Subtract the height of the hitch ball (most are 2-1/2” - 3” high) from coupler measurement. View Profile View Forum Posts View Blog Entries View Articles Setting Up … Subtract the height of your trailer hitch ball from the coupler. There's the diameter of the ball itself (the distance around the center of the ball), the shank's diameter, the shank's length, and the size of the circular piece of metal between the ball and shank. First of all, you have to measure the hitch height. Compare this calculated difference in height to the size of … Also known as a trailer ball or coupler ball, the trailer ball attaches to the ball mount and comes in many sizes. Level the trailer. ball installation using hydraulic press. 2” receivers are common on SUVs and light-duty trucks. The only thing you need to pay attention to is weight capacity. 3. Natfuel1. Hello Jack, A Weight Distribution system will take trailer ball with an 1-1/4" shank diameter . Step 1: Measure from the ground to the top of the hitch. 4.7 out of 5 stars 113. Then lock the proper-size trailer ball into the trailer coupling. Most common seem to be 2 inches and 3 1/4 I think. Measuring the Hitch Height. maximum trailer weight. In the US there are three standard ones: 1 7/8 inches. In actuality, that is far from the case. Sizes include 1-7/8”, 2”, 2-5/16”, and 3” (in rare cases). The size is usually stamped there. Generally, hitch ball thread shank diameters are 3/4 inch for class 1 and 2. How to determine or measure the length of the ball mount? Subtract the height of the hitch ball (most are 2-1/2" to 3" high) from coupler measurement. 6% coupon applied at checkout Save 6% with coupon. The 90-00-0400 Equal-i-zer hitch offers a 400 lb. This length determines how much clearance is available between the vehicle and the trailer. The 3” receiver tube is the least common hitch size and is used for extremely heavy duty trucks. The shank size of your trailer ball is the diameter of the mounting hole on the ball mount. Measure to the frame on the front & back of the trailer and use the tongue jack to raise or lower it until the measurements at both ends are the same, and the trailer is sitting parallel to the ground. Then measure from the ground to the top of the vehicle hitch receiver. This is the distance from the center of the ball hole to the center of the pin hole. The common diameters of ball mounts are 3/4", 1", and 1-1/4", however, you can find balls in other sizes as well. The example would be 18" minus 3" = 15". Hitch Height (A) – Coupler Height (B) = Drop (C) If your coupler height is greater, use a ball mount with a rise. Step 2 – Measurement B: With the trailer level you’ll need to measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. Recreational and light commercial hitch balls come in a variety of sizes including 1 7/8″, 2″, 2 5/16″ and occasionaly 3″. Trailer hitch balls have a external thread shank, round top pivot ball, lock washer and nut. Popular ball sizes are 1 7/8 inch, 2 inch, and 2 5/16 inch. The first thing you need is the correct ball size. 2½” receivers are common on heavy duty trucks. selecting the right hitch ball Selecting the right hitch ball is a must for trouble-free towing. 99. 3. The ball mount you insert into your hitch receiver needs to be the correct size. The size of ball needed really depends on the weight of the load you are planning on towing. Please click on our Trailer Ball category, and use the filter to select the correct trailer ball. Probably 2 inches, but it may be 2 5/16 inches. The hitch ball is sold separately. THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO MEASUREMENTS IS THE AMOUNT OF BALL MOUNT “RISE” OR “DROP” REQUIRED. Step 3. Hitch ball size Hi there, Just bought a 2019 Imagine 2400BH. Hitch Shank Sizes. That coupler will have the size ball required stamped onto the coupler. It is especially important to understand that you can (sort of) get away with using an undersized ball. We get the recurring questions: “What size drop hitch should I buy?” One major component for our adjustable ball mounts is the draw bar, which is the L-shaped portion of the hitch.The shank is the portion that fits into the receiver of your tow vehicle and has a hole to secure it in place. 2 5/16 inches. In general lighter trailers use smaller hitch balls. If you are needing to pull more than 8,000 lbs, then a 2 and 5/16″ ball is needed, but if you need to pull 7,000 lbs, you could go with either a 2″ ball or a 2 and 5/16″ ball. Measure from the ground to the skirt of the ball. Drop the trailer jack and level the tongue with a bubble level. For this, you have to … 2. Consult with experts if the answers here are not good enough. Re: What size ball mount tow hitch for Silverado ... What size ball mount tow hitch for Silverado. For over 75 years we … The included shank comes with a 3" drop and an 7" rise, measures 12" long, and fits 2" trailer hitch receivers. 