Why Do Weight Ratings of 2-Inch Hitch Balls Vary Between Fixed and Adjustable Types

Updated 05/08/2024 | Published 12/29/2017

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Tow & Stow 3-Ball Mount - 2.5" Hitch - 7" Drop/7.5" Rise - 18K - Black

(4614)

$359.00

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.40

Question:

why is the 2-inch ball rated for only 7500 pounds? I have a 2-inch ball rated for 10K.

asked by: Steven

Expert Reply:

The B&W Tow & Stow Adjustable 3-Ball Mount # BWTS20049B has a 2-inch ball rated for 7500-lbs. You are right that standard individual 2-inch hitch balls can carry much higher ratings, such as Curt 2-inch ball # A-90 which is rated for 10K.

All of our standard 2-inch hitch balls are shown on the linked page. These carry class ratings from Class I all the way up to Class V, as with the Curt ball # A-90.

The lower ratings with any adjustable multi-ball type ball mount result from the additional components and connection points. Single balls on a standard fixed ball mount can offer higher ratings since they have fewer components.

expert reply by: Adam R

Stewie

5/8/2024

That would make sense if the 2-5/16 ball didn't have a higher rating. But it does, therefore the connecting points have zero to do with the low rating of the 2" ball.