1 7/8" ball with a 2" coupler - dangerous?

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canucklehead

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Guys,

Quick question - may be stupid, but here goes.

I borrowed a trailer from a guy who swore it needed a 2" ball. I had a 2" ball, and it worked, but the drop was too much. SOoo.... I borrowed a straight bar from him, and he said it was mounted with a 2" ball, but it's actually a 1 7/8".

I towed this little trailer (4x8) over a 100km without a problem, but I'm wondering....

Is using a 1 7/8" ball on a trailer that will also fit a 2" create an unsafe condition?

I'd swap the balls, but the straight bar with the 1 7/8 is so rusted on, I can't get it off.

I'd like to find out if it's necessary for me to buy a straight bar, or can I use the 1 7/8" ball?

Thanks!
 
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I'v done that a few times in a pinch with no problems but the ball lock on those trailers went realy low on the ball.you might get more awnsers in off topic.just an idea.
impala
 
hitch

I wouldn't recommed it, but if your stuck you should be able to tighten the coupler up on the trailer hitch, there should be a adjustment on the latch.

FullDraw
 
I towed my father in laws trailer around on some long trips before I realized the ball I was using was 1 7/8. I have had no problems. Took it the other day fully loaded to the dump without it coming off. I think your good to go.

Edit to add: I did tighten the coupler up a bit.
 
i solved that problem......by making one up with both balls on it....as a matter of fact..i was at princess auto...they have one with four balls on it..if you need an idea onhow to make one....i,ll post a pic of mine
 
Big Guy said:
Do it right, you know you need a 2" ball get one!
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X 2

My brother in law found out the hard way. He caught a small bump,The trailor came off the ball and the safety chains flung the trailor through the back door of his Econoline van. I was driving behind him and witnessed the whole thing. I'm glad we were in the city and not out on the highway.
 
Jose said:
X 2
My brother in law found out the hard way. He caught a small bump,The trailor came off the ball and the safety chains flung the trailor through the back door of his Econoline van. I was driving behind him and witnessed the whole thing. I'm glad we were in the city and not out on the highway.
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Similar experience happened to a friend of mine. He was towing a small utility trailer that popped off the ball, he heard a noise then saw the tongue of the trailer pop in the air and he slammed on the brakes. The tongue went right through the tailgate:eek: .

When they looked at the inside of the coupler it was peened to bigger than 2". He was using a 1 7/8" ball and because there was too much room for it to move it was peening the inside of the coupler bigger each time the trailer started or stoped.

A new bar and ball would have cost a whole lot less than the tailgate.
 
You only have to think about the possible consequences. Then think about you standing in the middle of "Deerfoot Trail" saying something along the lines of "my dear God, I wished I'd never done that". You can never take back a mistake, only wish that you hadn't done it. - Me 2006
 
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think of it as gunz...would you chamber a 1.875 in a 2.00...or think of a socket wrench......could you tighten a 2 inch nut with a 1 7/8 socket...
do the math before ya wreck your nutz..
 
canucklehead said:
I'd swap the balls, but the straight bar with the 1 7/8 is so rusted on, I can't get it off.
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Get a propane torch and a big wrench - it'll come off. And a couple of love taps with a persuader. ;) I just went through the same thing.

And if the lock washer is crushed, get a new one.
 
to nswer your question NO do not use a 1 7/8 ball on a 2" coupler.
it takes all of 15 minutes to change it and there maybe 15$ a peice. go to your local auto shop or if you have a CT near you buy the ball there and have the mech switch them they will usualy do it for next to nothing and an impact wrench works well.
 
Thanks for the tips guys! I ended up buying a new bar from CT. Better safe than sorry I guess.

I know I should have posted in OT, but I don't have access, and the trailer I'm towing is for a HUNTING trip up north, so I thought it's kinda relevant... :) Going up north of Edmonton for the last week of the season. Whitetails beware!

Thanks again! I couldn't get a straight answer elsewhere on the web.
 
canucklehead said:
Thanks for the tips guys! I ended up buying a new bar from CT. Better safe than sorry I guess.
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Good on you for not Screwing around with your own safety and the safety of others around you just to save a few bucks........
The Minivan full of kids behind you and your trailer will be Happy too:)
 
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