A Bigger Ball for My Truck

My truck came without a tow package but has a 2" ball on the bumper.

The hitch on my trailer is 2 5/8".

I have a 2 5/8" ball but the shank won't through the hole in the bumper.

I bought a 2" hitch to see if I could replace the original hitch on my trailer but that isn't going to work.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

thanks

 

Could you not find a 2 5/8" ball with that sized shank? Also if the trailer is large enough to justify a 2 5/8" ball you may want to invest in a hitch that bolts to the frame. The bumpers aren't the best place to tow from except for occasional light loads.

 

OP stated that his truck came without a tow package.
No receiver hitch.
Jason suggested that he find a 2 5/8" ball with a smaller diameter shank or install a receiver hitch.
Jason also stated that a trailer with a 2 5/8" ball is probably too big a load for the OP's Taco.

 

I think the confusion is the op called the coupler on the trailer tongue a hitch.

 

I agree. Any trailer that requires that big of a ball is probably too much load for your bumper.

 

Thanks for the replies

I'm towing an empty boat trailer to a storage lot so the weight is not a problem.

Guess I'll look for a 2 5/8" ball with a smaller diameter shank.

 

Oh that explains that. I would suggest tractor supply they seem to have a lot of towing accessories and maybe you could see if they let you test fit it before you purchase. They may even torque it down for you.

 

Or if there is enough metal in the bumper hitch and you can't find a smaller shank, you could drill a larger hole?

 

I'd be concerned about making it too weak but I guess that's an idea.

 

i know he doesnt have a hitch on his truck, but i recommend this mount and ball.

http://www.hitchsolutions.com/alumistinger.html

 

I could be wrong on this but they don't make a 2 5/8 ball but they do make a 2 5/16 ball and you wont find a ball that size to fit your bumper. now they do make a convert ball kit. you buy the kit that will fit the hole in your bumper then buy the 2 5/16 head that will go on top. Google convert a ball

 

You are right about the 2 5/16" size.
Yea, I forgot about convert-a ball but

" 1" chromed shank for 1 7/8" 2" and 2 5/16" balls rated 10,000 lbs."

and he probably has a 3/4" hole in his bumper.

I would drill out the bumper plate to 1" but that's just me. You are only talking 1/4".

 

Right. I meant 2 5/16 and they don't make them with 3/4" shank.

I looked at the convert-a-ball or drilling out the bumper hole or taking a 2 5/16 to a local machine shop and having it turned down to 3/4" and threaded.

I've decided to go with a hitch receiver rather than those other options. I wouldn't have a need to tow anything heavy or very frequently so I'm not real adept at doing it. I've seen people pinch their bumper just using a ball on bumper so I want to increase my margin of error.

As I mentioned, I'm just towing an empty boat trailer and maybe in the future light loads so a class IV would be overkill.

Any hitch receiver recommendations for an 04 Prerunner much appreciated.

thanks
Syb

 

Check autoanything or JCWhitney. You can usually find good deals with free shipping. I have a class III Hidden Hitch on a gen 2. Very easy install, no drilling, cutting or welding.

 

Or maybe check around here for people selling the factory hitch due to purchasing an after market bumper. Or post a WTB(Want to buy) thread.