Is 2 Inch Hitch Ball Okay to Use With 2-5/16 Inch Coupler
Question:
I am in a bind and need to tow a trailer that has a 2 5/16 Hitch on a 2 inch ball, for just two blocks. Is that ok?
asked by: Adam M
Expert Reply:
While I can sympathize with your issue, it is not safe to tow a trailer if you only have a 2" hitch ball and your trailer coupler is designed for a 2-5/16" hitch ball, even for a short distance; the insecure connection between hitch ball and coupler would pose a danger to others because of the risk of the trailer becoming uncoupled from the tow vehicle.
The correct 2-5/16" hitch ball will depend on the shank diameter you need as well as capacity. Your ball mount will have a hole where the ball installs that will only accept a certain size shank though it is almost certainly either 1" diameter or 1-1/4" diameter and I'll list options for you based on shank and capacity.
- 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/2" Long Shank - 8,000 lbs # SC30-C
- 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - 10,000 lbs # C40007
- 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - 10,000 lbs # A-6
- 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - 12,000 lbs # 19286
I have added links to video reviews of each of these hitch balls for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/2" Long Shank - Stainless - 8K
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Stainless Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/2 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Brophy
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
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on Trailer Hitch Ball
Jay D.
6/24/2020
Hi- I have an 18 foot Tandem Freedom trailer. I am using a 2 1/16 ball to tow it, and I am not sure that this is the correct size as their are no markings on the tongue of the trailer to indicate the correct size. I have towed successfully in the past with no problems but I recently inadvertently put the wrong size ball (2 in) on and the trailer unhitched as I was pulling out of my driveway! Please advise! Thanks!