Would the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball Have a 3,000 lb Tongue Weight Rating

Published 10/01/2015

Question:

Hello, This may be a dumb question but Im inclined to ask. As many hitches and hitch components have gross trailer weight limits as well as vertical load limits, how come balls only have gross limits? The industry Im in has huge liability so every component has to be engineered for the application. We also pull trailers with above average vertical hitch loads. Is there a general rule regarding vertical weight ratings on balls? With this peticular 30k gross rated ball, Im assuming using a 10 of gross rule will put me in good shape. 3k also is exactly what Im looking for for a vertical load limit. Thanks to Etrailer, it looks like Ive been able to find just about every other component Ill need to bring this application up to par.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

Couplers and hitch balls are rated only for gross trailer weights. But the common total trailer weight to tongue weight ratio that is used is 10 percent.

So the 30k rated hitch ball part # BWHB94004 would have a 3,000 lb tongue weight rating easily.

expert reply by: Jameson C