Redesigning older unit

[pat32rf]

I have been using an old tandem with 7000lb axles. Had it for twenty years now but my maximum load has been reduced to a 5000 lb JD Compact. The trailer weighs about 1000lb and has always had a 2 5/16 ball.
Finally broke/wore out the hitch and need to replace it but would like to use a 2" ball instead. What is the maximum weight I can tow on a 2" hitch and ball?
The trailer has been rebuilt a few times and has no real value left so there is no point in trading down...besides it tows great when loaded, no matter what tow vehicle I hook it to.

 

[HHR]

As long as everything else is rated for the load, you could tow 12,000 pounds on a 2" ball like this one:
Hitch Ball with 2" Diameter Ball, 12,000 lbs GTW - Chrome Curt Balls 40038

 

[Diamondpilot]

The key with any hitch is matching components. That's coupler, ball, draw bar, and hitch on the truck. With that said the heaviest common stuff I see is 7500#.

Chris

 

[ultrarunner]

I went the other way... had several trailers with 1 7/8 balls and even one with a 1 3/4 ball... now all are 2" except for the enclosed trailer and PJ flatbed...

Are you trying to standardize?

 

[pat32rf]

Are you trying to standardize?[/QUOTE]

I also have a bunch of old camper/skidoo/atv trailers that have 1 7/8 balls but I like to have a 2" ball on anything that is going to weigh in at over 1/2 ton loaded. I have 2" receivers (and brakes) on two vehicles as well as most of my tractor implements such as my snowblower, back blade, back hoe, wood splitter and the counterweight that lives on there most of the time. I normally just leave a 1 7/8 ball in it for shunting trailers....
If I can eliminate the one and only 2 5/16 hitch on this unit things will be a bit simpler....

 

[ultrarunner]

Makes sense... had a bobcat skid steer on the street today... very heavy duty trailer and it had a 2" ball with surge brakes... the rental yards like to standardize too...