Is this tow ball safe?

I'm going to tow a 6x12 enclosed uhual trailer tomorrow so I bought a 2" tow ball. I torqued it up to 100 ftlbs and then used a long breaker bar to turn it 1 1/2 more squares. I'm thinking this should be around 450 ftlbs.

Anyway, the ball I got was a reese "interlock" model, so there top square is very large. I noticed after I installed it that it doesn't sit quite flat on the stock Toyota mount. Does this look safe to you? The lock washer digs in pretty good so it might be hard to remove. Worst case I'll cut my losses and buy the uhual mount and ball assembly.

 

Welp... looks like I may have doxed myself in the ball's reflection

 

receiver part is fine - the ball should have a rating on the top = be sure it is 5000 or more. If so you should be fine.

 

It is rated for 5000lbs, but did you see the gap where the ball mates with the mount? That's what I'm worried about. The square base hits the curve of the mount.

 

should be good - that is just typical casting/fabrication. Some fit flush and others not so much. If the Locking Crush washer is flush on the bottom side compressed by the nut, and you torqued it as said it is fine - you could always remove and reinstall just to check that you did not do something otherwise = IMO not necessary.

 

Thanks! I'm sure it's torqued enough. It's probably more than fine. I was just thinking maybe under hard braking, the point that is touching might crack and loosen the ball.

 

Yeah you're fine. How far you towing this trailer? If you're really worried about it you could pop the trailer off and check the ball to make sure it's still solid after a few miles.

 

Towing about 800km (500 miles) round trip. Full on the way there and a single bass guitar on the way home . Im bringing the breaker bar with me just in case.

 

Probably wouldn't hurt to stop. Maybe you can make a stop between picking up the trailer and getting on the highway? I usually do when I'm towing anyway just to double check my straps/tie downs.

 

Don't forget your safety chains.

You want them long enough to allow turns, but not too long. I do like making an "X" under the chains, keep the tongue from digging in. Old wifes tail is shortening by twisting them up, but that reduces the strength of the chains.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clj42no4DxY

 

Yup. This trailer has two safety chains, and an emergency brake chain. Already read the manual.

 

You’ll be fine. Enjoy the tow!

 

Took the same trailer to upper Maine and back (1200 miles) moving my daughter. I forgot to torque the ball and still had no problems even though the nut started backing off somewhere along the way.
You’ll be fine.

 

Yeah I'd say you're fine. But I'm an idiot on the internet. Check the torque somewhere a long the way.

 

I've towed my 2000 lb trailer over 20,000 miles and trust me the receiver/ball connection is no different than what you have - as noted just keep an eye on it and if you feel the need try and retorque it - 99.9% sure it will not be loose if you torqued it like said in initial post. It is always a good practice to check connections after use and before next use - just saying.