I need to move a 5K Lbs tounge pull trailer 10 miles today. I don't have a 2&5/16ths ball and don't see need for one in the future since I have a fith wheel rv. I have a 2" ball with 1" shank rated for 10k. What are the odds of the hitch uncoupling or worse? I'm not concurned about tounge weight on the F-450, trailer has good electric brakes and traffic is light on level terrain.

If it was from one side of a RV park to the other, with no dips in the roadway, I would say take it slow, less than 10 MPH.But one rough spot in the road, or a ditch, or something can pop the hitch off the 2" ball. Buy a 2-5/16" ball and charge the people who want the trailer moved. You will be paying more for fuel than the ball cost will be.Finding a 2-5/16" ball with 1" shank might be a problem though. THey might have 1-1/4" shank, and thus will not fit into a 5,000 pound rated receiver. They are designed that way. The 5,000 pound receiver adapters will only fit into a 2" hitch, and 2" receivers come with a 1" hole, so that people do not install a 15,000 pound rated 2-5/16" ball on the 5,000 pound rated hitch. The 1-1/4" hole is in a solid receiver - part of a weight distribution system. They typically are rated at 10,000 to 15,000 pounds GVW and up to 1,500 hitch deadweight. You can also find a combination hitch with three balls already installed. You rotate it to put the top one in that you need. So the 1-7/8" or 2" or 2-5/16" is rotated to the top when needed. It is all one piece, none of them remove, and I think they are rated around 10,000 pounds, depending on the design and manufacture rating.Fred.

I'd say go to WalmarK and buy the right ball. They're like $15.00 and the trouble it will save - it's worth it! Charge the owners for it and then give them the ball after you're done.WoodGlue

No way. Please don't do it!!! I made a mistake with a utility trailer that took a 2 inch ball and I put it on a 1 7/8 ball. I didn't make it out of the driveway. Please please get a proper shank and ball.

DO it RIGHT or ..........DON'T DO IT!!!!! If something happens to the trailer who do you think is at fault for the damage??? It won't be the owners of the trailer....

Golden_HVAC wrote: You can also find a combination hitch with three balls already installed. You rotate it to put the top one in that you need. So the 1-7/8" or 2" or 2-5/16" is rotated to the top when needed. It is all one piece, none of them remove, and I think they are rated around 10,000 pounds, depending on the design and manufacture rating.Fred.I bought one at Harbor freight for $19.99. then you can get 25% off that.bumpy

2&5/16ths hitch on 2 inch ball !!! | Good Sam Community

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 25, 2014
christopherglenn wrote:
I have one - not shiny and all, but basic black. I actually pull many different trailers with my dually and 2500 - both stock height - within 2-4 inches of level. For the cost, it isn't worth several stingers of different drops and 3 different balls to move between them. My dually towed the TT across town to a shop without issue, and the 2500 uses it exclusively for towing the boat - it just about level as is. Spork yes, but if your receiver is sitting near the right height, it is closer to a cheap Swiss army knife at times.

For the few like you that sit at the right height they are a good option. My other concern is what is the rating of each ball?
christopherglen
Explorer
Jan 25, 2014
I have one - not shiny and all, but basic black. I actually pull many different trailers with my dually and 2500 - both stock height - within 2-4 inches of level. For the cost, it isn't worth several stingers of different drops and 3 different balls to move between them. My dually towed the TT across town to a shop without issue, and the 2500 uses it exclusively for towing the boat - it just about level as is. Spork yes, but if your receiver is sitting near the right height, it is closer to a cheap Swiss army knife at times.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2014
christopherglenn wrote:
I would be looking at Tri-ball.

About as useful as using a "SPORK" !

Will get the job done but not very well.
mich800
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
bguy wrote:
You gotta be outta your mind. I can only believe you posted the question to get a reaction and had not REALLY considered trying it.

I wondered the same thing. Why even consider a shortcut like that.

Can I use gasoline in my kerosene heater? I am only using it for about 30 minutes?
da_bees
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
da.bees wrote:
Thanks guys. I will pick up one of the 3 way set ups suggested.

As you see,I bought the 3 way bar three days ago and moved the trailer without incident if you don't count the tail dragging. The F-450 is on the tall side and realy needed a dropped ball but it's done. Thanks once again for the advise. For the 2 or 3 that seem to view ignorance as a flaw,so sorry to upset you by asking. In the unlikly event you ever come across somthing you arn't adept in,humble yourself rather than proceeding ill equipped.
christopherglen
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
I would be looking at Tri-ball.

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
Jayco254 wrote:
I have heard of thieves stealing trailers with a pad locked tongue by using a smaller ball and allowing the tongue weight of the trailer too keep it attached.

that is evidently why the better? ones lock a ball thingy into the socket so that can't be done.
bumpy
Jayco254
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
I have heard of thieves stealing trailers with a pad locked tongue by using a smaller ball and allowing the tongue weight of the trailer too keep it attached. But personally I wouldn't try it, if you don't have a heavy enough tongue or you hit a dip or wash board surface it's all over. A new ball is a lot cheaper than a law suit or a citation for driving an unsafe vehicle. Listen too everybody else don't do it.
Tin_Pusher
Explorer II
Jan 22, 2014
da.bees wrote:
What are the odds of the hitch uncoupling or worse?

There's something worse than uncoupling? :)
campigloo
Explorer
Jan 21, 2014
Got a U-Haul store near by? They may rent you the shank and ball.