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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 10:06 AM
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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
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 11:24 AM
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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
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 12:14 PM
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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
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 12:24 PM
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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
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 12:39 PM
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To clarify on the ball, i see couple different options chrome, zinc, stainless, raw steel. Sorry didnt mean about sizing
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 12:48 PM
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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.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 01:01 PM
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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
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 01:08 PM
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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
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 01:33 PM
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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.
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 01:56 PM
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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
 
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Old Oct 6, 2013 | 03:37 PM
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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
 
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