Hitch Balls, Hooks & Plates

The hitch ball is the single point of contact between your tow vehicle and your trailer. Get the diameter wrong and the coupler won't seat. Get the shank size wrong and the ball can spin or back out under load. Use the wrong pin and your ball mount isn't actually locked in the receiver. These aren't details you figure out at the trailhead - they're decisions you make before you leave the driveway.

This collection covers hitch balls in all standard sizes and finishes, hitch pins from basic clips to keyed-alike locking sets, coupler locks, anti-rattle clamps, trailer security hardware, and the Convert-A-Ball interchangeable ball system. Brands include Rigid Hitch, Blue Ox, Blaylock, CURT, Convert-A-Ball, and Deadbolt - plus specialty items like the RockerBall cushioned hitch ball and lawn mower hitch adapters for lighter-duty applications.

Hitch Ball Sizes: Matching the Ball to the Trailer

There are four standard hitch ball diameters, and the coupler on your trailer determines which one you need - not the other way around.

1-7/8 inch - The smallest standard size. Used for light-duty trailers: small utility trailers, jet ski trailers, lawn equipment haulers. Weight ratings typically max out around 2,000-3,500 lbs. Less common than it used to be, but still the right call for certain small trailer couplers.

2 inch - The most common size on the road. It covers a wide range of trailers including boat trailers, single-axle utility trailers, pop-up campers, and many travel trailers. Capacity ranges from 3,500 lbs on lighter Class II setups up to 8,000-12,000 lbs on heavier Class III configurations. If you're towing a mid-size travel trailer, there's a good chance this is your ball.

2-5/16 inch - The standard for heavier towing. Most fifth wheels, larger travel trailers, toy haulers, and heavy equipment trailers require a 2-5/16" ball. Ratings on quality balls at this diameter run from 7,500 lbs to well over 25,000 lbs depending on shank diameter and material. This is the ball size used with most weight distribution hitch setups.

3 inch - A specialty size for gooseneck applications. This collection carries the 3-inch gooseneck hitch ball from Rigid Hitch for setups that require it. Standard gooseneck towing uses a 2-5/16" ball - confirm your coupler before ordering.

The size you need is almost always stamped or labeled on your trailer's coupler. If it isn't visible, measure the coupler opening diameter directly. A ball that's even slightly undersized will rattle and can allow the coupler to separate under load - there's no safe "close enough" with hitch ball diameter.

Shank Diameter and Length: The Other Numbers That Matter

Ball size gets most of the attention, but shank diameter and length are just as important. The shank is the threaded post that passes through the ball mount and gets secured with a nut.

Common shank diameters:

• 3/4 inch - Used on lighter Class I and II setups, works with 1-7/8" and 2" balls
• 1 inch - The most common shank on Class III ball mounts, works with all three standard ball sizes
• 1-1/4 inch - Used on heavy-duty Class IV/V setups and high-capacity 2-5/16" applications; the RockerBall 2-5/16" cushioned ball with 1-1/4" shank in this collection handles 10,000 lbs

Shank length matters too. The threaded portion needs to pass completely through the ball mount platform and still have enough thread exposed to seat the nut properly. If your ball mount has an unusually thick platform - common on heavy-duty and adjustable mounts - verify that the shank length in the product specs matches your setup.

When installing any hitch ball, torque the nut to the manufacturer's spec using a torque wrench. Most 1" shank balls require 150-250 ft-lbs; 1-1/4" shanks typically call for 250-450 ft-lbs. An under-torqued ball can rotate or back out under towing loads. Check torque again after the first 50 miles.

Hitch Ball Finishes: Chrome, Stainless, and Unfinished Steel

Chrome-plated steel - The traditional finish. Good corrosion resistance for most environments, smooth surface finish for the coupler to seat against. The Class II and Class III chrome balls in this collection are priced for everyday replacement use.

Stainless steel - Better corrosion resistance than chrome, no plating to chip or peel. Worth it if the rig lives near salt water, in a wet climate, or if the ball stays mounted year-round. Convert-A-Ball's stainless steel options in this collection - the 1-7/8" stainless ball and the 2-5/16" stainless ball - are solid choices for year-round outdoor exposure.

Unfinished raw steel - The 2-5/16" raw steel ball with 25,000 lb capacity and 1-1/4" x 2-5/8" shank in this collection is built for maximum strength ratings over cosmetics. Raw steel will surface rust without protective coating - apply grease or paint if it's going to be stored outdoors between uses.

The Convert-A-Ball System: One Shank, Three Ball Sizes

If you regularly tow more than one trailer - or pull different rigs for different family members - the Convert-A-Ball interchangeable system is worth a look. Instead of unbolting and re-torquing a different ball each time you change trailers, the Convert-A-Ball shank stays in the mount and the balls swap out with a slide pin. No wrenches. No busted knuckles.

The 1" shank accepts all three standard ball sizes: 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16". The 3/4" shank works with 1-7/8" and 2" only - the 2-5/16" ball is specifically designed not to fit a 3/4" shank, preventing a dangerous mismatch at higher weights. The slide pin has a shear strength of 21,000 lbs and is non-removable by design to prevent accidental disconnects.

