Why Isn't There a 2-5/16" Hitch Ball Available with a 3/4" Diameter Shank

Question:

Help please, ...I dont understand! I have three holes in the bumper of my Chevy C1500 LB pickup for mounting hitch balls. The holes are for 3/4 in. dia. shanks. I have a 2 in. one mounted, and I need to mount a 2 5/16 in. one as well. But Im unable to find the ball with that shank size of 3/4 in. ANYWHERE that I look. That size ball is always got a 1 in. or 1 1/4 in. dia. shank. Why is this? The bumper has a max-limit of 4000 lbs. stamped on it. The trailer weight itself 2100 lbs. So I should be able to load 1900 pounds and go with it. The truck power-train is rated for 5400 lbs. in tow, but NOT with the bumper. So again, why is the 2 5/16 in. ball with 3/4 in. dia. shank not available? Im guessing either the bumper is too high for the trailer tongue or the 2 in. one will work fine in the 2 5/16 in. tongue. Please set me straight on this issue! Very confusing one! Thanks etrailer support guys...

asked by: Mr. P

Expert Reply:

You are right that there aren't any 2-5/16" hitch balls available that feature a smaller 3/4" diameter shank. This is simply because the higher weight capacity that a 2-5/16" ball provides requires a larger diameter shank to maintain this rating. The most common shank diameter size for this ball is a 1-1/4" like the Draw-Tite # 19286.

You also definitely want to make sure you are using a 2-5/16" hitch ball if that is what the coupler on your trailer accepts. Using a smaller 2" ball would allow for enough wiggle room that the trailer could become uncoupled on the road.

You have a couple of options here. You could just carefully enlarge the hole on the bumper so that it's appropriately sized for a 1-1/4" shank or install a trailer hitch (which is my recommendation) so that you can use a ball mount with the correct hole already present for a 2-5/16" hitch ball. A hitch receiver would also open the door to other accessories like a bike rack or cargo carrier if ever needed down the line.

If you have the standard or step bumper the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch # 75099 will work perfectly. It features a 2" receiver and a 5,000 pound towing weight capacity. For a ball mount (to go along with the above-mentioned hitch ball) I recommend the Brophy # BH20.

expert reply by: Chris R