity and features 3/4″ or 1″ bolt (shank) diameter;
- 2-inch ball, which is the most popular size, offers capacity from 3,500 lbs up to 8,000 lbs and features 3/4″, 1″, or 1-1/4″ bolt diameters;
- 2-5/16-inch balls can handle from 6,000 lbs to 40,000 lbs and come with 1″ and 1-1/4″ diameter shanks;
How big is a boat trailer?
They are commonly rated for a maximum trailer weight of 1,300 to 3,500 pounds, making their average load capacity just under 2,000 pounds. A fishing boat trailer usually weighs 200 to 1,100 pounds on its own, without a boat loaded. The average for a boat trailer is about 600 pounds.
What size hitch Ball do I need for my trailer?
The standard ball size for a trailer hitch is 2 inches in diameter. Most trailers have a 2-inch coupler, making the 2-inch ball the standard size. However, the ball size may be different depending on the size of the trailer. The other common ball sizes include 1-7/8 inches and 2-5/16 inches. What are the different sizes of trailer hitch balls?
How to select a boat trailer?
How to Choose a Boat Trailer. Communicate with your service provider about boat transport trailer options, as they will need to know how you want your boat to be transported. You can have your boat transported on its own trailer, however most companies can provide one for you. The price will be affected by how you choose to transport your boat.
What size ball do I need for a trailer coupler?
What is the difference between a 4 way trailer connector and a 7 way trailer connector?
What is the difference between a Class II and Class III hitch?
Do you need a 5th wheel hitch in a short bed truck?
See 1 more
About this website

How do I know what size trailer ball I need?
Ball Diameter (A): Check the top of the trailer coupler for the size of the ball diameter required. The size is usually stamped there. Recreational and light commercial hitch balls come in a variety of sizes including 1-7/8″, 2″, 2-5/16″ and occasionaly 3″. In general lighter trailers use smaller hitch balls.
What is a 3 inch trailer ball used for?
CURT 3" trailer balls are commonly used for gooseneck towing applications, being bolted or welded onto a gooseneck hitch. They are constructed from raw, heat-treated steel for superior strength and durability, and they are rated up to 30,000 lbs.
What is the most common trailer ball size?
The most common travel trailer ball hitch sizes are:1-7/8 inch hitch balls are used for lightweight towing under 3,500 lbs. ... 2 inch hitch balls are for medium-weight towing, with weight ratings up to 12,000 lbs. ... 2-5/16 inch hitch balls are for heavyweight towing and can have ratings up to 20,000 lbs.More items...
What are the different size trailer balls?
There are only 3 standard sizes in the United States: 1-7/8 inch, 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch hitch balls. You'll also want to pay attention to what weight capacity your hitch ball is rated for.
What size ball mount do I need?
Subtract the height of the trailer coupler from the height of the receiver. This difference is the amount of drop you need in your ball mount. If your hitch height is greater than your coupler height, you'll need a ball mount with a drop.
Do they make a 3 inch ball hitch?
This 3 inch ball is specially made for gooseneck applications....Specs.Ball Diameter3 inchShank Length3 1/4 inchMade In:USATorque nut to1,575 lbs. ft.4 more rows
What size ball hitch do I need for uhaul trailer?
The standard size is the 2" hitch ball. The 2" hitch ball is the standard size required to rent a U-Haul trailer, whether it be the 5x9 Utility Trailer or 6x12 Cargo Trailer. The 2" hitch ball fits most class 3 receivers, which is typically the most common trailer hitch.
What is the standard size trailer hitch?
2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers are the most common type. Most 2" hitches are either Class III or Class IV. These hitches are typically found on pickup trucks, SUVs, and some full-size sedans. Most trucks and SUVs that come factory-equipped with a trailer hitch have a 2" receiver.
Is 2 Inch Hitch Ball Okay to Use With 2-5/16 Inch Coupler
While I can sympathize with your issue, it is not safe to tow a trailer if you only have a 2" hitch ball and your trailer coupler is designed for a 2-5/16" hitch ball, even for a short distance; the insecure connection between hitch ball and coupler would pose a danger to others because of the risk of the trailer becoming uncoupled from the tow vehicle.
What Size Trailer Hitch Ball Do I Need For My Trailer
Are you ready to tow you trailer out on your next big trip? An essential component for towing is knowing what the correct trailer hitch ball is for your coupler. A hitch ball is bolted onto your trailer hitch ball mount and provides the connection from your truck to your trailers coupler. The ball allows your trailer to turn freely while towing and are available in a variety of diameters ...
Is There Difference Between 2 inch and 2-5/16 inch Ball
Similar Expert Q&A Pages. Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2007 Hyundai Azera; Is Running Power Wire to Battery Required For Wiring Harness on 2007 Toyota Yaris
What size ball is used for a trailer hitch?
The standard ball size for a trailer hitch is 2 inches in diameter. Most trailers have a 2-inch coupler, making the 2-inch ball the standard size.
How to choose a trailer ball?
When choosing a trailer ball, first select the ball diameter by matching it to the coupler size. Most manufacturers stamp or label the correct trailer ball size on the coupler. Make sure that your coupler and trailer ball have a solid connection before towing and that all necessary adjustments have been made.
What happens if the ball shank is too small?
If the trailer ball shank is too small, it will shift while towing and likely come loose. If the shank size is too small for the trailer ball hole, you may be able to use a reducer bushing to make up the difference.
How to measure hitch ball size?
The diameter should be stamped into the top of the ball, or you can use a tape measure or ruler to find the measurement yourself. Use the diameter to match your trailer coupler. Next, measure the hitch ball shank size.
What is the smallest hitch ball?