This collection carries the Convert-A-Ball 2-ball set (2" and 2-5/16" with 1" shank), the 2-5/16" stainless steel ball only, a plastic shank cover for when the ball is removed, and the 3-ball plastic storage case that bolts into the truck bed. Convert-A-Ball recommends removing the ball when not towing to prevent weathering and theft - the storage case makes that habit easy to maintain.

RockerBall Cushioned Hitch Balls

Standard hitch balls transmit every road vibration directly through the coupler and into the trailer frame. The RockerBall cushioned hitch ball adds a rubber cushion layer between the ball and the mount, absorbing vibration and reducing the clunking that's common when towing over rough surfaces.

This collection carries three RockerBall options:

• 2 inch with 3/4" shank (lighter duty)
• 2 inch with 1" shank, 7,500 lb capacity
• 2-5/16 inch with 1" shank
• 2-5/16 inch with 1-1/4" shank (CURT version)

The cushioned design is particularly useful for older trailers with worn couplers, towing on rough terrain, or any setup where reducing rattling and vibration transfer is a priority.

Hitch Pins: Securing the Ball Mount to the Receiver

A hitch pin is what locks your ball mount into the receiver tube. Without it - or with the wrong one - the mount can shift, rattle, or pull out entirely.

Standard sizes:

• 1/2 inch diameter - For Class I and II hitches with 1-1/4" receivers
• 5/8 inch diameter - For Class III, IV, and V hitches with 2" or 2-1/2" receivers. This is the size you need for most RV and heavy-duty towing setups.

Pin styles in this collection:

Basic pins - The bent pin style (1/2") and standard 5/8" hitch pin with clip are straightforward replacement hardware. If your current pin is bent, missing, or corroded, these are the direct replacements. The 5/8" pin and clip is one of the most frequently needed pieces of towing hardware to keep as a spare.

Anti-theft locking pins - The 5/8" anti-theft hitch pin with swivel clip and the barbell-style locking hitch pin sets use a keyed lock mechanism to prevent removal without the key. These aren't just theft deterrents - they also prevent the mount from being accidentally bumped loose while parked. The 4-pack keyed-alike 5/8" locking pins are useful if you're running multiple vehicles with the same receiver size, since all four locks open with the same key.

Keyed-alike sets - The Pro Series 5/8" hitch pin and ball mount pin lock kit provides two locks keyed alike - one for the receiver pin hole and one for the ball mount pin hole. The 5/8" hitch pin and coupler latch pin keyed-alike kit extends that convenience to the trailer side as well, securing both ends of the connection with a single key.

Anti-rattle clamp - The no-tool anti-rattle hitch clamp for 2" receivers addresses the rattling and movement that's common with even quality ball mounts in 2" receivers. A small amount of tolerance between the mount shank and the receiver tube is normal, but the resulting noise and vibration gets old quickly on long drives. The no-tool clamp tightens the fit without drilling or modification.

Coupler Locks and Trailer Security

A coupler lock prevents the trailer coupler from engaging with the ball - or locks it in place once it's on. Combined with a locking hitch pin, you've secured both the vehicle-side and trailer-side connection points.

Coupler locks in this collection:

Deadbolt Blockhead Coupler Lock - A compact puck-style lock that blocks the coupler from opening. Fits a wide range of coupler sizes.

Blaylock Trailer Coupler Lock for 2-5/16" Bulldog Collar-Lok Couplers - Brand-specific fit for Bulldog collar-lok style couplers, which are common on heavier trailers. Confirm your coupler brand and model before ordering.

Solid Brass Coupler Latch Lock - A simple, low-profile lock for the coupler latch. Works on most standard coupler designs. Good for lower-risk situations where you want a basic deterrent without the bulk of a full coupler lock.

Keyed-Alike Deluxe Universal Trailer Coupler Lock (2-Pack) - A higher-security option in a two-pack, keyed alike so one key handles both locks. Appropriate when the trailer is parked in public or high-risk locations.

Receiver immobilizers:

The Blue Ox Single Pull Immobilizer locks into the receiver tube itself, preventing any accessory - ball mount, bike rack, cargo carrier - from being inserted or removed without the key. Available in 2" and 2-1/2" receiver sizes. This is the right move if you've had hitch hardware stolen or the rig stays hitched in a parking lot regularly.

Spare Tire and Additional Security

Deadbolt Spare Tire Wheel Lock - Prevents the spare from being removed from the vehicle's spare tire carrier. Easy to overlook as a theft target, but spare tires on trucks and SUVs are stolen regularly.

Spare Tire Cable Lock - A cable-style lock that threads through the wheel and secures to the vehicle. Lighter-duty than the wheel lock but useful as a secondary deterrent or for vehicles where the spare mounts differently.

Master Lock Combination Padlock - A general-purpose combination padlock included for those who prefer not to manage additional keys. Works with most hasp-style applications on trailers, storage boxes, and gate latches.

Fifth Wheel Base Rail Lock - Prevents the fifth wheel hitch from being removed from the mounting rails. Keeps the hitch itself secured to the truck bed when the trailer isn't connected.

