Trailer Hitch Balls

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:

Trailer coupler diameter and capacity
Hitch-ball shank dimensions & torque values
Hitch ball construction materials

Choose a Hitch Ball to Fit Your Trailer and Ball Mount

To choose the right hitch ball for your application, there are a few things you need to consider.

Trailer Coupler Diameter and Capacity

Most trailers list hitch ball size (diameter) and maximum towing capacity on the tongue, coupler, or frame. Your hitch ball diameter and capacity should match or exceed those listed on the coupler. The most common hitch ball diameters are: 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16".

Trailer Hitch Coupler - 2" ball with 3,500-lb capacity required

Pictured above: A trailer hitch coupler with its diameter and capacity listed. Your hitch ball should match these specifications; therefore, you should use a 2" hitch ball with a capacity of at least 3,500 lbs.

Trailer Hitch Ball Specifications (2" diameter and 6,000-lb capacity)

Pictured above: A trailer hitch ball with its diameter and weight capacity listed. This ball would be appropriate for use with our 2" coupler.

Hitch ball specifications by diameter:

1-7/8" Diameter

Capacity: 2k - 16k lbs

2" Diameter

Capacity: 2k - 30k lbs

2-5/16" Diameter

Capacity: 6k - 38k lbs

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 also 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 two 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.