Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Douglas
1. Introduction
When you’re towing a travel trailer, it’s essential that you have the correct size hitch ball for your vehicle. The hitch ball is an important safety component that connects the tow vehicle to the trailer. It’s important to make sure that the hitch ball is the right size and installed correctly in order to ensure a safe trip. In this article, we will discuss what size hitch ball for travel trailer is best, how to measure for the correct size, and other factors to consider when choosing a hitch ball.
2. What is a Hitch Ball?
A hitch ball is a metal piece that attaches to the tow vehicle and provides a connection point between the vehicle and trailer. It consists of a steel shank with a round metal ball on one end and threads on the other end. The threads are used to attach it securely to the tow vehicle’s hitch receiver.
3. Types of Hitch Balls
Hitch balls come in different sizes and materials, including stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, and zinc-plated steel. The most common type of hitch balls are those made from chrome-plated or zinc-plated steel because they are more resistant to rust and corrosion than stainless steel ones.
4. How to Measure for the Correct Size Hitch Ball
The size of your hitch ball will depend on two factors: your trailer’s tongue weight (the amount of weight pressing down on the trailer’s coupler) and your tow vehicle’s maximum tongue weight rating (the maximum amount of weight it can safely tow). To determine what size hitch ball you need, measure both your trailer’s tongue weight and your tow vehicle’s maximum tongue weight rating using a scale or tongue weight gauge. Once you have both measurements, choose a hitch ball that has a diameter at least 50% larger than your trailer’s tongue weight rating but not more than your tow vehicle’s maximum tongue weight rating. For example: if your trailer has an 800 lb tongue weight rating, then you should choose a 1 1/4″ diameter or larger hitch ball; if your tow vehicle has an 1800 lb maximum tongue weight rating, then you should choose no larger than 2″ diameter hitch ball.
5. Factors To Consider When Choosing a Hitch Ball
In addition to selecting the correct size based on your measurements above, there are several other factors you should consider when choosing a hitch ball:
• Material – as mentioned above, stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant than chrome or zinc plated steel; however it is also more expensive so it may not be worth it if you don’t plan on using it often
• Thread Type – most common thread types are 5/8″ x 18 UNF (Unified National Fine) or 3/4″ x 16 UNF; make sure whichever one you choose matches up with what type of threading is on your tow vehicle
• Shank Length – this should be long enough so that when installed properly there is no gap between the bottom of the coupler and top of the receiver; typically shank lengths range from 1″ up to 4″
6.Tips For Installing Your Hitch Ball
Once you’ve selected your desired size and material for your new hitch ball, here are some tips for installing it correctly:
• Make sure all nuts and bolts are tightened securely before attaching any part of your trailer
• Check all connections regularly during use for any signs of wear or looseness
• Use anti-seize lubricant on any exposed threads before installation
7.Common Sizes Of Hitch Balls For Travel Trailers
The most common sizes used for travel trailers include 1 7/8″, 2″, 2 5/16″, 3″. However, as mentioned earlier it’s important that you measure both your trailer’s tongue weight rating as well as your vehicles maximum tongue weight capacity in order to determine which size would be best suited for you needs before making any purchases.
8.Conclusion
Choosing the right size hitch ball for travel trailers can be tricky but following these guidelines can help ensure that you get one that’s suitable for both yours and your vehicles needs while also providing optimal safety during use. Always remember to measure both weights accurately before making any purchases so that you know exactly what size will work best in each situation!
9.Resources
• https://www.etrailer.com/faq-what-size-trailer-ball-do-i-need-.aspx
• https://www.towing101.com/articles/how_to_choose_a_trailer_ball