Specialty Items

Universal Trailer Hitch for Riding/Zero Turn Lawnmowers - The RHA-003-P with 3/4" hitch pin lets riding mowers and zero-turn mowers tow a small cart, spreader, aerator, or other lawn attachment. A specific-purpose item that solves a specific problem.

KFI Tiger Tail Ball/Pin Hitch Adaptor - An adapter for KFI's Tiger Tail ATV tow-out system, which uses a ball-and-pin hitch configuration for winch recovery. If you're running a KFI Tiger Tail setup, this is the compatible adapter.

Impact Implements CAT-1 Quick Hitch - A Category 1 three-point quick hitch for compact tractors, compatible with CAT-1 implements. For buyers using compact tractors alongside ATV/UTV equipment.

Chrome Barbell Hitch Pins and Coupler Latch Combo - A chrome barbell-style keyed hitch pin paired with a coupler latch pin lock, sold as a set. One purchase handles receiver pin and coupler latch security in a matching finish.

Convert-A-Ball Shank Cover - A black plastic cover that fits over the Convert-A-Ball shank when the ball is removed. Keeps debris out of the shank hole and looks cleaner than a bare threaded post in the mount.

How to Choose the Right Hitch Ball

Step 1: Check the coupler. The required ball size is almost always stamped on the coupler. If it isn't, measure the coupler opening diameter.

Step 2: Match the shank to the ball mount. Look at the hole in your ball mount platform - measure its diameter and depth. This tells you what shank diameter and minimum shank length you need.

Step 3: Confirm the weight rating. Your ball's GTW and tongue weight (TW) rating needs to meet or exceed your trailer's actual figures. The ball is just one component - your receiver hitch and ball mount also have ratings that cap your total capacity, and the lowest-rated component in the chain sets the limit.

Step 4: Pick the finish for your environment. Chrome works well for most applications. Stainless makes more sense if you're near salt water, in a humid climate, or leaving the ball mounted year-round. Raw steel is for high-capacity applications where you'll apply your own protective coating.

FAQ

What size hitch ball do I need? Match the ball diameter to your trailer's coupler. The required size is usually stamped on the coupler near the latch. The three common sizes are 1-7/8" for light-duty trailers (under 3,500 lbs), 2" for everyday mid-range towing (up to 8,000-12,000 lbs), and 2-5/16" for heavy trailers, fifth wheels, and most weight distribution setups.

What size hitch ball for a travel trailer? Most travel trailers use a 2" or 2-5/16" ball. Lighter trailers (under 6,000 lbs loaded) often use 2". Heavier trailers, fifth wheels, and anything requiring a weight distribution hitch typically use 2-5/16". Check the coupler stamping to confirm.

Are all hitch balls the same? No. Ball diameter, shank diameter, shank length, and weight rating all vary and all need to match your specific setup. A 2" ball with a 3/4" shank is a different part than a 2" ball with a 1" shank, even though they look nearly identical. Confirm all specs before ordering.

What is a hitch pin? A hitch pin is the metal fastener that passes through aligned holes in the receiver tube and ball mount shank to lock the mount in place. Standard sizes are 1/2" diameter for Class I/II hitches (1-1/4" receivers) and 5/8" diameter for Class III/IV/V hitches (2" and larger receivers). Never substitute a standard bolt - hitch pins are rated for towing shear loads; standard hardware bolts are not.

What is the most common hitch ball size? The 2" ball is the most widely used size, found on the majority of boat trailers, utility trailers, and mid-size travel trailers. If you're setting up a new tow vehicle and aren't sure what trailers you'll pull, a 2" ball with a 1" shank is the reasonable starting point.

How do I know what size hitch pin I need? Match the pin diameter to your receiver class - 5/8" for Class III, IV, or V hitches with 2" receivers (which covers most trucks and full-size SUVs), 1/2" for Class I or II hitches with 1-1/4" receivers. The pin needs to pass completely through the receiver tube and have enough exposed length to secure the clip or lock.

Can you leave a hitch ball on all the time? You can, but Convert-A-Ball and most manufacturers recommend removing the ball when not actively towing. Leaving the ball mounted long-term accelerates weathering on the finish and makes the ball a target for theft. The Convert-A-Ball plastic shank cover in this collection is the right solution if you leave the shank in and swap balls regularly.

How tight does a hitch ball need to be? Tight enough to reach the manufacturer's specified torque, which is typically 150-250 ft-lbs for 1" shank balls and 250-450 ft-lbs for 1-1/4" shank balls. Use a torque wrench - guessing by hand is not reliable. An under-torqued ball can rotate or work loose during towing. Re-check after the first 50 miles.

What is a coupler lock? A coupler lock prevents your trailer coupler from being opened or engaged with a ball without the key. It's the trailer-side security complement to a locking hitch pin on the vehicle side. Using both together secures the full connection.

Browse the full collection above, or check out our ball mounts for drop/rise mounts in all sizes, trailer hitches for receiver hitch installation, and gooseneck hitches if you're towing from the truck bed. Need the full towing picture for a heavier rig? The RVTrader.com towing guide covers hitch classes, weight ratings, and how all the components work together.