Notices
All Things Towing Conventional, 5th Wheel, Toy Hauler, Flatbed, Gooseneck, Electrical/Brakes/etc.

New hitch

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 10:06 AM
  #1  
jbrianas's Avatar
jbrianas
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 150
Likes: 3
New hitch

Want to replace my current hitch it's just worn out, anyways I measure it as a 3 1/2" drop, looking at new ones I see only 3 or 4 drop, which do I choose ? Trailer sits very level with current hitch
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 11:24 AM
  #2  
RV_Tech's Avatar
RV_Tech
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Originally Posted by jbrianas
Want to replace my current hitch it's just worn out, anyways I measure it as a 3 1/2" drop, looking at new ones I see only 3 or 4 drop, which do I choose ? Trailer sits very level with current hitch

Doubtful a half inch either way would cause a problem, but you should be able to get close using an shank that adjusts using difference holes for the ball mount.

Steve
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 12:14 PM
  #3  
jbrianas's Avatar
jbrianas
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 150
Likes: 3
Ok thankd, would it effect tongue wt at all to go either direction with it? tongue weight is vatiable each day depending upon how trailer is loaded.

Also which ball is best? Its 2 1/2" class 5 equipment, ty
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 12:24 PM
  #4  
RV_Tech's Avatar
RV_Tech
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Originally Posted by jbrianas
Ok thankd, would it effect tongue wt at all to go either direction with it? tongue weight is vatiable each day depending upon how trailer is loaded.

Also which ball is best? Its 2 1/2" class 5 equipment, ty
I think you are splitting hairs with so small a change in hitch geometry. Not sure what you are asking in terms of best ball. You are going to have to match the ball size to your trailer tongue receiver and use a ball with the same size shank as the hole in the ball mount on your truck. Do not use a bushing and go with a ball with a smaller shank.

Steve
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 12:39 PM
  #5  
jbrianas's Avatar
jbrianas
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 150
Likes: 3
To clarify on the ball, i see couple different options chrome, zinc, stainless, raw steel. Sorry didnt mean about sizing
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 12:48 PM
  #6  
RV_Tech's Avatar
RV_Tech
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Originally Posted by jbrianas
To clarify on the ball, i see couple different options chrome, zinc, stainless, raw steel. Sorry didnt mean about sizing
As long as they are rated to handle the weight, I think this boils down to appearance. I have a bunch laying around and I have to be honest and say I never pay any attention to the appearance of the ball. You just can't see em most of the time and I take my ball mount out of my receiver when I am not using it. Everything on a hitch is rated and ***** often have their weight rating stamped on them, although I have never heard of or seen a ball fail.
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 01:01 PM
  #7  
jbrianas's Avatar
jbrianas
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 150
Likes: 3
I see. I may be splitting hairs as you say, just the amount of wear and welding thats been required on my hitch,reciever,etc. Over the years just has me wonder if the ball or trailer tongue wears enough to experience a disconnect? Unlike perhaps most, my equipment is used every day , except today its rain and im home watchin football, this is all for safety sake, thanks for ur guidance
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 01:08 PM
  #8  
RV_Tech's Avatar
RV_Tech
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Originally Posted by jbrianas
I see. I may be splitting hairs as you say, just the amount of wear and welding thats been required on my hitch,reciever,etc. Over the years just has me wonder if the ball or trailer tongue wears enough to experience a disconnect? Unlike perhaps most, my equipment is used every day , except today its rain and im home watchin football, this is all for safety sake, thanks for ur guidance
None of my comments are meant in a negative sense. I tend to go by what I have seen over the years in the way of problems and I have never seen anyone have a problem with any kind of ball or hitch and have never seen a disconnect unless a towable was not latching in to start with. I think you will be fine.

Good luck,

Steve
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 01:33 PM
  #9  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
try a thin layer of grease on the ball before you lower the hitch on it. that may help it last longer.

I would go for the 3" drop as opposed to the 4" but I too don't think it makes much of a difference. Check the size (diameter) of the old ball and ensure you get the right one..and the right rating too.
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 01:56 PM
  #10  
jbrianas's Avatar
jbrianas
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 150
Likes: 3
Certainly not taken in a negative sense, just trying to explain my cuation is all, i was wondering about greasing the ball, my old hitch had grease fittings so i used to grease ball also allbeit doing so blindly :-) ive inquired at local dealers about many different issues such as that and ive never found any knowledge or advise , so apreciate finding some here online.

I did replace the ball once as i noticed alot of mettalic debri in the grease residue and some serious grooves forming on the underside of the ball

so logically im curious how long the trailer coupler is good for? Is there a way to check this for wear? or Is it designed so that the ball is what wears and is all that need be replaced? Ty
 
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2013 | 03:37 PM
  #11  
RV_Tech's Avatar
RV_Tech
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Originally Posted by jbrianas
Certainly not taken in a negative sense, just trying to explain my cuation is all, i was wondering about greasing the ball, my old hitch had grease fittings so i used to grease ball also allbeit doing so blindly :-) ive inquired at local dealers about many different issues such as that and ive never found any knowledge or advise , so apreciate finding some here online.

I did replace the ball once as i noticed alot of mettalic debri in the grease residue and some serious grooves forming on the underside of the ball

so logically im curious how long the trailer coupler is good for? Is there a way to check this for wear? or Is it designed so that the ball is what wears and is all that need be replaced? Ty
I have seen some over 30 years old and still going strong. I think that is one of those things you just observe and deal with it if it looks like things are starting to become worn.

Steve
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Looneybin
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
10
Mar 3, 2017 02:58 PM
ponch37300
All Things Towing
7
Feb 24, 2017 01:21 PM
Twilight Fenrir
All Things Towing
22
Oct 25, 2013 05:11 PM
edub32
All Things Towing
2
Apr 14, 2009 01:38 PM
JiveBoogle
All Things Towing
5
Dec 15, 2002 09:51 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:37 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE