Community Forums

spb0311 · 08-01-2022, 10:33 AM

Hello,
I am going to have my coupler replaced. I was going to go from a 2" ball to a 2-5/16" ball. I am also going to be getting a weight distribution hitch, so I can get either 2" or 2-5/16". Does a larger ball tow better (more bearing surface) or does it even really matter?

As always any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

BirchyBoy · 08-01-2022, 10:36 AM

Ball size is a factor in max towing and tongue weight. Take a look online and then make sure your draw bar and ball are sufficient.

gjames50 · 08-01-2022, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spb0311

Hello,
I am going to have my coupler replaced. I was going to go from a 2" ball to a 2-5/16" ball. I am also going to be getting a weight distribution hitch, so I can get either 2" or 2-5/16". Does a larger ball tow better (more bearing surface) or does it even really matter?

As always any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

It boils down to weight capacity. There are differently rated 2" and 2-5/16" balls, so check weight capacity of the one you buy. If you will exceed 8,000 lbs then you will need to buy a 2-5/16" ball in a capacity that can handle your weight.

Potential range of each ball size. Check the Ball and Coupler Itself for weight capacity
2″ 3,500 lbs to 8,000 lbs
2-5/16″ 6,000 lbs to 40,000 lbs

Skip426 · 08-01-2022, 10:44 AM

A trailer coming from the manufacturer , the tongue coupler, step up from the 2" to 2 5/16 ", is usually related to the trailer GVWR .

A 2 5/16" WD set up is going to be considerably heavier than the 2" .
Would added weight be an issue to your tow vehicle ?

Will the larger WD system , help with trailer control ?

I can only say that is quite possible , because I haven't heard anyone report on a similar change over .

spb0311 · 08-01-2022, 12:13 PM

Thanks,
I have been looking on amazon for a WD hitch and even the lighter ones, 1200lbs, mostly come with a 2-5/16" ball. So I was thinking of buying a coupler to match the WD hitch. That's where my confusion comes from. Naturally I don't want to add more weight than needed either. Am I looking in the wrong place? I am looking for a good WD hitch but I am also on a tight budget right now. Any recommendations? I know this isn't something to skimp on, but I assume there are decent budget friendly ones out there

Thanks again

carybosse · 08-01-2022, 01:09 PM

I guess I would be surprised to find a WD Hitch with a 2" ball.

PhilAndTee · 08-01-2022, 02:13 PM

We have been using a Haulmaster 10,000 lbs WDH for about 5 months. It has 1000 lbs tongue weight rating and runs about $230 at Harbor Freight. It doesn't come with a ball, you can put whatever ball you want on it with a 1 inch shank size.
We are towing a 5000 lbs trailer with a 2013 Ford Explorer and it has worked great. No sway and it tows very well.

carybosse · 08-01-2022, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilAndTee

We have been using a Haulmaster 10,000 lbs WDH for about 5 months. It has 1000 lbs tongue weight rating and runs about $230 at Harbor Freight. It doesn't come with a ball, you can put whatever ball you want on it with a 1 inch shank size.
We are towing a 5000 lbs trailer with a 2013 Ford Explorer and it has worked great. No sway and it tows very well.

I will say the Curt I have looks just like the Harbor Freight unit, but costs a bit more. Can't say if there is much difference between them. When I purchased my Curt, the price difference was only a $10-20. I think it is over $100 now.

Rosy · 08-01-2022, 02:52 PM

I would talk to a reputable hitch shop rather than buying Chinese crap off Amazon.

randomledder · 08-03-2022, 08:43 PM

I must be missing something here.

Tomahawk · 08-07-2022, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomledder

I must be missing something here.

Yeah, surprised no one has stated the obvious. The ball size has to match the trailer coupler. If the trailer coupler is 2 5/16 then the ball HAS TO BE the same. Using a smaller ball than the TT coupler has stamped on it could cause serious injury and property damage. Changing the Trailer side to a smaller coupler also seems crazy from a cost and liability point of view.

Gigattime · 08-07-2022, 10:33 AM

I believe the OP said they were considering moving from a 2" to a 2 5/16" coupler. I guess the originally was only a 2"?

I'd be surprised to find a 2" weight distribution too, but If going through the trouble to replace, I'd definitely go 2 5/16.

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Persistent · 08-07-2022, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spb0311

Hello,
I am going to have my coupler replaced. I was going to go from a 2" ball to a 2-5/16" ball. I am also going to be getting a weight distribution hitch, so I can get either 2" or 2-5/16". Does a larger ball tow better (more bearing surface) or does it even really matter?

As always any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

The TT comes with a welded on coupler. Get a ball that matches the coupler. Normally you cannot choose ball size unless you are building your own TT.

CecilD · 08-07-2022, 02:29 PM

I would get the 2 5/16" ball unless you have other stuff in your toy barn that requires a 2" hitch. The larger size may come in handy someday as it is more popular in the RV world.

Reese makes weight distribution hitches for low tongue weight trailers that will accept a 2" ball.