The smallest trailer hitch ball is the 1-7/8-inch ball diameter. This ball size has a weight capacity of up to 2,000 or 3,500 pounds, depending on the individual ball. It has a shank diameter or 3/4 inches or 1 inch. The 1-7/8-inch ball is common for light-duty towing. It is used on cars, minivans and crossover vehicles to tow small trailers, ...
What is a 2 inch ball?
The 2-inch ball is used on a variety of popular trailers, such as boat trailers, utility trailers and campers. 2-inch trailer balls have a wide weight capacity range from 3,500 pounds to 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
How much does a travel trailer weigh?
Travel trailers can weigh anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 lbs. or more, and the 2-inch to 2-5/16-inch ball weight ratings provide a perfect match. Additionally, many travel trailers are pulled using a weight distribution hitch. Most WD hitches come standard with a 2-5/16-inch ball.
How tall is a tow ball?
Tow ball size: match tow ball to the coupler / actuator requirement (2” or 2-5/16”) depending upon trailer capacity. Tow ball height: 18” to 21” from the ball centerline to the ground. Adjust by using an offset drawbar.
How to calculate trailer capacity?
To calculate needed trailer capacity, calculate the total weight including the boat, the engine, a full fuel tank (approximately 7 lbs. per gallon), full water tanks (if applicable) and your personal gear. A good rule of thumb is to use 10% of boat, motor, and liquid weights for personal gear. Select a trailer with the next highest capacity rating. If you intend to carry additional gear or luggage in the boat over long distances, consider the weight of these items, too.
What is the Bow Eye to Transom measurement?
The Bow Eye to Transom measurement as shown in the accompanying diagrams is the most critical in sizing a trailer for boat length. Pulpits and Euro transoms are generally not supported by the trailer. Including these in length measurements could result in a trailer that does not fit well however they still must be a consideration when choosing a boat trailer.
How to determine load capacity of a tow vehicle?
To determine the load capacity requirement of your tow vehicle, refer to the Vehicle Identification Label attached to the trailer on the left frame rail just behind the tongue junction. It will display the maximum load-carrying capacity of the trailer. It is required to show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) which is the load-carrying capacity plus the weight of the trailer itself. It is the trailer operator’s responsibility to ensure that the total weight of the boat, engine fuel, water, gear and trailer do not exceed the GVWR capacity.
What is GVWR on a boat?
It is required to show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) which is the load-carrying capacity plus the weight of the trailer itself. It is the trailer operator’s responsibility to ensure that the total weight of the boat, engine fuel, water, gear and trailer do not exceed the GVWR capacity. If you don't know the correct weight ...
What is schematic trailer?
Schematics are a visual representation of a generic trailer and not drawn to a particular scale.
What is a V drive trailer?
A V drive is a consideration only in that the rear of the trailer needs to be strong enough to support the additional weight of the engine in the rear. The weight is similar to a stern drive engine configuration.
What size hitch balls are used for a trailer?
Recreational and light commercial hitch balls come in a variety of sizes including 1-7/8″, 2″, 2-5/16″ and occasionaly 3″ . In general lighter trailers use smaller hitch balls. It is VERY important to match the trailer to the correct hitch ball.
What is a hitch ball?
A hitch ball (or trailer ball or just ball) is the ball-shaped attachment that connects the trailer to a hitch. While the diameter of the hitch ball is fairly standard, shank diameters, and hitch ball weight ratings may differ. The rating of the hitch ball is just as important as the receiver hitch ratings. Ball Diameter (A): Check the top of the ...
What is a shank on a hitch?
Shank Length (C): This is length of shaft that extends beyond the mounting base of the hitch ball. It is important to use a shank that is long enough to extend beyond the thickness of the draw bar mounting tab to ensure that enough threads are available to securely fasten the ball to the mount.
What are the different types of ball mounts?
Different classes of ball mounts fit different receiver tubes: Class I & II: 1-1/4″ receiver tube. Class III & IV: 2″ receiver tube. Class V: 2″ or 2-1/2″ receiver tube.
How to level a trailer tongue?
Place a level on top of the trailer tongue, and adjust the trailer up or down until the bubble inside the level shows that the trailer tongue is level with the ground below.
What is the size of a shank?
Shanks come in a variety of sizes (5/8″, 3/4″, 1″, and 1-1/4″) and capacities. (7,000lbs-17,000lbs) Shank Length (C): This is length of shaft that extends beyond the mounting base of the hitch ball.
What size ball do I need for a trailer coupler?
The size ball you need will depend on what the trailer coupler requires. If you look at the top of the coupler it should say the size ball it requires.#N#Also, you will need a ball with the correct diameter shank to fit the ball hole in the ball mount. You will need to measure the ball hole to determine the shank size needed. For example ball mount # 2753 requires a ball with a 1 inch diameter shank such as # 63845 for a 2 inch or # 19261 for a 2-5/16 inch.#N#Once you have those 2 pieces of information you can choose a ball that is the right size. Just make sure that in addition to the right ball diameter and shank diameter you get a ball with a high enough capacity for the trailer.#N#The trailer coupler likely also has on it somewhere its capacity. That is a good way to determine the capacity you will need. Going with a ball that has a higher capacity than what is needed is fine. Just don't use a ball with a lower capacity.#N#I have included some helpful links to the right for you as well.
What is the difference between a 4 way trailer connector and a 7 way trailer connector?
What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer… view full answer...
What is the difference between a Class II and Class III hitch?
What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch? The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to… view full answer...
Do you need a 5th wheel hitch in a short bed truck?
Do I Have to Have a Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch in a Short Bed Truck You do not have to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch in a short bed truck. In many cases, truck beds shorter than 8 ft do not have enough clearance between the trailer and truck to execute sharp turns. This is why sliding hitches were invented. Due to… view full answer...
