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jjlhampton's avatar
jjlhampton
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017

Bent Trailer Hitch Ball

Made the jump from hybrid trailer to a Jayco 267BH in May and have had it out about 14 days. Towing with a 2012 Ford F-150 with the max towing package so I haven't been concerned with being too heavy. This last weekend as I was getting ready to hook up to head home I noticed that hitch ball was bent. Not only did the ball shaft appear bent but the area around where it attached to the hitch also appeared to be bent. I didn't notice it when heading out and didn't back into anything. The hitch and ball setup is between 5-7 years old. Any insight on what you think may have occured would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking at getting the truck and trailer into Camping World to see if I did something incorrectly or if they notice an issue.




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  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    Hannibal wrote:
    Needs a 2 5/16" ball with as large a diameter shank...


    That's a good point. All the 2-5/16 balls I know have the larger diameter shank, which will also help fix your problem ;)

    On the upside, it seems your upgrades to the correct size ball that matches your trailer and larger shank and stuff, is likely to have a very positive impact on your towing experience now and in the future ;)

    Again, very good that you look at your gear and keep an eye on things BEFORE a problem crops up ;)
  • jjlhampton's avatar
    jjlhampton
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    Thanks again for all the help. Need a 2 5/16 ball, inspection of the trailers coupler, and hitch.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    Now that we know he used the wrong ball, the coupler needs to be inspected for wear and damage. One lucky guy!
  • Hannibal's avatar
    Hannibal
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    The spring bars are the only thing that kept this rig from separating. Needs a 2 5/16" ball with as large a diameter shank as the hitch head will accept without the reducer sleeve. If the ball mount is bent, it should be replaced.
  • Redwoodcamper's avatar
    Redwoodcamper
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    The trailer ball is too small. It has nothing to do with your wd bars. The ball itself should he 2 5/16. Your lucky it didn't come off.
  • jjlhampton's avatar
    jjlhampton
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    Here is a picture of my WDH. It appears that it should do the job. Thank you all for the help.
  • stevemorris's avatar
    stevemorris
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    everything looks pretty light for a 26 ft trailer

    check the ball size on the trailer first, it should be 2 5/16

    second those equalizer bars look kinda light too, and the safety chains are too small

    cheap Chinese hardware
  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    2" isn't large enough for the weight load. You should definitely have 2 5/16.

    If you check your trailer's hitch, it should have a size stamped on it somewhere.

    It seems you have too small a ball, under-spec weight wise, and are fortunate to have caught it before any real trouble.

    You may want to check the weight specs on your WDH as well, if this was part of that setup.

    Good eye!
  • jjlhampton's avatar
    jjlhampton
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    It is a 2" ball and just scrapped the "mud" off and the ball says 5000lb which could be a problem there as the trailer dry is 5400.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2017
    Looks like a cheap Chinese ball to me. What do you use for grease, it looks like mud. Is that a 2-5/16" ball?

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