2” ball for a 2 5/16” hitch

[f6bits]

My Equalizer hitch has the 2 5/16” ball, just like it’s supposed to.

I also have a 2” ball on a generic hitch I bought years ago. I’ve used it *once* to move the trailer around the storage yard. How bad is it to use a slightly smaller ball for a hitch? Weight-wise, it’s borderline.

On a related note, what’s the easiest way to get a proper 2 5/16” hitch and ball? The 2” ones seem to be everywhere.

[SAD]

They must match. Period.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by SAD

They must match. Period.

2x That!
You should be able to find a 2-5/16" ball at any RV shop or web site! Not only dangerous, I am sure you would be held fully liable in an accadent if that failed.

[f6bits]

*Now* you tell me. I didn’t catch on until I started doing some cleanup and had both hitches next to each other. And that’s why I’m shopping for a 2 5/16” hitch. Since you all shamed me into leaving my Equalizer hitch at home, I think it’d be wise to keep a simple hitch in the trailer in case of emergency.

As I said, I didn’t notice the difference until recently. I don’t think there’s a “Hey Dummy! Use a 2 5/16” ball!” label on my trailer. Next time I visit it, I’ll take a closer look.

I did use the 2” ball when dragging a Rose Parade float around town and it didn’t snap off. They didn’t say anything about what size ball to use and their homegrown tow bar didn’t seem to mind.

[Bob Landry]

Hitch balls are in very short supply. You have to go all the way to WalMart to get one.

[f6bits]

Please! Not the Walmart!

I bought my 2” setup from Pep Boys or some other local parts store. I just can’t find a 2-5/16” pre-assembled hitch and ball as easily. I don’t have the tools to wrench that thing together. Maybe the U-Haul facility in my city can put one together for me for less than $50.

[skifreak76]

i looked at walmart for my new ball last year, they had 2 5/16 balls but they only had a 6600 lb capicty?? i had to order a nice 12,000 lb ball on line.

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by f6bits

I bought my 2” setup from Pep Boys or some other local parts store. I just can’t find a 2-5/16” pre-assembled hitch and ball as easily. I don’t have the tools to wrench that thing together. Maybe the U-Haul facility in my city can put one together for me for less than $50.

If Uhaul can't any hitch dealer can do it. Or go to an RV dealer - they all sell hitches.

[SAD]

Farm/tractor supply as well. I bought both 2" and 2-5/16" platform and hitch rated for 10k each at one.

[f6bits]

I’m trying to avoid making an excursion just for this thing. However, if I’m the neighborhood of an RV or hitch place, I’ll swing by.

[christopherglenn]

the 2-5/16 hitch won't lock on the 2" ball correctly. at low speed it may be fine, hit a bump st freeway speeds it can pop off the ball, then the trailer heads a different direction.

[Bob Landry]

The hitch coupler would only be riding on top of the ball creating the potential for an extremely dangerous situation. Anyone that was stopped and cited for towing like that would certainly be deserving.

[wgb1]

Originally Posted by christopherglenn

....it can pop off the ball, then the trailer heads a different direction.

Would certainly hope that correctly used safety chains would prevent this from happening.

[hankaye]

wgb1, Howdy;

Quote:
Originally Posted by christopherglenn
....it can pop off the ball, then the trailer heads a different direction.

Originally Posted by wgb1

Would certainly hope that correctly used safety chains would prevent this from happening.

1). You are thinking that a 2 5/8 " ball is going to fit into a 2" socket...
Ain't gonna happen. Like trying to shove ,pry, heave, a 35 foot RV into
a shoebox..... 2" opening will not fit over a 2 5/8" ball.

2). Safety chains are only designed to keep the toungue from hitting the road.
Should someone try to attempt the reverse 2 5/8" reciever on top of a 2' ball.
Not enough adjustment to take up ALL of the difference.

3). That's why there are different sizes. In addition to being used for various weight limits.

Heads ain't just hat racks.....

hankaye

[wgb1]

Originally Posted by hankaye

wgb1, Howdy;

Quote:
Originally Posted by christopherglenn
....it can pop off the ball, then the trailer heads a different direction.




1). You are thinking that a 2 5/8 " ball is going to fit into a 2" socket...
Ain't gonna happen. Like trying to shove ,pry, heave, a 35 foot RV into
a shoebox..... 2" opening will not fit over a 2 5/8" ball.

2). Safety chains are only designed to keep the toungue from hitting the road.
Should someone try to attempt the reverse 2 5/8" reciever on top of a 2' ball.
Not enough adjustment to take up ALL of the difference.

3). That's why there are different sizes. In addition to being used for various weight limits.

Heads ain't just hat racks.....

hankaye

I'm fully aware a 2 5/16" ball won't fit a 2" receiver. That's just common sense. My point was that correct use of safety chains SHOULD prevent the trailer, as one poster put it, from heading in a different direction. The trailer should stay with the TV albeit it will not be a pretty sight. I apologize in advance if I misunderstood you post.

[hankaye]

wgb1, Howdy;

Originally Posted by wgb1

I'm fully aware a 2 5/16" ball won't fit a 2" receiver. That's just common sense. My point was that correct use of safety chains SHOULD prevent the trailer, as one poster put it, from heading in a different direction. The trailer should stay with the TV albeit it will not be a pretty sight. I apologize in advance if I misunderstood you post.

You are correct. IF the safety chains are correctly used (criss-crossed to make a 'cradel'), to prevent the toungue from hitting the ground it may not be pretty, but it shouldn't get bent outta shape fugley.

I sometims don't come across a clearly as I think I do on screen.....
I know what it is I want to convey,,, sometimes the boat leaves and the
meaning is left on the pier.

hankaye

[christopherglenn]

Originally Posted by hankaye

wgb1, Howdy;

Quote:
Originally Posted by christopherglenn
....it can pop off the ball, then the trailer heads a different direction.




1). You are thinking that a 2 5/8 " ball is going to fit into a 2" socket...
Ain't gonna happen. Like trying to shove ,pry, heave, a 35 foot RV into
a shoebox..... 2" opening will not fit over a 2 5/8" ball.

2). Safety chains are only designed to keep the toungue from hitting the road.
Should someone try to attempt the reverse 2 5/8" reciever on top of a 2' ball.
Not enough adjustment to take up ALL of the difference.

3). That's why there are different sizes. In addition to being used for various weight limits.

Heads ain't just hat racks.....

hankaye

I read it to be a 2" ball and a 2 5/16 socket on the trailer.

The "safety" chains on my old TT were held on the trailer with a single bolt, and a small one at that <1/4". I would not want to rely on it it hold the trailer after a jolt large enough to cause the trailer to jump off the ball.