Every dropped trailer starts the same way: a coupler dropped onto the wrong ball. This trailer ball size chart matches the three standard ball diameters to their weight ratings and receiver classes, so the connection is never the weak link.
| Ball diameter | Typical max rating | Receiver class | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-7/8" | 2,000-3,500 lb | Class I-II | Small utility, jet-ski, light cargo |
| 2" | 3,500-8,000 lb (some to 10,000) | Class III-IV | Utility, ATV, mid cargo, small dumps |
| 2-5/16" | 6,000-21,000 lb | Class IV-V | Equipment, car haulers, heavy dumps |
| 2-5/16" gooseneck ball | to ~30,000 lb | Bed-mounted | Gooseneck flatbeds, livestock, heavy haul |
Class I (to 2,000 lb) and II (to 3,500) live on cars and crossovers with 1-1/4" openings. Class III (to 8,000) is the working standard on trucks and SUVs with 2" receivers. Class IV stretches to 10,000-12,000, and Class V (2-1/2" opening) carries 16,000-21,000. The chain is only as strong as its weakest rating, ball, mount, receiver, and trailer coupler each have a number, and the lowest one rules.
The required ball size is stamped on the coupler's top plate, read it, don't eyeball it. A 2" coupler will latch loosely over a 1-7/8" ball and ride fine until the first hard bump. Check three more things: the ball's own weight rating (stamped on top), shank diameter matched to the mount hole, and torque on the ball nut. Then cross your safety chains under the tongue, legally required and the reason a failed coupling drags instead of fishtails. Our trailer equipment requirements guide covers the rest of the legal checklist.
Most of our utility trailers run 2" couplers; equipment and dump trailers mostly run 2-5/16". Every listing states its coupler size.
Yes, multi-ball adjustable mounts are a clean answer for mixed fleets; just confirm the mount's rating covers your heaviest trailer.
Goosenecks use the bed-mounted 2-5/16" ball above; fifth-wheels use a kingpin plate instead of a ball entirely, different hardware, covered in our gooseneck vs bumper pull guide.
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