Lee Wells

Novice question on towing. Need to pull a chipper this weekend but have never picked up a ball hitch for the tow package on my XLT. What do I need to order? Chipper is only about 2,400 lbs and all I need in general is something to grab this type of equipment. Chipper, splitter, landscape stuff. No big boats etc.... Unless I hit the number

bell4fan

If the chipper is on a trailer, the ball needs to fit the trailer. 2 inch ball is pretty common. And the receiver hitch that holds the ball and goes into your truck is just a match up type deal.

Mustang1964s

Hello Lee,
Everybody starts some place. What you need to know is what size ball you need to pull chipper with. 1" 5/8, 1" 7/8, 2'' or 2"5/16? Then does your truck have a receiver on the back? It is 2 inches square. If it does you are 3/4 of the way there. If not, your bumper should have a cover over a centered hole just under the license plate. Most people use this for a step. The cover should come off and you can get a ball to attach to the bumper. Does the chipper have lights? (break and turn indicators)
If you can post a pic of the back of the truck. A picture is worth a 1,000 words.

If there is a Tractor Supply Company close by, stop by. The will have everything that you need and give you some great advice.

Be careful when pulling a trailer, do not forget it is back there and merge into a spot that is only big enough for one.
Have a safe trip

Mustang1964

Kenneth Forbus

Most if not all trailers under 6k pounds are 2in ball and standard receivers. You can purchase them as a kit that also includes a lock for your receiver hitch at Walmart and tractor supply stores.

Once you get above the 6k pound mark the ball size goes up a little and most people use weight distro setups.

RedOne

Many times the rental place will have the correct hitch/ball size to rent you unless you want to go to buy one...find out what size and drop, then head to walmart/tractor supply store and pick it out. Make sure the ball stud is the correct size for the hitch.

blueovelboy

rental yard will help you out and loan you one and if they don't and want to rent you the hitch pin find a different rental yard to rent from !

Apeman

There is a good chance that the chipper will need a pintle not a ball. I've towed two different sized chippers before and both used pintles. I'd call the place you're getting it from and ask.

SkiSmuggs

I have a weight distributing hitch for my RV trailer with a 2 5/8" ball, but also bought a hitch that has 3 different smaller ***** on it in case I ever need to pull a light weight trailer.

WrestlingCoach

Um. Don't forget to buy a pin and clevis to retain whatever hitch you settle on. Otherwise you will be in for a surprise. Just sayin.

minnemike

I need to get a ball hitch too. I have the tow package.

How much lower should I go to make it standard hitch height from where the hitch receiver sits? 4" lower?