Why is Curt Hitch Ball # 40038 w/ 12,000 LB GTW Shank Diameter Smaller Than Husky Ball w/ 8,000 LB

Updated 06/17/2015 | Published 06/15/2015

Products Featured in This Question

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(4004)

$20.86

Hitch Ball Bushing - 1-1/4" to 1" - Zinc

(69)

$4.84

Question:

Some info I have a Husky 2 inch ball it has a massive bolt the nut required a 17/8 inch socket and it is rated at 8000 ponds. I purchased a curt 12000 pound 2 inch ball and it is wimpy compared to the Husky ball bolt size why is this? Do not know which ball to use I pull a 4 horse ww trailer hauling cattle sometimes loaded to 11000 pounds, I would have to find a bushing to use the curt smaller bolt 12000 pound ball any info would be appreciated thanks.

asked by: Larry

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Curt and numerous factors go into the capacity of a hitch ball, including the way the shank is threaded as well as the way the metal was finished. The Curt Hitch Ball, # 40038, has been tested and has a 12,000 lb towing capacity.

You definitely want to use a hitch ball that is rated high enough for the weight of your horse trailer and part # 40038 would cover this. Although the Husky ball looks to be sturdier, you mention that it only has an 8,000 lb capacity which would not cover the weight of your trailer so I can not recommend that you use it to pull a trailer weighing 11,000 lbs.

If your ball mount has a 1-1/4 inch diameter hole, you can use the Curt Reducer Bushing, # F-2, to reduce this to 1 inch for Curt Hitch Ball, # 40038.

expert reply by: Leah S