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I just picked up this adjustable tri-ball hitch for my '16 F250.
I picked it up at Northern Tool for $150, had seen a Reese version for over twice that price. I wanted to eliminate carrying around 3 or more different hitches for different trailers, and I'll have adjustability for when I start modding the new truck (F-350 rear blocks, larger tires).
My concern is how LOOOONG the whole assembly is. I expect it to have a lot more slop/play than a single ball hitch, but I'm a bit concerned about all the added leverage it will put on the truck. Besides the TT, which has it's own WD hitch, most the trailers I'll be pulling will be way under the rated capacities for this piece. In the rare event I'm pulling something such as a full size truck on a bumper pull, would that style hitch concern you?
I felt like it would be a good all around unit to have and will simplify the tool box some, for pretty much any trailer, besides the camper. Your thoughts?
I'm sure these types of ball mounts are up to task but I just don't care for them. If you have several trailers with different ball heights then I guess they would be beneficial.
As you eluded to, the first thing that caught my eye was the length and I wouldn't be happy with that either. This is what I would do........ I would trim back that single tall diagonal brace about 1/2 - 3/4" ( re-weld if needed ) so I could push the 2" main tube back further into the hitch. Then drill 1/2" or 5/8" hole in the hitch tube for your bolt or hitch lock. That way you would have less leverage to worry about. Also you can use a piece of sheet metal of the needed thickness to shim the hitch where it enters the 2" tube, helps with slop and rattling.
Cyncwby, what you described is the first thing that popped in my mind. That 2" shank is solid, I suppose a set of new quality drill bits would be in order for that task. I have access to a good drill press at my Dad's shop, but he's too cheap to buy the good bits for his tinkering
I'll be giving it a try next weekend when I get back home to Alabama, probably on a few different trailers, I have a flea market type thing to haul furniture to for my wife's little business, using a 14' homemade atv trailer, then will hopefully be bringing in a 50hp tractor/brush hog & then a small excavator to do some cleaning up on the property. If all goes as planned I'll get my first good work out in for this new super duty
I have had and used one heavily for about 10 years. Mine is one from tractor supply. I just recently got a Curt two ball flip over ball in a channel mount to have a 14,000 lb capacity for my new equipment trailer. For me I never once used the 1 7/8 ball except for wrapping a chain around the set to pull things.
The extra length allows for a very tight turn radius backing up. I can get very near 90 degrees.
Adjustable Tri-ball
