Hitch question - Ball size?

[Sparky Boy]

Can the ball on your BP hitch wear down?

Mine is a 2" and the coupler says it requires a 2" ball but sometimes I think I can feel it moving around in there. Say, I'm going down a slight incline then it levels off and the truck is pulling forward, feels/sounds like the ball is jolted a little bit and there's one "clunk" noise. If that makes any sense at all.....

[MikeP]

Unlikely that the ball would 'wear down". Id suspect that the difficulty, if any, is in the hitch parts. Check that out thoroughly. If you are mechanically unclined, get a mechanic friend or pay a trailer place to take a look.

Also, check out the nut that holds the ball to your bumper, that could be working loose. I'd take care of this before hauling again....

[RAyers]

Yes they can wear but I would be more worried about other things.

First: Make sure the ball is tightly secured to the hitch. You will need a big wrench but many times the nut can become loose, letting the ball "flop" around.

Second: Make sure the hitch is secure in the receiver. Is the pin holding the hitch tight or is the hitch moving around inside the receiver?

That is where I would start.

Reed

[Sparky Boy]

This is a new truck and it came with the hitch/towing package. I just put my old reciever on it.

I'll check some of the things you guys suggested. It doesn't happen often but enough that I have noticed it.

[2bee]

Sure the ball and coupler can wear, though it is more likely something else. What brand/style of coupler is it? Do you grease the ball?

Of course people who ask this type of question don't usually haul enough to wear anything out. ;)

[merrygoround]

Have someone familiar with towing packages, and equipment check it out. It's not worth the gamble.

[Sparky Boy]

The more I think about it, I think it made this occasional noise with my last truck too.
I think the first place I should check is where you put the large pin through on the receiver. Perhaps the hole on the receiver is larger than the pin? Though when it's attached, it looks like an exact fit. I'll pull it out and check.

[MikeP]

The more I think about it, I think it made this occasional noise with my last truck too.
I think the first place I should check is where you put the large pin through on the receiver. Perhaps the hole on the receiver is larger than the pin? Though when it's attached, it looks like an exact fit. I'll pull it out and check.

While you're doing that is a great time to CHECK THE TIGHTNESS OF THAT NUT! (please?)

[Equibrit]

It is more likely to be noisey where the ball mount slides in to the receiver and is pinned. You can probably make the same noise by just jiggling it with your hand as it is not meant to be a tight fit.

[Sparky Boy]

While you're doing that is a great time to CHECK THE TIGHTNESS OF THAT NUT! (please?)

Yes, of course I will. Promise :)


Equibrit, that's what I'm thinking.

[tobruk]

They make receivers with rubber bushings that will eliminate any clanking between the pin and the hole.

[hosspuller]

Can the ball on your BP hitch wear down?

Mine is a 2" and the coupler says it requires a 2" ball but sometimes I think I can feel it moving around in there. Say, I'm going down a slight incline then it levels off and the truck is pulling forward, feels/sounds like the ball is jolted a little bit and there's one "clunk" noise. If that makes any sense at all.....
Try greasing the ball before coupling to it. If the ball is dirty and/or dry, the hitch will stick until enough force is applied, releasing with a "clunk"

I had that problem.