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Brandon
Dodge Dakota
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9/14/2005
21:19:38
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 Subject: What size Hitch ball for Rear Bumper?
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Message:
I have a 2003 Dakota. I was wonder what size hitch ball I needed for my rear bumper on my truck. I am just pulling a Homecoming float, and the float will not be over the bumpers rating. I bought a 2" ball, 1" Shank. I guess I should go with a 3/4" Shank. O well I will make sure a 3/4" shank will fit it and then go and swap it out.
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Jack M.
Dodge Dakota
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9/14/2005
21:36:09
| RE: What size Hitch ball for Rear Bumper?
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Message:
I am doing about the same thing. But I have a question I already bought the wiring harness and the hitch ball. But what else do I need to pull my school's trailer? I have heard something about a safty chain? I am not using an after market hitch. I am going to use my bumper since I am short on cash. The load wont be heavy but what do you think?
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Craig
Dodge Dakota
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9/14/2005
22:08:35
|  RE: What size Hitch ball for Rear Bumper?
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Message:
I generally wouldn't recommend being without safety chains, but use common sense. I don't think that if you're pulling a float at parade speeds that it will make much difference. I'm not really sure how much the bumper can pull. It runs in my mind the bumper is mostly plastic on my '04, but I have never towed without a hitch, but then again I rarely tow things that could be considered light too.
If you're new to towing, safety chains are usually bolted or welded to a trailer, and attached to the hitch reciever using hooks. They are in case of a hitch failre of some kind, so the trailer doesn't smash into the car behind you.
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Webtiger
GenIII
9/14/2005
22:48:43
|  RE: What size Hitch ball for Rear Bumper?
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Message:
Stamping on the bumper of my '04 Quad says 2,000 lbs Max tongue weight.
I tried a 3/4 on it and it fit but I've never towed off the bumper as I have the factory tow package set up on my truck
Check you states DOL/DOT regulations you may be required to have safety chains...
Ken Grierson
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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9/15/2005
00:22:24
| RE: What size Hitch ball for Rear Bumper?
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Message:
The shank should fit the hole properly, whatever it is. If you use a 1/2" shank in a 3/4" hole, it will eventually fail.
As for the size of the ball, that depends on the size of the trailer. 2" is pretty common for general use. Some small light duty trailer use a 1 7/8", and some heavy duty dual axle trailers use a bigger one.
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EMTSquad51
Dodge Dakota
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9/16/2005
01:10:15
| RE: What size Hitch ball for Rear Bumper?
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Message:
Webtiger, I think you mean 200lbs tongue weight. Trailer weight Max is probably 2,000. My Class III/IV hitch's max tongue weight is only I think 750. No offense meant, just wanted to make sure you verify ALL weight ratings before towing anything. Have had some BAD experiences in the past with a friend that thought he could tow his 19 1/2' boat with just the bumper ball on his chevy 1500......twice....... lol... needless to say, he FINALLY spent the $150 and bought a reese hitch.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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9/16/2005
06:37:38
| RE: What size Hitch ball for Rear Bumper?
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Message:
You should check the trailer you are pulling, differnet trailers require differnet size hitch balls.
if you live anywhere near a TSC, call them about a receiver. I got everything for mine for under $150 (receiver, wiring harness, ball, drawbar, pin). They used to (maybe they still do) install any hitch they sell for $25.
- Dan M
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