How to Determine Correct Trailer Hitch Ball Size Needed for Travel Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I can tell you how to determine which trailer hitch ball you need for your 2012 Sportsmen Classic Series M-19BH travel trailer, and it seems likely it is a 2" hitch ball, though there would be no way we could have this type of information available.

To determine the correct hitch ball you need to know what size ball the trailer's coupler will accept so that's the first detail you will need to acquire. Like I mentioned, for a trailer this size it is likely a 2" ball but you will need to verify this. The other thing you need is the proper capacity, which needs to be greater than the GVWR of your trailer, which looks to be in the 3,500 lb range though you will need to verify this as well.

Along with the correct capacity and diameter of the actual hitch ball, you also need to know the diameter of the shank that your ball mount accepts and the thickness of your ball mount platform. This is needed because the hitch ball needs to fit in the ball mount hole (the shank and hole should have the same diameter) and because it needs to have a long enough shank so you can properly tighten the nut.

For example, the 2" Hitch Ball # SC23-C has a 7,500 lb capacity and a shank which measures 1" diameter and 2-1/8" long and fits a ball mount like the Brophy Ball Mount - 3" Rise, 4" Drop # EA40.

I have added a link to our entire selection of hitch balls and ball mounts for you once you know the size you need, as well as a link to a help article on trailer hitch balls which I recommend taking a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0