Reese ball hitch

Those generally don't need to be replaced if they're good quality.

:h
Since a hitch is a collection of components that work together to accomplish a mechanical task, I don't understand the question. Are you talking specifically about the ball itself? Or something other? Given decent care and proper sizing virtually nothing should ever need replaced. Some hitches have wear points, which when worn beyond serviceable levels should have particular components replaced, but replacing the whole hitch seems like baby and bathwater to me. Can you clarify the question?

I understant the ball, the piece that the ball attaches to is the hitch which is welded. My thought was cracking by the weld. I understand inspecting the hitch but wondered if there was some rule of thumb about replacing the hitch itself.

I use a WD hitch 'cause I have about 1100 lb tongue weight but I have had one of those ball mounts (a reese with a drop) for about 20 years and I use it quite often. The hole for the pin is starting to elongate, that's all.

If it's just a shank and ball set up, no WD parts and bars, then it's not likely to ever need anything other than your keen eye on a regular basis.

Without specifics of load and size, generally the simple stuff is pretty well built if name brand parts. Keep a touch of lube on the ball, make sure it isn't loose in the shank, look at your retaining pin and keeper for wear, bending, cracks, keep your eye on welds (if painted, cracks are usually fairly easy to see. If rusted, sometimes rust can look like a crack.) Anything suspect could be inexpensively Magna Fluxed or just replaced. You could have it welded if you know a good, certified welder, but generally I view hitch parts like lifting parts: when in doubt, throw it out. It isn't worth your life to risk it. Overall, very little to go wrong with a shank and ball. Usually, if something is wrong, you'll know it's wrong. And if it's going to fail suddenly, you weren't ever going to detect it beforehand anyhow.

I inspect air and electric overhead hoists regularly as part of my job. 99.9% of the time I never find anything worth worrying about that needs immediate repair. I often ask myself what are the chances I'm going to intercept an impending, catastrophic failure at that moment? Slim and none, but they still need looked at and documented. A hitch is kind of that way, too. Simple and sturdy, and if it's going to fail suddenly, rather than slowly wear out, there isn't much you're going to do to catch it. Keep an eye on things and use your best judgement. That's all we can do.

you may have this hitch. If so, it's built fairly well. Like the others said, inspect every so often.

I think your loaded tongue weight is likely over 500 pounds. 4" rise towing that TT with a 3/4 ton? Is the TT level?

Had it weighed at Escapees can't fond the paper but remember it was under 500. 3/4 ton using the rise and the tt is level. The only other thing is the tv has the 172" wheel base.

Sounds good!

I bought a Putnam Adjustable ball mount and a Convert-A-Ball when I bought my first pickup 15 years ago. I remove this and my Reese WDH my ball mounts when not towing. Both are still in great shape!

Use a little grease on the ball and it should wear well for longer than the life of your truck.

We had the same drop hitch (stinger?). Since it was rated only to 5000 pounds and our horse trailer has a 7500 GVW we bought a 4 inch drop with a 12,000 pound rating. Better safe than sorry.