Trailer Hitch Conspiracy

[wushaw]

What Builder said...Putnam has it all.
http://www.putnamhitch.com/main-nav1.html

 

[PA hayseed]

Well, thank you all for the information. I was just searching for hitch components for a new trailer. Guess I found a source that will give me what I want.

One question though, Is pintle better or just different? I've seen plenty of balls on bigger trailers than mine.

 

[AlanB]

And when you are all said and done with that, look at the cross pin that holds it all together.

I can't find ratings on any of those at all.

 

[swines]

And when you are all said and done with that, look at the cross pin that holds it all together.

I can't find ratings on any of those at all.

Ball hitches are rated by the diameter of the shank. For a 2-inch diameter ball, the shank sizes have the following load ratings:

3/4-inch shank = 3,500 pounds
1-inch shank = 6,000 pounds
1 1/4-inch shank = 8,000 pounds
1 3/8-inch shank = 8,500 pounds

For the hitch pins - they're rated for the class receiver (I, II, III, IV, V). Generally, a 5/8-inch hitch pin is rated for use with receivers including Class V = 15,000 pounds.

You can usually get Reese hitch parts at RV dealers or from U-Haul centers. If you have time to order, try etrailerpart.com.

 

[Skyco]

And when you are all said and done with that, look at the cross pin that holds it all together.

I can't find ratings on any of those at all.

I don't know how much force is needed to shear a 5/8 pin of even mild steel, but I bet it is considerably more than the force that could ever be generated by towing or braking...you aren't trying to lift the trailer with it after all and you have to shear it simultaneously in two places

 

[Ductape]

I bought a locking pin some time ago. It did have a weight rating on the package. Though you are right.... i don't know that i've ever seen one with a weight rating stamped into it. Skyco is right though... it would take an amazing amount of force to shear a 5/8 pin.

 

[AlanB]

While I realize that it is captured on both sides, just how much force do you think it will take to shear that 1" pin on the bottom of the ball that shows being rated at 6000 lbs in the post above?

Or is the pin diameter effectively doubled because it is through two sides?

But either way, when I looked for one that is "rated" as we are concerened with checking it all, I could not find any.

Kind of like the whole tie down chain thing with the grade 70 etc. chains and the "rated" binders etc. Then you tie it into what? a piece of 1/8" mild steel stake pocket welded to the side of the trailer by the guy they trained to be a welder that morning.

I guess my point being, that I find it odd, how this piece, that piece and the other thingy has to be rated / stamped / marked etc. And the one pin that is literally holding the entire contraption together, has no markings or rating's on it.

More food for thought, then anything I guess.

 

[Skyco]

All good points. Come to think of it I don't think I've ever seen or heard of a snapped off trailer ball. But I still buy one rated higher than my loaded trailer just to be safe.