Posted 2013-11-23 4:26 PM (#155936) Subject: Hitch size either a class III IV or a class V?
Regular
Posts: 60 Location: Alberta Canada
Hi everyone!
I keep having weather or other obstacles pop up which have prevented me from picking up my new Sundowner 2 Horse straight load trailer with front and rear exit/entry ramps. Given the added tongue weight associated with this type of trailer I am unsure whether to use a class V hitch with a hitch converter so that I can use my existing ball mount and receiver. My truck has a class V hitch currently so added capacity for tongue weight but my ball mount and receiver are 2 inch. So should I go with a hitch converter or get a whole new 2.5 inch receiver and ball mount? I am hauling with my 1999 F250 automatic gas transmission V8.the GVWR of the trailer is 8000lbs. It is a bumper pull also. Twenty one feet long.
Posted 2013-11-23 10:40 PM (#155940 - in reply to #155936) Subject: RE: Hitch size either a class III IV or a class V?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
2 Inch Ball Diameter Hitch Balls
Shank diameter: 3/4", 1" and 1-1/4"
Capacity: 3,500 lbs to 8,000 lbs
Finish: nickel plated and stainless steel
Shank length: short, medium and long
Used on smaller to medium sized trailers
Most common ball size
Posted 2013-11-24 9:55 AM (#155946 - in reply to #155936) Subject: RE: Hitch size either a class III IV or a class V?
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I think she is talking of the receiver on the truck than the ball size.The older trucks usually came with a 2" receiver, but all the newer truck (like my 2011) are coming with a 2.5" receiver. Since I had a 14,000 lb 2 5/16" ball already on a 2" stinger, I just got the dealer to throw in a reducer sleeve that reduced my 2.5" to a 2" receiver. Effectively changing it from a Class V to a Class IVUnless you are wanting to go to a Weight distributing hitch. You should be fine with using the 2" stinger in your receiver and being rated at a Class IV hitch.
Posted 2013-11-24 4:37 PM (#155950 - in reply to #155936) Subject: RE: Hitch size either a class III IV or a class V?
Regular
Posts: 60 Location: Alberta Canada
Thank you Painted Horse you have answered my question perfectly! Now I have the proper term "reducer sleeve" instead of trying to describe. Something that converts a 2.5 inch receiver to a 2 inch.I am curious why new trucks would have a hitch capacity that can exceed their actual GVWR?Thanks again!
Posted 2013-11-24 6:27 PM (#155951 - in reply to #155936) Subject: RE: Hitch size either a class III IV or a class V?
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
You should be able to buy a reducing sleeve at your truck dealership, But probably cheaper at Tractor Supply or a place that sells trailer parts. State Trailer or Uhaul etc.
Hitch size either a class III IV or a class V?
