The three most common hitch ball sizes are 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16" in diameter. In rare cases, you'll find a 3" size. Hitch balls also have variations in size for shank diameter and shank length. The different sizes factor into the weight capacity of a towing system.
What is the most common tow ball size in Australia? The answer is 50mm. The Australian Standard is AS 4177.2—2004. Publishing this standard is forbidden; however, the maximum force applied is 85kN for no less than 10 sec.
There are four standard trailer hitch sizes: 1-1/4", 2", 2-1/2" and 3". The hitch size refers to the inside dimensions of the hitch receiver. Using a standard hitch size approach allows for more versatile towing options.
To know what size your receiver is, all you need to do is measure the inside of the square opening on your receiver. If you have a receiver sleeve, make sure that you measure the opening of inside that sleeve (unless you are wanting to/able to take it out). Once measured, your receiver should either be 2″, 2.5″ or 3″.
Tow hitch receiver sizes are an important part of towing. Knowing what size receiver you have on your tow vehicle isn't something that you can just google and know for sure that the answer you find is 100% correct.
The best way to measure your receiver hitch tube is to measure inside of the tube to inside of the tube. This will help you know what size ball mount you need to get for your hitch. It may be 1-1/4″ common on cars and cuvs. Most likely it is either a 2″ or 2-1/2″, which is often found on most SUV and pickup trucks.
50mm Tow Ball suits a thread size is 1″ or 25mm in Australian terms. The Australia Standard 22mm shank size is also available for 2″ Tow Balls.
First of all this standard 50mm Tow ball is suitable for any trailer or caravan fitted with a 50mm head on the coupling.
The 50mm has an under-cut lip at the base of the ball [which must weaken it no end] for the hitch securing lug to lock into - a 2 inch ball doesn't, so the hitch handle can't lock down fully and can then jump off.
A tow hitch is simply another name for a trailer hitch. It is a hitch used for towing a trailer. Usually, tow hitch refers specifically to a receiver hitch. However, a 5th wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch and other hitches may be called tow hitches.
Hitch Class
To find: Read the label on your hitch, or measure the size of the opening.
Typically any SUV capable of towing more than 3,000 Lbs will have a 2" hitch receiver. Some SUVs older than this will have a smaller 1-1/4" Class 3 receiver. -3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks prior to 2010. This would include Ford F-250s/F-350s, Chevy 2500s/3500s, and Dodge 2500s/3500s.
In the world of rigging there are three basic hitches. The straight leg vertical hitch, the choker hitch and the basket hitch. Regardless of the type of sling or hitch being used.
A three-point hitch looks like a triangle. It attaches the implement to the tractor. Once the implement is attached, it is fixed in place with respect to the tractor and the arm position of the hitch. Your tractor will carry some (or all) of the implement's weight.
Class III hitches used for weight distributing are rated up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1000 lbs. A Class III hitch usually has a 2″ square receiver opening. A higher class drawbar does not increase the towing capacity of the hitch.
All you need to use a tow bar that fits a 2 inch hitch receiver in a 3 inch hitch receiver is use the Super Titan Receiver Adapter # 38735. This will reduce the receiver opening size on your trailer hitch from 3 inches to 2 inches so that you can use any tow bar with a 2 inch shank.
No, it is not safe to use a 1-7/8 inch ball with a trailer that has a 2 inch ball coupler. Most couplers have an adjustment for the latching mechanism that may solve your issue. If you are hooking and unhooking on a surface that is not level, normally uphill or downhill, this too can cause the issue you have explained.
Most passenger cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks will take a 1.25" or 2" receiver trailer hitch depending on the weight capacity you are looking to tow. These sizes are best for light-duty and medium trailers. Things to consider are accessories like a bike rack or cargo carrier.
The best hitch for travel trailers is a class 3, class 4 or class 5. These hitches offer the capacity to safely tow a variety of larger trailers, particularly travel trailers. Most of these receiver hitches are also compatible with a weight distribution hitch, a device typically needed for towing travel trailers.
If you tend to strap ladders, paddleboards, lumber, kayaks, and other cargo on the top of your vehicle, a trailer hitch may help with stability. Hitch attachments can help anchor and secure your overhead cargo. This installation can protect your belongings and help give you peace of mind on the road.