The hitch ball mounts to the weight distributing head or the ball mount of a trailer hitch and serves as the primary connection point between the tow vehicle and the item being towed.
Choosing the right hitch ball is crucial for the safety and drivability of the vehicle/trailer combination.
A few simple steps will help you select the best hitch ball for your needs, so please note the following.
1) Hitch balls come in various sizes and styles - ensure you know which size and style you need before making a choice.
2) Remember that the hitch ball weight rating should always be equal to or higher than the hitch and ball mount being utilized.
3) Choose the correct ball for the coupler on your trailer; the required ball diameter is stamped into the coupler handle or body, i.e.
1-7/8 inch, 2 inch, 2-5/16 inch etc.
4) Confirm that the trailer ball shank fits the thickness and diameter of your drawbar, ball mount or step bumper, i.e.
a 3/4 inch shank fits in a 3/4 inch drawbar mount hole, etc.
5) During hitch ball installation, torque all 3/4 inch shank diameter balls to 160 ft.
lbs., 1 inch shank diameter balls to 250 ft.
lbs., and 1-1/4 inch shank diameter balls to 450 ft.
lbs.
Following these simple, yet important, guidelines will ensure a long and safe service life for your vehicle's hitch ball.
Draw-Tite has been manufacturing trailering equipment since 1946 and remains a leader today.
All Draw-Tite products are designed and engineered for years of trouble-free service under the most punishing conditions.
Draw-Tite's Hitch Balls are no exception: solid steel construction, engineered to meet all safety requirements of Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission (VESC) Regulation V-5, cold-forged for superior strength, and chrome or zinc plated for corrosion prevention and lasting good looks.
