Can a 1-7/8 inch Ball be Used to Replace a 2 inch Ball on a Trailer that is Hard to Unhook

Updated 04/29/2011 | Published 04/27/2011

Question:

on 1 of my trailers i put on a new 2in. hitch but have trouble sometimes hooking up or unhooking, it doesnt want to down on the ball, and sometimes when i go to unhook it lifts the truck way up till it lets loose. would it be safe to use a 1-7/8 in. ball?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

No, it is not safe to use a 1-7/8 inch ball with a trailer that has a 2 inch ball coupler. Most couplers have an adjustment for the latching mechanism that may solve your issue.

If you are hooking and unhooking on a surface that is not level, normally uphill or downhill, this too can cause the issue you have explained. If you can attach and un hook on a more level surface there will not be as much pressure between the hitch ball and coupler and the process will be much easier.

If you cannot get the coupler adjusted correctly, I would recommend taking the trailer to a professional repair facility to have things checked out.

expert reply by: Robert G