2" ball vs 1 7/8"

[keegster17]

I bought a trailer hitch from uhaul, and the guy recommended a 1 7/8" ball vs a 2", he said you could use it on a 1 7/8" or 2" hitch giving more options vs the 2" could only be used for 2". now looking at my trailer (Northtrail) it says on the trailer to use 2" only. Does it matter? I phoned uhaul and they said it does not matter? I am confused now.

 

[WrensLawnCare]

Use a 2" ball. Yes you may can get away with a 1 7/8 but it has slop. When pulling a trailer Always use the correct size ball. Don't want an accident all because of a $10 ball. I use a 3 way hitch. More expensive but just pull the pin and go to whichever ball size I need. For me I use a 2 5/16 on a daily basis then the 2" at times and now a 1 7/8 for my jetski.

 

[keegster17]

that's what i was thinking, because I feel the slop. it goes up and down slightly and makes the noise, plus I am towing a 2004 GTX with a 1999 honda accord, so it sit's low, so the last thing I want is it to slip off. why would uhaul tech guy tell me it doesn't matter? So the draw bar I have can take any ball correct? uhaul draw bar i have is part number 36053B.

 

[biffdotorg]

Go with what you are towing. Most trailers that the average guy is towing are now all 2". Boats used to have 1 7/8", but anything in the past 15 years has been 2". Since you are from Ontario, check your sled trailer as well. 99% chance it's a 2".

Good luck!

 

[keegster17]

So biffdotorg are you saying stick with the 1 7/8" that I already have? or should I get the 2"? As mentioned on the trailer itself it says use 2" only.

 

[biffdotorg]

Go 2". If you have a 2" receiver, use a 2" ball. They are not expensive enough to use the wrong size just to save money.

On a side note, the new to me sled and trailer I bought this past fall, came with a Stainless Tongue and ball. Wow, is that a nice upgrade. It's a bit spendy, but no rust and it really minimizes the lighting issues caused by rust on the ball and a bad ground.

Good luck!

 

[keegster17]

ok thanks guys.