Adjustable Trailer Ball Mount Recommendations

miconscrylog · 02-14-2022, 02:29 PM

Hello Keystone Community,

My wife and I were fortunate to purchase a new truck to pull our travel trailer. Here is our new setup:

Truck - 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Trailer - 2021 Keystone Cougar 27 RES

Hitch - https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ball...IaAtEZEALw_wcB

I'm in need of a new adjustable trailer ball mount and am reaching out to this community of experts for a recommendation.

Appreciate the input and advice!

Thanks,
Michael and Connie Greer

travelin texans · 02-14-2022, 02:34 PM

Not sure what you're asking about?
If it's the adjustable head that slides into the truck receiver for the weight distributing hitch/sway control (mandatory for any/all TTs) to mount to then I'd think whatever brand of WDH you have would have your best option.

dutchmensport · 02-14-2022, 02:36 PM

You need a weight distribution hitch system with sway control. A stand alone single hitch ball with safety chains only is not going to pass the mustard.

Welcome to the forums.

Congrats on your new truck (and camper).

j.w. · 02-14-2022, 03:17 PM

Your tongue weight is 835 lbs., GVWR is 8800 lbs. You need a WDH with sway control. I would go with a 10,000 lb. hitch with a 1,000 lb. tongue capacity. Most on this forum would recommend an e4 Equalizer hitch. I personally purchased a Fastway e2 hitch. Your current hitch setup is not rated for the camper you have. It's not weight distributing or sway control.

miconscrylog · 02-14-2022, 03:18 PM

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I think I have what I need here!

**sourdough** · 02-14-2022, 03:28 PM

Not to be nosy (I guess I am) what are you going to use for a wdh and sway control? That link you had for the ball/shank won't work for an 8800lb. trailer either - you need the complete hitch, sway bars etc. - and not a 2 point.

**JRTJH** · 02-14-2022, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miconscrylog

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I think I have what I need here!

What do you have there that you "think is what you need" ???

The Harbor Freight adjustable hitch you linked in your first post is rated MAXIMUM 6000 pounds. Your trailer "empty weight" is 6494, 494 pounds heavier than that hitch maximum capacity and the trailer GVWR is 8800 pounds, 2800 pounds heavier than the hitch can carry.

The hitch "maximum tongue capacity is 600 pounds. Your trailer, empty with no battery or propane in the tanks has a tongue weight of 650 pounds.

If "that hitch" is what you're planning to tow that trailer, you're setting yourself up for a potential major failure.....

As stated, you need a weight distribution hitch and with a trailer that length, you need a sway control system. Most would recommend the EZlift E2 hitch system....

The Harbor Freight "weight distribution hitch system" with chains to attach the WD bars is inadequate for a trailer the size of the Cougar 27RES.

jawsmon · 02-22-2022, 01:32 PM

Sway control, Sway control, Sway control.....

Please read the post "towing 101" .....

Please listen to those with loads of experience. If your 2022 GMC 2500HD came with a trailer hitch receiver then get an 10K adjustable load equalizing hitch with sway control. Don't end up in the median upside down because you weren't set up properly to tow a 27' RV.

jawsmon · 02-22-2022, 01:48 PM

Buy a reputable brand, i.e.
1. REESE 11,500 LBS. (GTW), 1,150 LBS. (TW) ROUND BAR WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION KIT W/INTEGRATED SWAY p/n 49913 (Tow Universe $299.99)

2. EAZ LIFT p/n 48059 1,200 lbs Elite Kit | Includes Distribution, Sway Control and Hitch Ball (Amazon $284.17

3. Check out e-trailer.com for lots of choices. You should know your trailer tongue weight when the trailer is fully loaded with clothes, food, lawn chairs, etc., full lpg tanks, full fresh water holding tank.

For a 27' TT it will probably be between #700 and #800 lbs. Go to the next most common size load equalizing hitch bars- #1,000

Laredo Tugger · 02-23-2022, 07:33 AM

miconscrylog,
You listed your "set-up " in your original post and then asked for recommendations for a different set-up?
Honestly your front and back set-up looks good. A nice trailer and a sufficient TV to do the job.
What's in the middle and hitches your set-up together is also very important.
You have received some good advice on the proper WDH to consider for safety and sway prevention. The product listed in your OP as explained to you is under rated for the weights and load of your "set-up ".
You didn't get a blessing to proceed with your listed equipment and just stated that you THINK you will be fine.
If you even see this response, do us a favor and show this thread to your wife and see if the person in the seat next to you agrees with your "set-up ". When that Harbor Freight products fails you can be guaranteed of investigations from both the responsible government agencies and your insurance company.
When your original post is discovered (and you know it will be by people that get paid to find such information) you may have some difficulty collecting on a claim.

Good luck
RMc

Gkri · 02-23-2022, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miconscrylog

Hello Keystone Community,

My wife and I were fortunate to purchase a new truck to pull our travel trailer. Here is our new setup:

Truck - 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Trailer - 2021 Keystone Cougar 27 RES

Hitch - https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ball...IaAtEZEALw_wcB

I'm in need of a new adjustable trailer ball mount and am reaching out to this community of experts for a recommendation.

Appreciate the input and advice!

Thanks,
Michael and Connie Greer

What? You actually found and took delivery of a Sierra 2500HD? We put a down payment on one last month and GM can't even offer an ETA. Congrats on the new truck and listen to the recommendations of the experienced folks!

travelin texans · 02-23-2022, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.w.

Your tongue weight is 835 lbs., GVWR is 8800 lbs. You need a WDH with sway control. I would go with a 10,000 lb. hitch with a 1,000 lb. tongue capacity. Most on this forum would recommend an e4 Equalizer hitch. I personally purchased a Fastway e2 hitch. Your current hitch setup is not rated for the camper you have. It's not weight distributing or sway control.

At 13% of the 8800 GVWR your tongue weight will be nearer 1000+lbs once loaded.
To tow comfortably without creating more sway the tongue weight should be at least 10%.

Northofu1 · 02-23-2022, 11:17 AM

Load capacity for the balls are too low.

firestation12 · 02-23-2022, 03:08 PM

If you have one of the split section tailgates on your new truck, beware that opening the sections to create a step, will create a collision with your hitch. It's enough to make a grown man cry after he finishes cursing. Curt hitch just came out with an insert for the truck's hitch receiver that has a plug and play connection to disable the multi-step foldout process anytime a hitch is inserted into the receiver.

You may also like: