How much does a tow ball weigh?
Tow balls typically weigh a few pounds: about 1.5–2.0 lb (0.7–0.9 kg) for a standard 1-7/8-inch ball, 2.5–3.5 lb (1.1–1.6 kg) for a 2-inch ball, and 4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg) for a 2-5/16-inch ball. The ball’s weight is the mass of the metal sphere itself and is separate from its towing capacity, which is determined by the hitch class and ball rating.
When selecting a tow ball, size matters for compatibility with your trailer coupler and hitch receiver, while the weight rating on the ball must cover your trailer’s tongue weight. This article explains typical weights, what affects them, and how to choose the right ball.
Common hitch ball sizes and approximate weights
Here are the standard sizes you will most often encounter and the typical weight of the ball itself. Note that exact weights vary by manufacturer and material.
- 1-7/8 inch (47.6 mm) hitch ball: roughly 1.5–2.0 pounds (0.68–0.91 kg)
- 2 inch (50.8 mm) hitch ball: roughly 2.5–3.5 pounds (1.13–1.59 kg)
- 2-5/16 inch (60 mm) hitch ball: roughly 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kg)
The ball alone is only part of the equation; hitch rating and compatibility with your hitch ball mount determine what you can safely tow. Always check manufacturer specifications for exact weight and load limits.
What determines the weight of a tow ball
Several factors influence how heavy a tow ball is beyond its size. The following list covers the main contributors.
- Diameter and geometry: Larger balls have more material and weigh more.
- Material and alloy: Steel versions are heavier than aluminum versions; stainless steel or hardened steel can add mass as well.
- Wall thickness and construction: Thicker-walled balls or reinforced designs increase weight.
- Coatings and finishes: Chrome plating or other coatings add only small amounts of weight compared with the ball itself, but can contribute a minor amount.
In practice, the weight variation within a given size is usually modest, but always verify the exact mass on the product packaging or manufacturer’s specs.
Practical guidance for choosing the right tow ball
To ensure safe towing, choose a ball that matches the coupler size and is rated for your trailer’s tongue weight. Follow these steps:
- Identify the proper ball size for your hitch and trailer coupler (common sizes are 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16").
- Check your trailer’s tongue weight and ensure the ball’s weight rating is at least equal to or greater than that value.
- Match the ball to the hitch rating and receiver compatibility, including the shank size and thread if applicable.
- Consider the environment and corrosion resistance; if exposed to salt or wet conditions, stainless steel or chrome-plated options may be preferable.
Using the correct ball reduces wear on the hitch and helps ensure stable towing. If in doubt, consult the trailer manufacturer or a qualified technician to confirm the proper ball size and rating.
Summary
Tow balls weigh a few pounds, with typical weights by size ranging from about 1.5–2.0 lb for 1-7/8" balls, 2.5–3.5 lb for 2" balls, and 4–5 lb for 2-5/16" balls. The exact weight depends on diameter, material, and construction. When selecting a tow ball, prioritize the correct size for your coupler and a weight rating that meets or exceeds your trailer’s tongue weight, rather than focusing solely on the ball’s mass.
How much does a 20 ft pull behind camper weigh?
A 20-foot travel trailer typically weighs between 3,000 and 7,500 pounds when empty, with the average being around 6,700 pounds, though this can vary significantly based on features and materials. The dry weight can be as low as 2,500 to 3,800 pounds for lighter models or go up to 9,000 pounds for larger or more feature-rich ones. When fully loaded with gear, water, and other supplies, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) can range from about 6,300 to 10,500 pounds.
Dry weight (unloaded)
- Average: Around 6,700 pounds
- Range: Approximately 3,000 to 7,500 pounds
- Ultra-lightweight: Some can weigh as little as 2,500 to 3,800 pounds
- Heavier models: Can reach up to 9,000 pounds
Loaded weight (with cargo and supplies)
- Average loaded weight: Varies but can be around 8,500 pounds for a travel trailer
- GVWR range: From about 6,300 to 10,500 pounds, depending on the trailer's capacity
- Tongue weight: A general rule is that tongue weight is about 10–15% of the trailer's total loaded weight, so a 6,000-pound trailer would have a tongue weight of 600–900 pounds.
Does towball weight come off atm?
Tow ball mass (TBM)
You can find an empty tow ball weight on the caravans compliance plate. Sometimes you will need to subtract the gross trailer mass (GTM) from the aggregate trailer mass (ATM) to work out your empty tow ball weight.
What is the 80% rule when towing?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
How much weight on a tow ball?
You'll hear different caravan tow ball recommendations around. But, generally speaking, you should aim for somewhere between 5% and 15% of the trailer's weight. The aggregate trailer mass (ATM) is the gross trailer mass carrying the maximum recommended load.
