Ball question

[Pit Bull]

I bought a 2" ball. It's not one of the shiny chrome ones It has 7000 lbs stamped on the top of it. It looked like the heaviest duty one they had (it is a solid piece of steel). Anybody have any ideas about what that 7000 lbs means?

 

[jdkenyon]

I believe the 7000 lbs just means that ball is rated for a total trailer weight up to 7000 pounds.

 

[mikel]

That ball is rated for use with a trailer that weighs 7000lbs or less.



Mike

 

[Pit Bull]

What is the usual weight ratings for ball hitches? The reason I ask is that the chrome ones did not have any weigh rating on them.

 

[Blakers]

I just bought a 24 ft Sportsmen travel trailer and was surprised that it uses a 2" ball. Is that satisfactory? How much would this trailer weigh? Just a guess for a 1978.



Thanks,



Blake

 

[mikel]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

What is the usual weight ratings for ball hitches? The reason I ask is that the chrome ones did not have any weigh rating on them.

Personally I'd stay far far away from anything that was supposed to be used for towing and didn't have a rating stamped on it. If the chrome balls were not marked then I don't have any idea how you would find out what they were rated for, other than contacting the mfg (If you could figure out who that is).



I have seen balls w/ the rating stamped on the top of the ball as well as some that have it stamped around the base of the ball.



Hope this helps,

Mike

 

[zjones]

The chrome ball set I use on my rear trailer hitch is rated for 10,000 lbs & the rating is stamped on the mounted base. The ball in my bed (gooseneck) is black & rated for 30,000 lbs.

 

['956Wheel]

A lot of the tow balls with no rating are made in China... stay away from them!



If it is not rated, forget it!



Mike

 

[Blakers]

The one I bought is made in Red China and is stamped for 5M lbs. I wasn't happy that is was made there, but I didn't see it until I left Tractor Supply. I'm thinking maybe I should get one rated for more if I can find a 2".



Blake

 

[RACE427]

American Tow Balls

Always buy Name Brand Tow Balls that are only made in the good ole USA and you will not lose your load to a ball that fractures under towing loads. Draw Tite, Reese, Valley, etc. Draw Tite is my towing equipment manufacturer of choice, no matter what the price!! The quality is # 1 for sure.