Hi Jeremy; the diameter of the shank on the # 33710057 hitch ball is 1-1/4". The replacement ball is # 337RB102516 which has a 3" long 1-1/4" diameter shank. Are you trying to use another hitch ball from a different brand? It is possible it is off just slightly which would explain why 1-1/8" is loose but 1-1/4" doesn't fit. There isn't a lot of room for error there. view full answer...