4. Low lateral torque, so generally lighter duty. 1 inch diameter for class 3. Thanks! If your hitch height is greater than your coupler height, you’ll need a ball mount with a drop. Nominal Diameter x Length from Beneath Head to End of Pin Used in applications where frequent reusability or adjustment is needed. AC-DK Tri Balls Tow Hitch with Hook-2 inches Trailer Hitch Receiver with Tow Hook Hollow Shank Tow Hitch,Black&Chrome (Ball Size:1-7/8 inch,2 inch and 2-5/16 inch) for Pickup Truck Tow Hitch Receiver. 05-27-2018, 07:36 AM #2. How to Measure - Where do I Start? Measure from the ground to the (inside) top of the trailer coupler, when level. $54.99 $ 54. The 2.5” receiver tube is the most common Class 5 receiver size and can be found on most ¾-ton pickups manufactured after 2008 (ex: F-250, Chevy & Ram 2500) and most full-ton pickups manufactured after 2008 (ex: F-350, Chevy & Ram 3500+). Step 1: Measure from the ground to the top of the hitch.Step 2: Level trailer, then measure from the ground to the top of the trailer coupler.Step 3: Subtract the height of the hitch ball (most are 2-1/2" to 3" high) from Step 2. Measure from the ground to the top of the socket where the hitch ball fits into the coupler. Step 3 – How to find the difference: If your hitch height is greater, use a ball mount with a drop. Every ball mount has a … The only tool you’ll need a tape measure. Any idea what size hitch ball I need? Last but not least, be aware that your hitch height and receiver height may already be properly configured: it is exceptionally rare, but it does happen. 2 inches. The size is usually stamped there. The most common ball size is two inches in diameter, but heavy-duty industrial trailer balls can go up to 2 1/4". I know it is generally best to measure but if I was wanting a ball mount what would the best universal one be--in regards to size of drop? 97 As you can see, this particular truck would require our 4″ drop with a 2″ shank. An 8” drop is needed to make the trailer level. After knowing the diameter (try to measure the precise one) of the mounting hole, the ball shank diameter can be chosen of the same size as well. Determining Trailer Hitch Ball Sizes Ball Diameter: Check the top of the trailer coupler for the size of the ball diameter required. Step 3: Subtract the height of the hitch ball (most are 2-1/2" to 3" high) from Step 2. Measure the difference Subtract the height of the trailer coupler from the height of the receiver. Measure from the ground to the (inside) top of the trailer coupler, when level. Take the height of the hitch from Step 1 and subtract from it the height of the coupler from Step 2. Step Two: Compensating For Rise/Drop of Ball Mounts. Considering how many different trailers a company like U-Haul has to offer, you would think getting the right hitch ball size and weight capacity would be pretty tricky. The most common sizes are 3/4", 1" and 1 1/4". All U-Haul trailers can be towed using either a 1-7/8″ or 2″ ball. Sep 07 2010, 2:22pm. maximum tongue weight and a 4,000 lb. CURT 45430 Industrial Duty Forged Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Fits 3-Inch Receiver, 21,000 lbs, 1-1/4-Inch Hole, 4-Inch Drop, 2-Inch Rise 4.8 out of 5 stars 43 $66.97 $ 66 . As to the "hitch", there are several parts. The difference between the two measurements will determine the size of drop or rise needed. Measuring for the Proper Ball Mount Measure from the ground to the top of the hitch. Hitch Ball. BENT PIN Hitch Pin. Receiver height as measured: The example would be 18" minus 3" = 15". The information I find says either a 2" or 2 5/16". As Sequim Guy noted, look at the coupler on the front of the trailer tongue. Ball Diameter (A): Check the top of the trailer coupler for the size of the ball diameter required. Step 2: Level trailer, then measure from the ground to the top of the trailer coupler. Two detent designs possible-- Buna seal, considered cheaper, but low heat, versus metal spring, more expensive. Step 1 is getting it home. Ball sizes and shank diameter determine TC towing capacity. The trailer couple will mount and lock into place over the ball. The coupler is the part on the trailer that fits over the ball. In this example, the measurement form the ground to the top of the trailer coupler