Ball Size ??

[dodger7847]

I have a 12ft alum boat which i pull with my ford explorer with 1//7/8 ball now i have a 18ft glastron trihull,trailer has 2" ball would it be ok to change to a 1/7/8 ball or is the boat too heavy, seems very little difference between the 2 ball sizes any help ??thanks.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Ball Size ??

You could possibly get away this a 1 7/8 coupler as many years ago that was a normal commonly used size. If you have a receiver hitch it would be better to just get a another drawbar and ball.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Ball Size ??

Buy a 2" ball and a 2" coupler to fit your 12 foot boat trailer. With smart shopping you are talking less than $25. Buying another draw bar will cost more than that. Though if the 1-78 is welded on that may be your only choice.

 

[Bullelk34]

Re: Ball Size ??

Ditch the 1 7/8, get a new tongue welded on for your 12' in 2". Piece of cake to do it yourself or have it done.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Ball Size ??

You guys are thinking much more clearly than I am this morning. Must be getting tired from working all night.

Agreed that switching all to the 2" ball makes the best sense.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Ball Size ??

A 1 7/8" ball has a maximum capacity of 2000. This is based on the size and strength of the shank, not the ball itself. Your larger boat is likely over that limit.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Ball Size ??

The 1-7/8 Ball has a 2000# limit.

The 2" Ball has towing limits that vary from 3500# to 8000# depending on the Ball.
The Ball Shank comes in 3/4"and 1" Diameter.
Do not put a 3/4" Shank Ball in a Ball Mount with a 1" hole!

The Hitch, Ball Mount, and Ball all have there own ratings.
The lowest of the set is your tow rating.

A 6000# Ball mount with a 3500# Ball, and a 5000# Hitch means 3500# Max.
It's the weakest link in the chain theory.

Go read the numbers off of your parts.

 

[82rude]

Re: Ball Size ??

ive had for the last 7 years or so an interchangeable ball system that comes with 1 7/8 , 2, and 2 5/16ths balls that go on to the same shank .works great ,towed lots in all conditions ,never an issue.to change you just turn the slot on the top with a quarter or slotted screwdriver ,slip off the current ball and put on the required size and lock in place.ive been down some pretty rough roads up here and never a problem.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Ball Size ??

Do not put a 3/4" Shank Ball in a Ball Mount with a 1" hole!

Pish! I do it all the time! Of course, I do use a bushing to reduce the hole down to 3/4"...

 

[dodger7847]

Re: Ball Size ??

Thanks for all your help guys, I think ill just put a 2" on the small trailer thats the 12ft alum boat, again thanks.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Ball Size ??

If you look at those little dinky jetski trailers you'll find that most come with a 2" ball. That's because most jetskiers have a big boat as well. All my trailers were converted to 2" many years ago, just to standardize.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Ball Size ??

A 1 7/8" ball has a maximum capacity of 2000. This is based on the size and strength of the shank, not the ball itself. Your larger boat is likely over that limit.

umm, no.... You can buy 1 7/8 ball's well above that. Here is a 5000# model, i'm betting I could dig and find a 7500 pound one out there.

Greaseless HardBall Hitch Ball with 1-7/8" Diameter and 1" Shank - 5,000 lbs GTW - Chrome Andersen Balls AM3661

 

[NYBo]

Re: Ball Size ??

I've never seen one with a 1" shank. You keep teaching me stuff today!:redface:

Now, how about a coupler to match?

EDIT: Other than multifits!:apologetic:

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Ball Size ??

Take a close look at the 1 7/8 hitch its self, some can be adjusted to take a 2 inch ball.

 

[bassman284]

Re: Ball Size ??

I've never seen one with a 1" shank. You keep teaching me stuff today!:redface:

Now, how about a coupler to match?

EDIT: Other than multifits!:apologetic:

Got one on a shelf in my garage. Sell it to you cheap. Used very gently.

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Ball Size ??

Put a 2 5/8 ball on everything that way no one can borrow your boat