Coupler socket size (What diameter ball do you need?) Now measure the height to the top of your hitch receiver tube. Sizes include 1-7/8â, 2â, 2-5/16â, and 3â (in rare cases). Gross weight of towing vehicle and size of trailer. Most trailers list hitch ball size (diameter) and maximum towing capacity on the tongue, coupler, or frame. Close the latch and insert the safety pin. menu close. To choose the right hitch ball for your application, you need to know a few things about the trailer that you tow and your ball mount. Determine the towing capacity of the tow hitch on your travel trailer. The size is usually stamped there. There's more: the ball mount and ball you have is only rated for a Class II trailer, less than 3.500 lbs. I attach my sway bars before I completely lower my trailer onto the hitch. If the hitch ball height of your tow vehicle needs to be lower or higher, U-Haul has a variety of different sized and adjustable ball mounts available to achieve the appropriate height. TW (tongue weight). A towing vehicle with GVW of 3500kg or lower is restricted as to the size of trailer it may tow. Make sure the full weight of the trailer is now on the ball hitch. You may need to know the size of your tires for various reasons, such as for a spare tire or when purchasing wheels, rims, or snow tires. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the # T4071600-500 that you referenced. Once you have determined the dimensions of your bearing, you can use our bearing search tool to find the correct bearing. Using your partner, check to make sure all lights on your trailer are working including turn signals and brakes. Using a weight distribution hitch becomes more necessary the closer your trailer weight gets to being the same as your tow vehicle weight (1:1 ratio). The lower you take it, the harder it is to get the sway bars ratcheted into place. But the manager at the trailer dealer informs you the ball mount and ball on your truck aren't suitable: you need a larger-diameter 2 5/16" ball instead of the 2" ball you showed up with. The 2" ball coupler gives you a choice among 3,500, 5,000, or 6,000 lb. To determine which shank you need⦠Trailer hitch ball mounts come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles to accommodate virtually any towing setup. Measures 12" long and fits 2" trailer hitch receivers. If there are different levels between the bumper and the trailer, you can match them up more effectively with a drop or a rise hitch. To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. However, measuring the tire size manually with a tape measure will not give you accurate results. The 50mm ball coupling is the mainstay for trailers up to 3500kg ATM. Dog. The most common ball size is two inches in diameter, but heavy-duty industrial trailer balls can go up to 2 1/4". Just because your vehicle can pull the trailer empty, does not mean itâs a good fit. Learn. The shank size of the ball hitch must match the receiver tube size of your trailer hitch. How to grease trailer wheel bearings with Dexter's E-Z Lube grease fitting. Method 2 of 4: Determine your GTW and TW Capacities 1. Letâs Play. "The most common type of hitch is the bumper pull, also known as a drag or tagalong trailer⦠the trailerâs tongue fits over a ball hitch that juts out from the vehicleâs frame at the rear of the vehicle⦠bumper pulls are smaller than goosenecks; this means a bumper pull trailer usually costs less than a gooseneck. chevron_right. Advertisement. This video illustrates how to figure out the size of your trailer hub so you can get the appropriate sized replacement. Shop. Choosing the Correct Ball Mount. Equal-i-zer Hitch Shanks are built from the highest-grade of American steel. In general lighter trailers use smaller hitch balls. Lower the Trailer and Close the Hitch Ball Receiver. If the trailer is designed to weigh more than 3500kg, other tow couplings are used, such ⦠This is measured from the ground to the middle of the hitch ball, prior to connecting the trailer. Don't forget to always size up for safety! Ball sizes are determined by the weight of the trailer. You can find the gross weight rating in the trailer's owner's manual, or on a nomenclature plate mounted to the side of the trailer. Cross the safety chains, and attach them to the truck. When purchasing a trailer make sure that your vehicle can easily pull the gross weight. Pet Pros Login / Register. In this example we will subtract 3 inches from 18 inches and have a total of 15 inches. What size trailers generally work well with ball mounts? e.g. Ball Diameter and Capacity. In order for a trailer to be safely towed, it needs to be as level as possible as that will minimize the strain on the connection between the trailer and the hitch. The trailer weight should not exceed its gross vehicle weight rating. If your trailer has brakes, attach the safety line to the tow vehicle. Bearing Suffixes. Select a Ball Mount With the Right Rise or Drop. In this example and 8 inch drop required on your ball mount to make the trailer level. Visit our KONG Size Chart to find the right KONG for your dog. With something like a Suburban or Expedition, you need bars if your loaded trailer