ball to tongue side angle / twist tolerance

poipu · 12-12-2009, 04:23 PM

We are pulling a 10000# boat / trailer with dodge ram 2500, 2 5/16 ball, type 5 dodge factory hitch / receiver. Trailer is Easy Loader dual, '07 came with boat from factory.

To park in our new place, requires backing in, uphill short distance while truck and trailer are on different angles and slopes. We are using low range, creating considerable force at the hitch with the truck on one level and the trailer different side slope, while turning. Truck and trailer are on different side and forward slopes.

Wondering how much the ball / tongue can take. I am concerned about the tongue somehow twisting off the ball.

Appreciate any experience or suggestions. And Happy New Year in advance! Chris

denny-o · 12-14-2009, 08:10 AM

Given low speed and no shock loads, I suspect you are OK... I expect the tow vehicle to spin the wheels before you twist off a class V ball...

denny-o

obbayer · 12-14-2009, 08:25 AM

Sounds like he needs one of Kerno's custom trailer tongue set-ups.

Garett · 12-15-2009, 05:12 AM

Don't forget the ball is round and therefore the receiver will just pivot on the ball, which in turn will reduce the amount of torque on the coupler. Have your ball and receiver well greased and don't even give it a second thought.

I used to drive big truck. The king pin has to tow up to 80k pounds without issue....the king pin is not that big when you look at what it is supposed to do. I've had to back that type of weight into some awfully tight and f--ked up bays with slopes running every which way. Never once did I think of the king pin breaking. More than once I've thought about the trailer flipping because of such slopes and flipping the cab.

We've all probably seen videos of trailers doing the flop at highway speeds.....the receiver will let go before the coupler/ ball breaks.

poipu · 12-15-2009, 05:18 PM

Thank you for the replies so far. Feeling more confident, I think I am not stressing the hitch too far. It is hard to believe the ball and socket is such a strong connection / grip, but it obviously is. Greasing sounds good - will do. thanks again!