The current trailer balls come in many different sizes. What is the most common hitch ball size? This is a question that many people ask. Let’s find out with us!
A trailer ball will be bolted to the rack and provided with a mounting kit for the trailer coupler. This ensures the safe transportation of goods or items on the vehicle. Therefore, choosing the appropriate drag ball size is essential.
However, what is the most common hitch ball size? In our article today, we will introduce you to the most famous drag ball sizes available.
Types of trailer ball
A rickshaw ball will allow your car to turn smoothly while moving, thanks to the trailer’s turnaround ability. Here are the 3 types of trailer silhouettes on the market. It is a standard ball, transfer ball trailer, and tri-ball.
Standard ball
The standard ball is the type of ball that is most commonly used today as it includes not only classic design and is suitable for many vehicles, but also convenient to install. You just need to fit into the bracket with the nut and the specialized equipment with this ball.
4 standard sizes for balls are 1 – 7/8 ”, 2”, 2 – 5/16 ”, and 3”. These dimensions are essentially normalized ball diameters.
The ball’s standard will be determined by 3 factors, including the coupler’s size, the ball hole’s diameter, and the vehicle’s towing weight.
Transfer trailer ball
Considered as a breakthrough in trailer ball technology, the trailer ball transfer is truly an innovation in design and functionality.
Compared to standard balls, the convertible ball has a bit more flexibility. A thin part was placed just below the ball like a lever. It will provide high comfort and reliability for midsize or light vehicles.
The convertible trailer ball has a removable head and J-groove, allowing different ball sizes to be placed on the body to suit various couplings. As a result, you won’t have to change the ball holder. You just need to make sure the shackles and balls are tightened.
Tri-Ball
The Tri-Ball is unique because it serves as an amount rather than an actual trailer ball. Tri-ball comes in 3 different ball sizes but is on the same stand.
This will cause the weight of the Tri-ball to be higher than the standard ball. But it is useful in case you need to transport goods of different weights.
Changing shadows is also very simple. Just remove the ball from the stand and rotate to the left or right as you want and reattach, and you are good to go.
What is the most common hitch ball size?
2 inches is the most common size of a trailer ball today because it is suitable for the connectors of many different vehicles.
The 2 ”ball load ranges from 3,500 lbs to 8,000 lbs. This is also the average cargo volume for many types of vehicles today.
In practice, however, each different pull setup requires different ball sizes. Therefore, there is no trailer shade suitable for all vehicles. For each car and shipping weight, choose for yourself the most reasonable ball size. You must also ensure the ball’s ability to pair with vehicle components such as couplers or ball mounts.
Evaluate the weight rating for this ball size
A weight rating is given for each ball to determine how much mass it can support the vehicle transport. With a payload rated up to 8,000 lbs, the 2-inch trailer ball suggests it can help tow large cargo amounts.
This also means that if your load is over 8,000 lbs, you will have to choose a ball of another suitable size.
The volume of your cargo must be accurately calculated without approximate estimates. For example, if you have a 2 ”ball rated at 5,000 lbs, it can only pull 5,000 lbs without towing 5,050 lbs.
When the load exceeds the limit, do not use it intentionally because the ball may break and cause danger during the vehicle’s movement. Accurate measurements will ensure the safety of yourself and your pedestrians.
Besides the weight rating by ball size, you can base it on several other factors such as trailer rating and ball count.
Each part of the towing device consisting of a ball, hook, and stand has a weight rating. This means that if the hook or frame has a lower rating of the ball, you cannot combine them to get the job done. In other words, the allowable load will never exceed the weight rating of the trailer ball, hanger, or cardholder.
Notes when choosing hitch ball size
Here are some notes when choosing the size of the trailer ball that you need to know:
- Choose the right shade for your vehicle.
- Before considering the right size, the material of the trailer ball is what you should think first. Therefore, choose a quality shade company and find a reputable seller to buy the best product.
- The ball size you choose must match the vehicle’s coupler’s dimensions (including bracket and hanger) because different vehicles’ couplers will have different dimensions.
- You need to determine the cargo’s correct weight to choose a ball with an equivalent weight rating. Why? Because each ball size will be able to support a certain mass. If you select a ball with a higher weight rating than the carrier weight, it is wasteful. Conversely, if the weight you carry is higher than the trailer ball’s support weight, it can cause a loss of safety during the journey.
Conclusion
We hope the weight assessment and necessary considerations when choosing the hitch ball size may help you. You will better understand the trailer ball and decide for yourself the most suitable ball size.