Does size matter?

[masonair]

I have all in one ball mount and used the largest ball for my first tow but it was difficult getting the ball to release from the hitch. This may not be a bad thing but I would interested in others opinions as to the proper size of ball mount for the standard trailer.

[CanoeStream]

Hello masonair. Hope we can get the forums serving your needs!

All Airstreams after 1962 use a 2 5/16" ball. A 10,000 pound rated shank is the size of your thumb -- you're probably using something like this already if you have weight distribution/antisway gear attached to your A frame.

Releasing isn't smooth every time for me either. That seems to be the case if the slope puts the back-inside of the hitch up against the ball. Hitching up and unhitching are smoother if the ball is at the front of the space inside the hitch as you raise or lower. If you're using a 2 5/16" ball, you could maybe confirm this for your case by seeing if it works any better on level ground. Just a thought .... don't know that's exactly what is happening in your case.

What size ball do you have?

[Phoenix]

Just a suggestion: I remove the locking pin from the ball carrier when unhitching. That allows a little play in the hardware when jacking up the tongue of the trailer. Also, jumping up and down a little on the back end of our pickup helps release the ball. You might also try greasing the ball before hooking up, if you don't already do so.

[dwightdi]

Actually, my 1963 Overlander, built in Jackson Center, uses a 2 inch ball. After putting chokes on the trailer, you can relieve the pulling stress on the truck by moving it forward or aft, as the level of the site dictate, and the ball will release easily if it is properly lubricated.

[68 TWind]

My 68 Trade Wind uses a 2 in. hitch ball

[CanoeStream]

Slipping a cog is a good indication there are still cogs in there. I've been gently reminded that the changeover year was 1969. Mahalo Inland Andy!

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by masonair

I have all in one ball mount and used the largest ball for my first tow but it was difficult getting the ball to release from the hitch. This may not be a bad thing but I would interested in others opinions as to the proper size of ball mount for the standard trailer.

If it releases easy, the ball is too small. Lots of experience on this one. Make sure you lube the ball. I use vasaline. Remove it every time and re-apply. There is ball grease but vasaline or just about any other "thick" grease works fine. I use a 14,000 rated ball just to be safe. I have a spare and big wrench if I don't like the way it looks.

[masonair]

Wow! Thanks for the input folks. Great stuff. I bought some lube for my next trip; I have the multi-ball mount unit so I actually have 2 and 5/16th, the 2in and a small ball mount as well. I found that rubber mallet is handy along with the jumping up and down on the hitch or slightly moving the truck forward or backward.