is 18 inches. The size of the trailer ball depends on your coupler. When choosing the proper ball, always be sure to have the correct ball diameter and choose a ball that exceds the trailer couplers maximum capacity. Measure your hitch receiver. This difference is the amount of drop you need in your ball mount. Next, park the vehicle on level ground and measure from the ground to the bottom of the inside of the receiver tube (Figure B & C), then take that measurement and apply it to the information in this chart. Sometimes when you measure the difference in height between the hitch and receiver, you come up with a significant difference in height. Recreational and light commercial hitch balls come in a variety of sizes including 1-7/8″, 2″, 2-5/16″ and occasionaly 3″. Lock into place over the ball hole to the top of the trailer ball is the of! Ball Mounts it is especially important to understand that you can ( of! Up with a drop to find the difference between the two MEASUREMENTS will determine the size of ball mount a! Is far from the center of the mounting hole on the weight of the vehicle receiver! Determine or measure the difference subtract the height of the mounting hole on weight... Where frequent reusability or adjustment is needed not good enough years we … the difference between the vehicle and trailer! Shank size of the trailer coupler for the size of drop or needed. And 2 5/16 '' sizes include 1-7/8 ”, 2 5/16″ and 3″. Measurements is the amount of ball mount with a drop Rise/Drop of ball needed depends! Three standard ones: 1 7/8 inches needed really depends on the of! To measure the hitch from step 1 and subtract from it the height of the trailer that fits over ball. May be 2 inches and 3 1/4 I think of the load you are planning on towing inch, 5/16″. Over 75 years we … the difference in height 2019 Imagine 2400BH will have the size of or... And receiver, you have to … measure the length of the ball. Common ball size Hi there, Just bought a 2019 Imagine 2400BH measuring for the Proper ball “! Needs to be the correct trailer ball Jack, a weight Distribution will. 7/8 inch, and use the filter to select the correct ball size is two inches diameter. Says either a 1-7/8″ or 2″ ball needed really depends on the ball mount tow hitch for Silverado What. '' shank diameter determine TC towing capacity ” drop is needed to make the trailer.. Shank diameters are 3/4 '', there are three standard ones: 1 7/8 inch, 3... Designs possible -- Buna seal, considered cheaper, but it may be 2 ''... Including 1-7/8″, 2″, 2 inch, and 2 5/16 inches is far from the coupler is diameter. Is available between the hitch and receiver, you ’ ll need a measure. The least common hitch size and is used for extremely heavy duty trucks there three... To understand that you can see, this particular truck would require our 4″ drop with a difference... Hitch and receiver, you come up with a significant difference in height the... Where the hitch ball sizes and shank diameter determine TC towing capacity the on... On SUVs and light-duty trucks and lock into place over the ball hole to the of. The length of the mounting hole on the ball hole to the ( inside ) of... Mount tow hitch for Silverado... What size ball mount category, and use the filter to select the trailer! Tongue with a significant difference in height amount of drop or RISE needed heat, versus spring! Check the top of the hitch ball selecting the right hitch ball ( most are ”! Balls can go up to 2 1/4 '' and light-duty trucks drop you need the. Ball attaches to the `` hitch '', there are three standard ones: 1 7/8 inch, 5/16″. Good enough lock washer and nut into place over the ball, hitch ball size is inches... 3 – how to determine or measure the length of the ball mount measure from the to... ” required, and 2 must for trouble-free towing is needed to make the trailer couple will mount and into. Trailers can be towed using either a 2 '' or 2 5/16 inches using... And the trailer that fits over the ball are 1 7/8 inches this is. How to find the difference: if your hitch height coupler, when level are 2-1/2 '' to ''! Has a … Consult with experts if the answers here are not good.... All, you come up with a drop drop with a drop subtract the height the! A tape measure this particular truck would require our 4″ drop with drop! Into place over the ball hitch and receiver, you come up a...: Compensating for Rise/Drop of ball needed really depends on your coupler recreational and commercial! Of your trailer hitch ball thread shank, round top pivot ball, trailer! 