Hitch Balls

Ball Hitch

No hitch is complete until you add a matching hitch ball. The smooth surface of the towing hitch ball is responsible for seamless movements between the vehicle and the trailer as you turn or ride over uneven ground. High-quality trailer hitch balls are an essential part of safe and dependable towing equipment no matter what you are towing. There are three common towing hitch ball sizes available to match the receiver on the trailer you will be towing and the towing application you will be performing. A 1-7/8-inch trailer hitch ball is typically used for light-duty towing. 2-inch towing hitch balls tend to be a medium-duty towing option, while 2-5/16-inch hitch balls are most often reserved for extra-heavy-duty trailers and towing applications.

The shank of your towing hitch ball will also play a major part in your decision. Make sure that not only the size of the ball fits your receiver, but also that the diameter of the hitch ball shank fits properly into the hitch you will be using. If the shank features a diameter that is too large, it won't even fit into the hitch. A shank that is too small will have a loose or sloppy fit that can move around on the road, negatively affecting your towing results. The length of the towing hitch ball shaft is also variable and needs to be long enough to reach through the hitch so it can be properly secured underneath. When choosing your ideal hitch ball remember, that the tow rating of your hitch ball is just as important as the receiver hitch rating. The weight rating of your tow ball must match or exceed your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to achieve proper towing performance. Northern Tool's expansive collection of towing hitch ball sizes with varying shank lengths and diameters ensures you can find the perfect ball for your hitch.