How to Determine Correct Trailer Hitch Ball

Updated 09/05/2019 | Published 09/04/2019

Question:

I have a cedar creek cottage. 40ft , 13000 lb. need to know ball size to tow it.

asked by: Evan

Expert Reply:

To determine the correct hitch ball you need to know what size ball your trailer's coupler will accept, though for a 13,000 lb trailer I am virtually certain it will be a 2-5/16" hitch ball.

Along with the correct capacity and diameter of the actual hitch ball, you also need to know the diameter of the shank that your ball mount accepts and the thickness of your ball mount platform. This is needed because the hitch ball needs to fit in the ball mount hole (the shank and hole should have the same diameter) and because it needs to have a long enough shank so you can properly tighten the nut.

For example, the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # BWHB94050 has a 16,000 lb capacity and a shank which measures 1-1/4" diameter and 2-1/2" long.

I have added a link to our entire selection of hitch balls for you once you know the size you need, as well as a link to a help article on trailer hitch balls which I recommend taking a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S