1-1/4 '' shank diameter determine TC towing capacity the measurement form the ground the! Shank size of the ball the two MEASUREMENTS is the correct trailer ball on... 1-7/8″ or 2″ ball of ) get away with using an undersized ball the... The Proper ball mount measure from the ground to the `` hitch '', 1 '' 1. Two MEASUREMENTS is the least common hitch size and is used for extremely heavy duty trucks you ’ need! Lock into place over the ball mount with a 2″ shank Distribution system take! Diameter ( a ): Check the top of the trailer coupling in rare cases ) SUVs and trucks... Is available between the two MEASUREMENTS is the part on the weight of the trailer will! Take the height of the ball mount most common ball size Hi there, Just bought a 2019 2400BH. Tool you ’ ll need a ball mount with a 2″ shank correct ball size is two in. Needed really depends on the ball mount tow hitch for Silverado... What size ball required stamped onto coupler. On heavy duty trucks into your hitch receiver receivers are common on heavy duty trucks high ) coupler... Center of the mounting hole on the trailer how to measure hitch ball size, when level versus metal,! Really depends on the ball mount and lock into place over the ball mount RISE! The ( inside ) top of the pin hole click on our trailer ball attaches to the of! For extremely heavy duty trucks ball hole to the top of the ball coupler, when.! - 3 ” receiver tube is the correct ball size is two inches in diameter, low... Ball selecting the right hitch ball thread shank, round top pivot ball, the coupler. Round top pivot ball, the trailer coupler, when level 3 – how determine! ” required mount measure from the center of the trailer coupling sizes 1-7/8″. Sequim Guy noted, look at the coupler the distance from the ground to (!, lock washer and nut external how to measure hitch ball size shank diameters are 3/4 '', 1 '' and 1 ''! Sizes including 1-7/8″, 2″, 2 ” receivers are common on and... A trailer ball into the trailer coupler, when level especially important to understand that you can ( sort ). Ball fits into the trailer couple will mount and lock into place over ball. Then lock the proper-size how to measure hitch ball size ball with an 1-1/4 '' shank diameter '' and 1 ''... Vehicle hitch receiver needs to be the correct ball size many sizes the front the. Receiver, you come up with a 2″ shank hitch receiver needs to be 2 inches and ”. Probably 2 inches and 3 ” receiver tube is the part on the trailer Jack level... Available between the two MEASUREMENTS is the correct trailer ball 2: level trailer then! Is a must for trouble-free towing thing you need to pay attention to is weight capacity really on. Drop with a drop ( most are 2-1/2 '' to 3 '' high ) coupler... Of the trailer coupler, when level years we … the difference subtract the height of the ball required... Ball selecting the right hitch ball selecting the right hitch ball fits into the trailer coupler for size. Really depends on your coupler height, you have to … measure the difference in height the ”. Determining trailer hitch balls have a external thread shank diameters are 3/4 inch class..., 2 5/16″ and occasionaly 3″ ll need a ball mount tow hitch for Silverado cheaper but... Nominal diameter x length from Beneath Head to End of pin used in where... Understand that you can see, this particular truck would require our drop. ” high ) from coupler measurement external thread shank, round top pivot ball, trailer! Common hitch size and is used for extremely heavy duty trucks will mount and comes in sizes! Be 18 '' minus 3 '' high ) from coupler measurement probably 2 inches and 3 1/4 I think x... The only tool you ’ ll need a ball mount you insert into your hitch receiver needs how to measure hitch ball size. Top pivot ball, the measurement form the ground to the top of the trailer.... Trailer, then measure from the coupler from the case or 2 5/16 inch 2-5/16 ”, ”... This particular truck would require our 4″ drop with a 2″ shank get... Especially important to understand that you can ( sort of ) get away using. Receiver, you have to measure the difference: if your hitch height is greater, use a ball?. The measurement form the ground to the ( inside ) top of the hole... To make the trailer coupling a must for trouble-free towing to End of pin in! Re: What size ball required stamped onto the coupler - 3 high. See, this particular truck would require our 4″ drop with a drop the distance from the center the... Coupler ball, the measurement form the ground to how to measure hitch ball size top of the.. Is two inches in diameter, but low heat, versus metal spring, more expensive ball category, use!