Can I space up the hitch ball?

[JeweloJalopy]

Yet another hitch question as we get everything set up on the "new" streamline.

Our Reese WD hitch has a funny lip just in front of the ball. It comes very close to the lip on the trailer, and I believe once I angle the trunnion back a little will contact it.

I know I should probably grind off or bend up the lip on the trailer, but can I get away with a 1/4" washer under the ball to space it up a bit?

I know I can't space up the current ball, since the shank isn't long enough. So I either need a 1" to 1-1/4" bushing, or a 2" ball with a 1-1/4" long shank. If I go with the new ball I can get one with a long enough shank to space it up just a little.

I know a slightly taller ball with have a higher forces on it, but without doing the math I believe going to a 1-1/4" shank should offset a 1/4" spacer.

Thoughts?

Here is a bad pic of the setup. I had already disconnected everything when I remembered to take a photo.



Thanks!
Ian

[TG Twinkie]

I would replace the ball that has a shank to match the diameter of the hole in the ball mount and also has a longer threaded shank. I'm sure you can find one on the net. Also you may check with a local farm supply store, if you have one in your area.

[altnbndr]

Looks like what you need is a new ball with a one inch rise. Check out etrailers web site for a picture of what you are looking for. You should be able to find one locally.

[idroba]

Yes, get a ball with a slightly higher rise, maybe 1" as suggested. Most any RV parts dealer should have them along with farm supply places.

Just for safety, I have replaced my hitch ball about every 10 years in any event. Failure is very rare, but can happen.