Posted 2005-04-20 10:09 PM (#24083) Subject: Size hitch ball on old bumper pull?
Member
Posts: 9
Hi- recently got an older bumper pull stock trailer. Previous owner said it took a "2 and 7/8ths or 2 and 5/16ths or 2 and 5/8ths"-this is probably a late 70's or 80's trailer. Any idea on which size it would be? Also, he said you could haul with a 2 in hitch- that doesn't seem right? Any ideas on size? or how do you measure? thanks...
Posted 2005-04-20 10:22 PM (#24086 - in reply to #24083) Subject: RE: Size hitch ball on old bumper pull?
Expert
Posts: 2689
Originally written by jsnow on 2005-04-20 10:09 PM
Hi- recently got an older bumper pull stock trailer. Previous owner said it took a "2 and 7/8ths or 2 and 5/16ths or 2 and 5/8ths"-this is probably a late 70's or 80's trailer. Any idea on which size it would be? Also, he said you could haul with a 2 in hitch- that doesn't seem right? Any ideas on size? or how do you measure? thanks...
Be VERY CAREFUL with this.
I have made the mistake of putting a 2 5/16 inch coupler down onto a 2 inch ball and not checking carefully that it was "tight". It came off as I was rolling the car off the trailer in question )-: No damage, just embarassment, it COULD have been a LOT WORSE !!!
I think the test is to latch up the coupler and then try to lift it off again with the jack, if you can raise the rear tires of the tow vehicle off the ground you probably have a right sized coupler/ball pair.
The only sizes I know of in current use are 1 7/8, 2" and 2 5/16, perhaps some OLDER members can expand the possibilities - and make some Y1K jokes.
Posted 2005-04-20 11:03 PM (#24088 - in reply to #24083) Subject: RE: Size hitch ball on old bumper pull?
Member
Posts: 33 Location: DUNCAN, OKLA
Depending on the size of trailer, a 2 inch ball/coupler is rated at 5,000 lbs. the 2 5/16 ball and coupler is generally rated at 12,500 lbs.The older trailers generally had 2 inch balls. Then later the DOT started looking at Gross Vehicle Weight ratings on the Data plate. Think about it, your trailer could weigh 2500+ and with a 2" ball you can only haul 2500 lbs. The weight rating is looking at the lowest component rating, even if the axle rating is greater. Hope this gives you something to think about.
Posted 2005-04-21 5:42 PM (#24131 - in reply to #24083) Subject: RE: Size hitch ball on old bumper pull?
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
i believe id get a 2" and a 2 5/16" ball and close the hitch on just the ball(not attatched to the truck). if it moves on the 2" then its the bigger, unless the 2 5/16 wont fit......then the coupler may just be lose. what style coupler is it? of course if you can raise the back wheels off the ground like reg said you no doubt have the right size, and a damn strong jack.
Posted 2005-04-21 6:26 PM (#24133 - in reply to #24083) Subject: RE: Size hitch ball on old bumper pull?
Veteran
Posts: 171 Location: Liberty Hill Texas
Could be either. I would take bot sizes and try them off the vehicle. just put it in like you were hooking it up and test it. Also if it was pulled with too small a ball it will be wallered. This will require you to replace it.
Posted 2005-04-25 3:41 PM (#24293 - in reply to #24085) Subject: RE: Size hitch ball on old bumper pull?
Expert
Posts: 1391 Location: North of Detroit, MI
I have a 1988 bumper pull and it uses a 2 5/16ths BALL.
The reference to a 2" hitch might be to the size of the square tube the receiver goes into.
As someone else said, buy one of each and try them (before they are bolted to the receiver).
Also - you need to consider how much "drop" your receiver bar gives you. Make sure your trailer is level once it's hooked up and loaded. Do not tow with it tilted ...
Size hitch ball on old bumper pull?
