A trailer hitch ball is bolted to your hitch's ball mount and provides the attachment point for your trailer's coupler. The ball allows the trailer to pivot to provide smooth turning while towing. Trailer hitch balls are sold in various shank lengths and diameters, ball diameters and weight capacities to meet your towing needs.
Learn more about the following hitch ball topics:
To choose the right hitch ball for your application, you need to know a few things about the trailer that you tow and your ball mount.
Ball Diameter and Capacity
Most trailers list hitch ball size (diameter) and maximum towing capacity on the tongue, coupler, or frame. Any hitch ball used to tow the trailer should have the same diameter and a maximum capacity the same or greater than that listed. Common hitch ball diameters are: 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16".
Shop for hitch balls by diameter, below
 |
 |
 |
| 1-7/8" | 2" | 2-5/16" |
Hitch-Ball Shank Dimensions
Not only must the hitch ball fit your trailer, it also must fit your ball mount. Ball mounts have a platform that has a hole in it to receive the ball. The ball has a threaded shank that allows you to bolt the ball to the ball mount. (Most balls come with a lock washer and bolt for attaching the ball.)
Ball mounts vary in the thickness of the platform and the diameter of the hole. To fit different ball mounts, balls are available in a variety of shank lengths and diameters. Ball mounts do not usually list these 2 values, so you will have to measure. Common diameters are 3/4", 1", and 1-1/4", but there are a few balls available in several less common sizes. Once you know the diameter of the mounting hole in the ball mount, choose a ball shank diameter of the same size.
Hint: When choosing shank length, consider that the shank must not only pass through the ball mount, but it will have a lock washer and nut on the end. To ensure safety, the shank should extend past the nut by at least 1 thread.
Shop for hitch balls by most common shank diameters, below
 |
 |
 |
| 3/4" | 1" | 1-1/4" |
| Hitch Ball Diameter | Specifications |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 1-7/8" | |
 |
|
| 2" | |
 |
|
| 2-5/16" |
Recommended Torque Values for Attaching a Hitch Ball
Hitch balls are made of several different materials and finishes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
| Material and Finish | Characteristics |
|---|---|
 Chrome |
|
 Stainless steel |
|
 Zinc |
|
 Raw |
|
 Nickel |
|
Some balls are made with a built-in rise that positions the ball slightly above the ball mount when the ball is installed. This rise can provide a way for you to gain height to tow a trailer that has a higher coupler. High rise balls typically add 1" or 2" of extra height.
Shop for a high rise hitch ball
Interchangeable Ball Systems
Gooseneck Balls
Pintle Balls
Hitch Ball Grease
Ball Cover
Hitch Ball Wrench
Just upgraded our TT. 7800 GTW. Our old hitch ball is 2" and says 5,000 lb on it. Do i need a new ball? Is it at risk of breaking off pulling the heavier trailer? Towed fine so far, but don't want to press my luck.
If the loaded trailer weight exceeds that 5,000 pound capacity on the hitch ball then it needs to be upgraded/replaced. I've linked our full selection of 2" hitch balls below.
Helpful Links
Should I grease my ball if I use a equalizer weight distribution system?
That is correct. Basically unless you have a specialized hitch ball that is designed to be grease-less it's always good practice to apply a grease to the hitch ball to increase the lifespan and performance.
@JonG thanks for taking the time to answer my question.
I am looking for a 1-7/8" ball that will bolt to the bumper as my 2001 Ford truck did
Here is a link to our selection of 1/7/8" hitch balls for you to filter through. You will want to choose one with the correct shank diameter to fit your application. If you need one that has a 1-1/4" shank then a bushing like part # F-2 is needed with a 1" diameter shank like what comes with hitch ball # C40002 .
Helpful Links
dept-pg-trailer_hitch_ball-sf-trailer_hitch_ball-pc-1~7%7c8_inch_diameter_ball.aspx
Can you still use a ball after the chrome has worn off
The hitch ball is going to rust a lot quicker once the chrome comes off, but the lack of chrome plating itself won't affect the ball's integrity. It will still be safe to use for towing - just make sure it's greased properly before each trip.
I need a trailer ball 1&7/8 in. 3/4 in.thread with a 2 in. Rise
We have a pretty large selection of 1-7/8" hitch balls with a 3/4" diameter shank, linked below, but none that features a 2" rise. If you need a 2" rise to maintain a level setup with the trailer your best option will be to get this from the ball mount,
Helpful Links
Hi, i have a 2017 Ford F150, i need a ball to put on the bumper hitch, i tried with the 2" shank lenght but it seems to be short, any recomandations please. Thanks
I tried to check into this and the manual for your F-150 only notes that the bumper accepts a hitch ball with a 1" diameter - it didn't mention any minimum shank length. I'm not sure how much more you need but the 2" # 63849 features a 3-1/4" long shank which I have to think would be sufficient.
@ChrisR , thanks i already baught a 3 1/4 at uhaul a couple of days ago.
What about 2 5/8 balls? Is there a general rating for them or do they vary?
Some people refer to the 2-5/16" hitch ball as a 2-5/8" unit, but they are actually the same thing. There's not actually a 2-5/8" hitch ball. So you would just follow the general specs (6,000 to 40,000 pounds) for the 2-5/16" ball above.
OK, Thanks! I am looking online to buy a trailer and the seller said it was a 2 5/8" ball. I told them that they are not common and they checked and said it is actually a 2 5/16". That I have, but I have to check what it's specs are.
Great! Just let me know if any other questions come up.
"I received this order yesterday. Thanks for the outstanding service. I appreciate it! Thanks, Alex"
Questions and Comments about this Article