Couple coupler questions

[redneck joe]

Say that fast five times. ......


I have two boats and two different sized balls.

What is the purpose of a 1/8" difference in ball sizes?

The little boat reciever has a 2" drop so if i go to a 2" it will ride a bit higher. Any issues with that other than looking stupid?

The impetus for changing the coupler is that it appears to have been replaced before and the bolt holes appear to have not been qquite the same, so it looks like it is popping off at the front bolt (boat not here no pics available ). Its fine just makes everyone think its about to fall off and for a few bucks why not replace .

assuming the bolt holes dont quite line up on the new one, is welding a viable solution?

 

[Bondo]

assuming the bolt holes dont quite line up on the new one, is welding a viable solution?

Ayuh,.... It sure is a viable option,.....

 

[airshot]

Difference in ball diameter is the amount of weight the ball will tow, bigger ball tows more weight. 2" has pretty much become the standard now, 1 7/8" dia balls are old school and getting harder to find. You can go to travel trailer size (2 5/16") but not necessary unless you are towing more than 4000 lbs. My coupler is both welded and bolted onto the trailer tongue...guess I wanted to be sure it didn't come off..LOL However welding OR proper size bolts would be fine.

 

[H20Rat]

You can go to travel trailer size (2 5/16") but not necessary unless you are towing more than 4000 lbs.

Even then, unless you absolutely need larger than 2" for some other trailer, I'd stick with 2". You can get 2" balls that are rated for 10,000 and 12,000 pounds, so capacity is not a problem. I've standardized all my trailers on 2" and life is better!

 

[redneck joe]

Yeah the boat in my sig line is 4500 dry and the little boat is much less.


Speaking of balls.....

Is the weight on the ball total including trailer i assume?

 

[fhhuber]

I changed the hitches to 2" on everything I have. No more annoying issue of having the 2" stinger in and trying to hook up the 1 7/8... and can't find the stinger with the 1 7/8 ball.
Now I just leave the 2" in the receiver all the time. Convenience wins.

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Yes, the ball rating is total trailer weight. Trailer, boat, engine, gas, stuff inside the boat...