What is the Purpose of a Trailer Hitch Ball, Trailer Hitch Pin, and a Clip and are All Necessary
Question:
Do I need both the ball and the pin and clip or just one or the other?
asked by: Mary w
Expert Reply:
A hitch ball and a hitch pin and clip each serve a different purpose. A hitch ball, like # 19247, attaches to the ball mount, like # C45010, using a large nut that threads on from the bottom, kind of like a nut and bolt. This ball is what the trailer coupler attaches to.
The hitch pin like # PC3 goes through the ball mount and the trailer hitch and the clip keeps it from coming out while traveling. There are also locking hitch pins that use a lock and not a clip like # e98880.
Basically, you will insert a ball mount into the receiver opening on the trailer hitch, hold it in place with a hitch pin and clip, then attach the ball on the end of the ball mount. I have included a FAQ article on selecting the correct ball mount, and an FAQ article on hitch balls below. Ball mounts and hitch balls come in many different sizes and you will want to use the correct set up for each individual trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome
- Trailer Hitch Lock
- Standard Pin Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Chrome
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Flush Pin
- 2-5/8 Inch Span
- etrailer
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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on Hitch Pins and Clips
