2" ball rated capacity question.

[Boiler74]

I just purchased a 7k lb. dump trailer to pull with my Suburban. When I took a look at the 2" ball I have, I saw it was only rated to 5k lbs. I asked the dealer I bought the trailer from about this, and he said I'd be ok. But it's still nagging me. I've looked around, and can't easily find a 2" ball rated over 5k. I can't think that Load Trail would put a 2" ball on this 7k lb. trailer if they didn't think it would work. I just want to make sure I'm safe and legal. So am I ok?

Thanks,
Josh

 

[Gryantaylor]

I just purchased a 7k lb. dump trailer to pull with my Suburban. When I took a look at the 2" ball I have, I saw it was only rated to 5k lbs. I asked the dealer I bought the trailer from about this, and he said I'd be ok. But it's still nagging me. I've looked around, and can't easily find a 2" ball rated over 5k. I can't think that Load Trail would put a 2" ball on this 7k lb. trailer if they didn't think it would work. I just want to make sure I'm safe and legal. So am I ok?

Thanks,
Josh

This site says they have 2" balls rated up to 8K.The Hitch Corner sells Draw-Tite trailer hitch accessories

It might we wise to take a look at the rest of the setup I know I was looking for a 7K ball when I got my car hauler but ended up with a 5K ball because the 2" stinger and hitch were only rated for 5K without weight distribution.

If you want to have a 7K (or higher) hitch you might end up replacing the stinger and possibly the reciver hitch as well.

 

[Bill_C]

I'd look for a heavier rated ball, they have 2" balls rated to 8500 lbs.

Trailer Hitch Balls

For less than $10, is it worth the risk?

 

[Dallas_Lilly]

I believe that when rating the balls they rate them for gross tounge weight.

 

[Bird]

I just purchased a 7k lb. dump trailer to pull with my Suburban. When I took a look at the 2" ball I have, I saw it was only rated to 5k lbs. I asked the dealer I bought the trailer from about this, and he said I'd be ok. But it's still nagging me. I've looked around, and can't easily find a 2" ball rated over 5k. I can't think that Load Trail would put a 2" ball on this 7k lb. trailer if they didn't think it would work. I just want to make sure I'm safe and legal. So am I ok?

Thanks,
Josh

This is one of those situations in which you are "probably" safe; odds are in your favor. But it's a situation where I don't like just good odds; I want to be sure! And another ball isn't that expensive. In fact, etrailer has them in 10k pound ratings and that's what I'd buy.

 

[RollTideRam]

I think I got mine from etrailerhitch.com. or truckperformance.com
I have a putnam ajustable ball mount rated for 10k. The hole takes a 1 1/4" shank. My trailer ball is a 1 1/4" shank rated for 8k. My new trailer is a 12k and takes a 2 5/16 ball. I bought one rated 10k and a solid ball mount rated the same. You can find what your looking for, but you may need to upgrade the ball mount also. JC

 

[Birdhunter1]

Take the 2" hitch off and put a pintle ring on it.

 

[InlineDieselFan]

Buy the heavier rated ball, be safe for yourself and everybody else on the road.

steve

 

[DieselPower]

Buy a new ball and make sure your hitch is rated for that much weight. You might only have a 5K hitch.

 

[Boiler74]

Thanks all. I will get the heavier ball and a weight distributing hitch for those heavier loads. Want to stay safe.

Josh

 

[wushaw]

Your hitch coupler is probably a 7k Bulldog hitch and you can get a 8K ball for 8.95 and a 8.5k for 14.95 at etrailerpart.com. They are more than likely a Putnam brand. Make sure your reciever is rated for 7k min also, I have a 10k that is cushion mounted and they make them up to 15k in the solid shanks.

 

[Seon]

As you may have noticed is that the higher rated 2" ball has a larger diameter shank. You'll have to buy another ball hitch for the larger diameter. Why not just change the trailer coupler and ball to a 2-5/16"? This way you want have to buy a distibution hitch, plus peace of mind.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I believe that when rating the balls they rate them for gross tounge weight.

Tongue weight is measured as DOWNWARD force on the hitch. Most trucks are rated for well under 1000#. I think you might be confused.

Why not just change the trailer coupler and ball to a 2-5/16"? This way you want have to buy a distibution hitch, plus peace of mind.

Bear in mind that some vehicles specifically advise against weight distributing hitches. They are great additions, but make sure the vehicle will take a distribution hitch before installing one.