Hitch size

Jim Sease · 10-30-2002, 03:05 PM

I just bought a 1971 27 foot airstream. It was just there and it seemed like a good deal and I liked it, so I said Yes. Now what size ball do I need too hitch it to so I can get it home?

**john hd** · 10-30-2002, 03:09 PM

2 5/16

any one can jump im if i am wrong

john

53flyingcloud · 10-31-2002, 12:05 AM

You could be right John. I use a 2" on mine..Which is pretty much standard.
I'd also be sure it can handle the job as well..I don't know if I'm the only one doing this but, I put grease on mine as well before each trip. (just my 2 cents worth)
ciao

Andy sez:

Quote:

From 1969 and up, all the Airstream trailers are equipped with a 2 and 5/16 inch ball.

Oops~! this is one that I should've checked..thanks Andy and, to the rest..I do have the 2 5/16.
Since I bought it 'used' and, it came with all the hardware.(my only excuse for this blunder)

Andy, have you ever thought about writing a book??

**john hd** · 10-31-2002, 04:46 AM

it would be nice to know when they switched from 2'' to 2 5/16''.

or were there years or sizes that overlapped?

how about the new bambi's what do they use?

any one? ..... Andy?

i also grease the ball before hitching up. i use the extra wheel bearing grease i have in the shop. as i always use grease from a sealed container when i do the wheel bearings so i always seem to have a couple of partial containers around.

the wheel bearing grease is thick enough it doesn't drip all over the hitch.

john

**Pick** · 10-31-2002, 05:17 AM

Mine has a 2 5/16 ball. It might be that certain lighter weight models have a 2. Not sure what the "rules" are for ball size.

Pahaska · 10-31-2002, 05:53 AM

According to my dealer, all new A/S trailers are 2 5/16" regardless of size and weight/

overlander64 · 10-31-2002, 06:59 AM

I am not certain about when the switch from 2" to 2 5/16" hitch balls was implemented, but seem to remember reading that it was a change introduced with the new models in 1969. My '64 Overlander has the 2" hitch ball while my '78 Minuet 6.0 Metre has the 2 5/16" hitch ball.

The one thing that I have learned with the Overlander is that when it comes time to purchase a new hitch ball is that not all 2" hitch balls are created equal. It takes some searching to find a 2" hitch ball with a 6,000 pound or greater trailer weight rating.

Kevin

smily · 10-31-2002, 07:25 AM

I have the same trailer 1971 Overlander and it has 2 5/16" ball.

Smily

apple 1 · 10-31-2002, 07:46 AM

Hitch ball size comes from the V5 Gov't trailer tow standard. You have all seen the V5 stamped on the hitch balls and your hitch receiver on your truck should also say it meets the V5 standard.
This standard which was published in the late 60's and has been updated several times sets ball size by weight. 1 7/8 for trailers under 2000 lbs. - 2' for trailers under 5000 lbs. - and 2 5/16 for trailers over 5000 lbs. This standard also defines test requirements for hitches.

Inland RV Center, In · 10-31-2002, 08:06 AM

All Airstream trailers from 1968 and older used a 2 inch ball.
From 1969 and up, all the Airstream trailers are equipped with a 2 and 5/16 inch ball.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com

Jim Sease · 11-04-2002, 10:38 AM

Thanks every one for the info about the ball size question I had! I got my answer and I learned a lot too - Thanks again!!