When it comes to towing safely and efficiently, using the right equipment is crucial. Two key components in any towing setup are the hitch ball and the shank, both of which must be matched to your trailer and tow vehicle. Understanding the different sizes and their uses can help ensure your towing experience is both smooth and secure. This guide breaks down the most common—and some of the rare—hitch ball and receiver shank sizes, and explains why the right match matters.

Hitch Ball Sizes: The Critical Connection Point

The hitch ball, or tow ball, is the metal ball that couples directly to the trailer's coupler. It comes in various diameters and weight ratings, and it’s essential that the hitch ball size matches the trailer coupler exactly.

Common Hitch Ball Sizes

1-7/8 inch

Use: Light-duty trailers like small utility trailers, jet ski trailers, and small cargo haulers.
Capacity: Typically up to 2,000 lbs.
Why It's Common: Ideal for small cars and light towing applications.

2 inch

Use: The most versatile and widely used hitch ball size.
Capacity: Varies from 3,500 to 8,000 lbs depending on construction and shank strength.
Why It's Common: Compatible with a wide range of trailers including campers, boats, and UTV haulers.

2-5/16 inch

Use: Heavy-duty towing, including RVs, car haulers, and equipment trailers.
Capacity: Can range from 10,000 to 30,000 lbs depending on grade and mount.
Why It's Common: Provides the strength needed for serious towing tasks and is often used on Class IV and V hitches.

Less Common and Rare Hitch Ball Sizes

3 inch

Use: Extremely heavy-duty or commercial trailers.
Capacity: Often rated for 30,000 lbs or more.
Why It’s Rare: Used almost exclusively in commercial or agricultural setups with gooseneck or pintle-style connections.

50mm (Metric)

Use: Standard in Europe and Australia.
Capacity: Generally similar to the 2-inch ball.
Why It’s Rare in the U.S.: Mostly found on imported trailers or vehicles equipped with international towing gear.

Hitch Shank Sizes: Matching the Receiver on Your Vehicle

The shank refers to the square tube portion of a ball mount or hitch accessory that slides into the receiver hitch on your vehicle. Shank size is measured by the height and width of this square portion, and it must match your vehicle’s receiver opening precisely for safe towing.

Common Shank Sizes

1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 inch

Receiver Class: Class I and II.
Use: Light-duty towing and accessories like bike racks or small trailers.
Capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs.
Why It’s Common: Typically found on compact cars, crossovers, and smaller SUVs.

2 inch x 2 inch

Receiver Class: Class III and IV.
Use: Most standard towing applications—RVs, boats, utility trailers.
Capacity: Up to 10,000 lbs depending on class and mount.
Why It’s Common: The most widely used size, found on most mid-size and full-size trucks and SUVs.

2-1/2 inch x 2-1/2 inch

Receiver Class: Class V.
Use: Heavy-duty towing—construction trailers, large RVs, equipment haulers.
Capacity: Often rated up to 20,000 lbs or more.
Why It’s Used: Found on heavy-duty trucks (2500 and 3500 series) where high towing capacity is needed.

Rare Shank Sizes

3 inch x 3 inch

Receiver Class: Heavy-Duty Class V (OEM-specific).
Use: Ultra-heavy-duty towing with trailers up to and beyond 30,000 lbs.
Why It’s Rare: Currently only offered on select Ford Super Duty trucks (such as certain F-250, F-350, and F-450 models). No other manufacturers use this size, and it typically requires a specialized ball mount or an adapter sleeve to downsize to 2-1/2 or 2 inches.

Adapter Sleeves and Reducers

Use: Allow use of smaller shank accessories in larger receivers (e.g., using a 2-inch ball mount in a 2-1/2 inch receiver).
Caution: Always check towing capacity when using an adapter—some reduce the rated load limit.

Other Considerations: Drop, Rise & Shank Length

In addition to the width of the shank, you’ll also need to consider:

Drop or Rise: To keep your trailer level while towing, ball mounts come in various drop or rise configurations.
Shank Length: Longer shanks can provide extra clearance for tailgates or accessories but may reduce ground clearance or create more leverage on the hitch.

Final Thoughts

Towing may seem simple at first glance, but the small details—like matching the right hitch ball and shank sizes—can make a huge difference in performance and safety. Always check your vehicle’s towing specifications, trailer coupler size, and weight requirements before choosing your towing gear.

For everyday use, a 2-inch ball with a 2-inch shank is the most versatile and widely compatible setup. But both of those sizes could be different depending on your vehicle and trailer. In addition, if you’re towing heavier loads or working with specialized equipment, understanding and choosing the right size shank and hitch ball is critical.

Whether you're hitting the road with a small utility trailer or hauling a heavy-duty rig across the country, the right towing setup ensures peace of mind every mile of the way.

Helpful Links

BulletProof Medium Duty 2” & 2 5/16” Dual Ball

BulletProof Medium Duty 2” Receiver Attachment

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