can you convert a pintle to ball coupler

[GMichaels]

Can you convert a pintle coupler to a ball hitch? the lunette is like a big bolt that goes through a steel plate.



I am looking for a trailer and pintle trailers are 1/2 the price of "a" frame ball hitch.



I understand towing with the pintle is rough on a truck.









93 dodge 360 get no mods 3:50 rear

 

[SOLER]

If you can weld, then yeah, it can be converted. I had to do that on a trailer I bought. I had to cut the pintle off for a certain reason, and since I did, I went with a ball coupler. If your pintle is bolted to the trailer, then all you need to do is get a ball coupler that will bolt up the same way. They do have them. Try Tractor Supply or an online trailer supply.



SOLER

 

[skobylenski]

Combo hitches are made, I've seen them at TSC many a time, (been thinking it might be a nice rear-end insurance policy ). You can get them with both 2" and 2 5/16" balls built right in, and then the pintle ring on the trailer rests against the side of the ball when towing a pintle trailer... The hitch bolts right up to the pintle plate that goes in the 2" reciever... prob. cost you a little over $100 from TSC...

 

[ChrisTucker]

http://www.hitchesonline.com/acces_includes/Pintle_Hooks.htm

 

[GMichaels]

change trailer end

I would like to change the trailer, and take the lunette off and put a ball coupler on. Looks like it cannot be done, at least not with my style trailer.



I also understand the max load that a pickup can tow on a tag type trailer is 14k total. IF I am wrong about this let me know.

 

[mike r]

You'll have to cut the old coupler off with a torch or plasma cutter then weld the new hitch on. It can be done to any trailer. If its an old pintle with surge brakes, you'll have to cut the entire brake unit off and replace the hydraulic brakes as these units have become difficult to find and some states don't allow their use anymore. It's just money. :{

 

[SOLER]

I would like to change the trailer, and take the lunette off and put a ball coupler on. Looks like it cannot be done, at least not with my style trailer.



I also understand the max load that a pickup can tow on a tag type trailer is 14k total. IF I am wrong about this let me know.

Post some pics of the trailer and the hitch. If I can see what you have, I can tell you what you can (or need to) do. If the pintle is bolted on a flat plate, you can bolt another in its place. If it's all welded, then you need to do what mike r said. Let's see some pics first, tho.



SOLER

 

[GMichaels]

trailer

I will try and post a picture. looks like I have to reduce the size first.

 

[datablitz]

I understand towing with the pintle is rough on a truck.

anyone know if this is true? why is it rough on the truck? i've never heard that before

 

[jboehm]

anyone know if this is true? why is it rough on the truck? i've never heard that before

It's due to the "slop" between the lunette ring and the pintle itself. Just the nature of the beast is all.

 

[datablitz]

what does the slop relate to in being rough on the truck? i realise it moves around a bit, but i didnt know that was rough on the truck... . what does it damage?

 

[jboehm]

not a problem if you understand the slop . . actually, it's a non issue... the Pintle hitch was designed for quick, easy, off-road conditions. . Not something you'd lke to have pulling a camper down the highway. !! Push , pull, etc, plus the little bit of slop (made worse if the pintle, or the lunette is worn) makes a difference. A LOT of difference , when you're backing... . that's why you don't see a pintle hitch camper!!! (least I've never ) Thnk about it as a loose wedding ring!