Trailer Hitch sizes ?

I have a 2 inch receiver ball hitch on my Jeep. I am looking at a small trailer, which uses a 1 7/8 inch hitch. Yes, I know that I can buy other balls, etc, but here is my question:

Are these two sizes somewhat interchangeable? As I recall, there is some "adjustment" to the hitch part, that makes the hitch clamp down tighter on the ball.

Thanks for any comments.

James

Reply to
James
Loading thread data ...

Thanks Jeff !! Makes sense to me.

James

Reply to
James

Yes, I am aware of this.

James

----------------------- You know the receiver is the the thing that fits into the square hole on the back of your Jeep, right? The size of the hole dictates the size of the receiver, but you can bolt various sizes of ball onto the receiver.

You can buy a receiver that fits the hole at WalMart and other places, and buy balls that bolt to the receiver.

Reply to
James

I think JCWhitney.com provides two solutions for you. One is an adapter with several different size balls permanently installed. You just twist it for the correct size and insert it into the hitch.

formatting link
The second option is a ball that allows you to easily change it's size by pulling a pin out and swapping in another size ball and pin.
formatting link
I personally have several adapters with different ball sizes and different drop sizes, but I also have a front hitch installed.

Reply to
dave AKA vwdoc1

I would suggest that if you plan to use a 1 7/8 ball that you get a reciever with a 3/4 inch hole in it as they can be had with 3/4, 1 and

1 1/4 inch holes (1 1/4 is for HD 2 5/16 balls and generally not at WalMart). 1 7/8 inch balls are usually 3/4 but I have seen one with a 5/8 once. 2 inch can be 3/4 or 1 inch (1 inch is rated higher trailer weight) and 2 5/16 can have a 1 inch or 1 1/4 shank (again bigger shank higher trailer weight rating) Anyway it is advisable to have the hole in receiver match the shank size for best the " grip" on it when ball is tightened down in/on it.

----------------- TheSnoMan.com

Reply to
SnoMan

What he said.

Just get yourself an extra set of balls. I keep both sizes handy since we have trailers with either in the family.

-jenn

Reply to
jbjeep

Jenn, do mean a pair about the size of the ones possessed by the guy pulling his 35' boat with a YJ?

Reply to
Will Honea

Harbor Freight has a reversible adapter that has both sizes on it already for sale @ $13 only in their stores. Here are the specs on it..........

formatting link

Reply to
dave AKA vwdoc1

I agree - never use a mismatched ball and receiver. It can pop off-don't take the chance! Towing has enough risks already!

Dan

Reply to
Hootowl

Ahh...no. I beleive those would be inflatable balls. The poster needs some nice shinny steel ones.

-jenn

Reply to
jbjeep

Lotsa innexpensive hitches with both balls. (even seen 3 plus a hook) Just flip it around and you're ready to go.

Reply to
Bob Mann

We interupt this thread for a Public Service Announcement.

----------------------------------- :::::::::Introducing SnoMans Follies::::::::: SBJ: 4T65E

formatting link
(Confuses 4T65e with a 4L65e and won't admit it.) SBJ: Dumb brake question
formatting link
(Discribes wrong brakes and won't admit it.) SBJ: Front wheel bearings-2000 Blazer??
formatting link
(Claims torque specs are wrong when they are not.) SBJ: Snoball Defense System v1.01
formatting link
(Snoball breaks these out when he knows he's wrong but won't admit it.)-----------------------------------

Reply to
Heatwave

"James" wrote in news:fu-dneNdj4-xjbTanZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com:

My solution to this problem was to get two different receivers with balls WELDED on, not bolted. They are available at walmart with pins for about 20 bucks, depending on how much drop you want. I have a Grand Cherokee, so I tend to stick to a 2" drop and it works for everything I have to deal with. The benefit of having a receiver with a welded ball is that you never have to worry about it coming off, or the bolt on the ball coming loose due to excessive vibration. (yes i have seen this happen. My dad lost a horse trailer, thankfully empty, off the back of his dodge ram 3500 due to a badly mounted bumper ball.)

Corby

Reply to
Corby

Knock yourself out troll, I think it is funny and the only one you are making look bad is yourself as it shows you to be the insecure child that you are. Have fun!

----------------- TheSnoMan.com

Reply to
SnoMan

Nah I'm pretty sure the links below make YOU look bad.

----------------------------------- :::::::::Introducing SnoMans Follies::::::::: SBJ: 4T65E

formatting link
(Confuses 4T65e with a 4L65e and won't admit it.) SBJ: Dumb brake question
formatting link
(Discribes wrong brakes and won't admit it.) SBJ: Front wheel bearings-2000 Blazer??
formatting link
(Claims torque specs are wrong when they are not.) SBJ: Snoball Defense System v1.01
formatting link
(Snoball breaks these out when he knows he's wrong but won't admit it.)-----------------------------------

Reply to
Heatwave

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.