Ball size on tow bar?

[rmrc51]

Just by the question in the title of this post you can guess I never towed anything with my trike. The tow bar that came with it has a 1 7/8 inch ball on it. Is that the normal size. I always thought 2 inch was the standard.

 

[ctg2]

1 7/8 are for small trailer

 

[rmrc51]

1 7/8 are for small trailer

Forgive my ignorance but isn't that what trikes usually tow, small trailers? As you can see, I really don't know anything about towing with the trike.

 

[TexasGuy]

1-78" is standard for the small trailers that are towed behind trikes. 2" is standard for full-size trailers that are towed behind cars & trucks. I have had a 2¼" ball in my shop for years that I got from somewhere, don't know where, and I don't know what it would be used for. I can let you have it for a reasonable fee plus shipping, if you want it. :laugh:

 

[Woolie]

You need the size ball on your hitch to match the size required by the trailer you are going to pull. That said, most small trailers will have a 1 7/8 hitch on them. The trike is probably a class I or maybe a class II hitch and should not be used to pull anything heavier than it is designed for. The size of the ball doesn't matter as long as it matches the trailer but most trailers you are going to pull will have a 1 7/8 size hitch on them. If you have a light trailer that you are going to pull with your car and/or trike it is OK to use a 2" ball if you also put a 2" hitch on the trailer, that way you would not have to switch out the ball on your car to pull that trailer. Don't use a 2" ball and a 1 7/8" hitch, it will ruin the hitch. You can fasten the hitch but in time it will bend the insides of it, I have seen it happen. 1 7/8 is what you need.

 

[rmrc51]

Thanks for the responses. And to TexasGuy,, no thanks, lol :laugh:

I really have no plans on pulling any trailer. The reason I was asking is because I'm considering the following Rivco accessories for carrying luggage and/or using their flag mount. They all require a tow bar and I was just curious when I saw mine already had a 1 7/8 ball on it.

Small Quick Detach Rack for all Motorcycles with Trailer Hitches (11"x16")
RIVCO Products, Inc.*::*Honda*::*Small Quick Detach Rack for all Motorcycles with Trailer Hitches (11"x16")

Waterproof Rack Bag
RIVCO Products, Inc.*::*Luggage & Organizers*::*Waterproof Rack Bag

Rack Bag Dowel Lock Rods
RIVCO Products, Inc.*::*Honda*::*Click here to see Honda GL1800 Goldwing products*::*Rack Bag Dowel Lock Rods