weighs more than 7000 pounds. Two of the most important factors in selecting a trailer hitch are Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW). Richard ... the shank's length, and the size of the circular piece of metal between the ball and shank. Hitch Ball. In the Product Options field, select hitch ball size, either 1 7/8" or 2", then choose the size you need for the tongue mount. Measure the height to the top of the hitch cup. Common ball sizes are 1 7/8, 2, or 2 5/16 inches. Leveling your trailer: Your trailer needs to be level fore and aft so the weight is distributed properly and the trailer handles the way it should, but the trailer hitch receiver on your particular tow vehicle is unlikely to be at the same height as the trailer tongue. The differences between these bearings are detailed below. Recreational and light commercial hitch balls come in a variety of sizes including 1 7/8â³, 2â³, 2 5/16â³ and occasionaly 3â³. To calculate the needed hitch size, figure that the trailer will weigh its gross vehicle rated weight when you are towing it. Pet Pros. The trailer couple will mount and lock into place over the ball. Look for a weight rating on the top or underside of the hitch. Items you will need. Don't forget to check on the shank size of the ball. The optimal ball height for towing U-Haul trailers is 18½ to 18¾ inches. Step 2: 18 inches. What size ball mount do you need? The characters on a number plate need to be a certain height and size. Align the hitch and ball, then lower the trailer hitch down over the ball. Does your trailer already have safety chains? Quick Search. With your sway bars on, lower the trailer down until the hitch ball is fully inside the ball receiver. Plug in the lights, and run a full check to make sure they're all working. 1 /4. First, you should determine the GTW and TW of your trailer when ⦠Meanwhile the heaviest trailer they offer, the Auto Transport, will require at minimum a 5,000 pound capacity hitch ball and may need a higher weight capacity depending on the total combined weight of the vehicle being towed plus the trailer. Crank the trailer jack all the way up and swing it out of the way if applicable, you donât want this dragging or scraping on the road. Many manufacturers label the ball size right on the coupler. Ball Diameter: Check the top of the trailer coupler for the size of the ball diameter required. chevron_left. Cat. The adjustability measurement for the shanks is measured from the inside top of the receiver to the base of the hitch ball. Don't forget to always size up for safety! Once you measured your bearing, you can use our search to find the correct bearing size. There are three main types of bearing - roller bearings, ball bearings and needle bearings. Subtract the height of your trailer hitch ball from the coupler. Visit our KONG Size Chart to find the right KONG for your dog. I have a Class 4 hitch and I didn't know I needed a certain size shank on the 2 5/16" ball. Most trailer hitch balls are 2-1/2â - 3â high. The wheels and axles themselves are less likely to break, but smaller internal parts such as wheel bearings are at great risk of becoming badly damaged. Select a Locale: United States. Make sure you know your cargo's gross trailer weight and tongue weight before you start. But you do need bars (or a higher-rated hitch) if the weight of your loaded trailer exceeds the weight-carrying rating of your present hitch. Read leaflet INF104 : vehicle registration numbers and number plates - height and size measurement, for more information. The coupler for the 1 7/8" ball is rated at a 2,000 lb. Set the trailer's jack so the trailer is more or less level. The difference between the two is how much drop you need, but subtract a couple of inches to allow for the rear end of your truck sagging while loaded. Everything you need to know about the humble ball coupling ... in Europe and Australia the ISO standard 50mm coupling is the prevailing size, while the 1.75in (44.45mm) ball is also used in some countries such as New Zealand. If you exceed your trailers maximum weight you are putting more stress on the wheels and axles than they are designed to take. Instead, you need to consider the tongue weight and gross vehicle weight (GVW) of your trailer and the size and weight ratings of your tow vehicle. To haul a trailer, you need to make sure your vehicle is capable of hauling, and you need to properly hitch the trailer. I bought one too thin, so the trailer dealer told me I could not fill my enclosed trailer to capacity of 8000lbs. A travel trailer must be pulled by an appropriate size vehicle that has enough power to overcome hills and dales. Also known as a trailer ball or coupler ball, the trailer ball attaches to the ball mount and comes in many sizes. GTW (gross trailer weight). The second mistake people often make is loading the trailer unevenly. Determine the heaviest weight of the trailer being towed. Luckily, your tire size is easy to figure out. Shop. (23 inches minus 15 inches) The results are: Step 1: 23 inches. However, shank sizes are standardized to four basic options: 1-1/4", 2", 2-1/2" and 3". 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