Rotating Hitch Ball

[Mono2]

Hi All -

Is it normal and/or safe that my hitch ball rotates inside the metal receiver that it’s attached to? I’ve tightened the inch and an eighth or so nut and it still rotates somewhat easily.

I bought it new and it has about 2K miles on it. I tow a 2020 Micro Minnie.

Thanks!

[Old Navy]

It should definitely not spin. My old 2-5/16" ball was torqued to 450 ft-lbs, though I now have reversible type balls. A 2-5/16 should have a 1-1/4" shank, and I think my nut was 1-7/8". There is at least one manufacturer selling a 2-5/16" ball with a 1" shank. If you put a 1" shank in a 1-1/4" ball mount, that could cause problems. If the nut is 1-1/8", that sounds like a 3/4" shaft, way too small, and I don't know of a 2-5/16 ball with a 3/4" shaft.

Not many folks have a torque wrench that goes to 450 ft-lbs, so many people rent them for this job. I have a neighbor who is a pro auto mechanic who helped me out.

[Mono2]

Thanks Old Navy. I was able to get out and check it. It is in fact a 2-5/16 ball rated to 7500 lbs. the nut is between 1- 1/2 and 1-5/8. The lock washer is intact and “locked” but that bad boy (ball) still rotates a little.

[Morich]

Originally Posted by Old Navy

It should definitely not spin. My old 2-5/16" ball was torqued to 450 ft-lbs, though I now have reversible type balls. A 2-5/16 should have a 1-1/4" shank, and I think my nut was 1-7/8". There is at least one manufacturer selling a 2-5/16" ball with a 1" shank. If you put a 1" shank in a 1-1/4" ball mount, that could cause problems. If the nut is 1-1/8", that sounds like a 3/4" shaft, way too small, and I don't know of a 2-5/16 ball with a 3/4" shaft.

Not many folks have a torque wrench that goes to 450 ft-lbs, so many people rent them for this job. I have a neighbor who is a pro auto mechanic who helped me out.

Definite agreement with this.
Another small point to check is the lock washer as it is designed dig into the metal and prevent things from turning. If it is not working, something is wrong! The turning can back the nut off enough to really get you into big trouble!
We all often do use safety chains but it is better not to actually do a test!

[Mono2]

Thanks Morich. Sounds like it’s time for a new ball hitch and/or entire ball mount.

[jeepster05]

Mine did that and I added a spacer washer. Been pulling a Jeep with it for 5 years.

[Mono2]

Thanks jeepster.

I just got back from the RV shop here in Columbus Ohio. The Tech said what you all said and that it shouldn’t spin freely however it’s not uncommon. He used an impact wrench and tightened it back to good.

[theSane]

Found out the hard way any movement can loosen the nut and wear the hitch to ruin it. Not to mention the headache you get when you are towing with just the safety cables.

That shank on the ball must be perfectly matched to the receiver and tightened down hard.

[Mono2]

Thanks theSane -

I’ll definitely stay vigilant on it. Will probably buy a new one next season - for what they do they’re relatively inexpensive.

[akeagle]

Originally Posted by Mono2

Thanks theSane -

I’ll definitely stay vigilant on it. Will probably buy a new one next season - for what they do they’re relatively inexpensive.

When watching RV accidents on the internet involving trailers I am always stunned that the hitch ball almost never breaks even on severe rollovers.

Mighty tough indeed!

[theSane]

Originally Posted by Mono2

Thanks theSane -

I’ll definitely stay vigilant on it. Will probably buy a new one next season - for what they do they’re relatively inexpensive.

Replace it and do not attempt to use it. Took only 400 miles to work loose on me (twice) before I realized I had damaged the hitch with the wrong ball and needed to replace both pieces.

This will ruin your day.

[Mono2]

Yikes!