I found a 12,000lb rated 2 5/16" trailer ball that I wanted to buy, but was told it is for pintle-use only. The only visible difference I saw was that it had a nylon lock-nut instead of a steel lock-washer and conventional nut. I have a 7,000lb rated open car trailer now but eventually plan to tow a 12,000-rated enclosed trailer. Is the "nut" the only difference?

Would appreciate any info on these applications.

 

the length of the ball shank (correct word?) the non-threaded and threaded surface below the ball is longer. the pintle provides more surface area for side loading of the ball's shaft.

now if that makes any sense

 

Got it! Understand perfectly. Thanks!

 

So you just use another washer or two?

 

i think that the mating sufface at the base of the ball has less diameter also because it uses shank side loading and not the sufface of the stinger ?????

 

I would recommend making that next trailer a gooseneck or 5th wheel if it's going to be a 12,000# GVW... make life a lot easier and safer.

 

I would like nothing more than to have a goosneck! But I already have a 26' tag that I haven't hauled anything in yet. Still working on finishing the interior. But even with my race car and support stuff, I'm pretty sure that the actual weight will be under 10,000lbs. It will be awhile before I recover from the recent truck purchase.

 

A bumper pull can be converted to a goose....

 

I've heard of such conversions. But I would like my next step to be a longer gooseneck with small living quarters. That will be quite a while down the road. Thanks.

 

Yes that ball is for pintle/ball combo hitches. The shank is shorter and the ball is designed to mate with the hitch. Buyers makes a nice pintle/ball combo hitch. You should be able to find a 2 5/16" ball for a standard receiver hitch without too much diffculty. Also I suggest sticking to Made in the USA hitch componets.