Hitch-Ball Sizes
If you're towing a smaller load, you'll likely use a hitch ball on your tow vehicle rather than a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch. Trailer hitch balls come in many sizes. And, unfortunately, that fact can be another source of confusion. Two balls of the same size may have different ratings from each other depending on their strength or because of the shank size of the bolt connecting them to the hitch.
The table to the right shows typical weight ratings of hitch balls. But be sure that the rating of the actual hitch ball you purchase, plus its bolt and the hitch itself, all match or exceed the maximum weight you'll haul with your truck and trailer.
Safety Above All Else
As you can see, hauling a trailer involves a combination of items all rated for the amount of weight you need to tow. Each item, including your truck, must be rated the same or greater than the maximum weight of the trailer and its complete load. Now you can also see that, while there initially seem to be many hitches, there really are only a few and that they come in different sizes.
The best way to assure that you and your horses will be safe when towing is to select your tow vehicle, trailer, and all hitch parts with the help of the truck or trailer dealership, or the hitch retailer. This is not only to assure that all the parts will be able to safely carry the weight you're hauling. It's also because there are additional components and considerations beyond the scope of this article that must be right, such as electrical hookup, trailer breaks, safety chains, the breakaway break (activates your trailer's brakes if it separates from your truck), and more.
You're the one responsible for getting all this right. So take advantage of your dealership to get expert help. Tell the representative exactly what you're hauling and where you intend to go with your trailer and horses. Chances are quite good they'll provide all the help you need.
