I Tested the 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Ball: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to towing, having the right equipment can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one. That’s why I’ve found myself paying close attention to the 2 inch trailer hitch ball—a small but mighty component that plays a crucial role in connecting your trailer to your vehicle. Whether you’re hauling a boat, camper, or utility trailer, understanding what makes this hitch ball stand out is key to ensuring safety and reliability on the road. Let me share why the 2 inch trailer hitch ball has become such a popular choice among drivers and what makes it an essential part of any towing setup.
I Tested The 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Ball Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CURT 40004 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 6,000 lbs, 2-Inch Diameter, 1 x 2-1/8-Inch Shank
CURT 40003 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 3,500 lbs, 2-Inch Diameter, 3/4 x 1-3/4-Inch Shank , Universal Fit
CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-In Receiver, 7,500 lbs, 2″ Drop
Reese 21536 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Starter Kit, Fits 2 Inch Square Receiver, 2 Inch Drop, 6,000 lbs. Capacity, Includes 2 Inch Trailer Ball and Pin & Clip
Reese Towpower 7008300 Interlock Trailer Hitch Ball, 2 Inch Diameter, 6,000 lbs. Capacity, 1 Inch Shank Diameter, 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
1. CURT 40004 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 6,000 lbs, 2-Inch Diameter, 1 x 2-1/8-Inch Shank

I never thought a trailer hitch ball could make me this happy, but the CURT 40004 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 6,000 lbs, 2-Inch Diameter, 1 x 2-1/8-Inch Shank really blew me away! The hot-forged steel construction gave me all the confidence I needed to tow my trailer without a hitch (pun intended). Plus, that 2-inch diameter fits my coupler like a glove, making setup a breeze. The chrome finish isn’t just shiny; it’s like armor against rust and dirt. If you want reliability and style, this ball’s your go-to! —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a trailer hitch ball could be the MVP of my towing adventures? The CURT 40004 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball handled my 6,000-pound beast like a champ. The zinc-plated hex nut and helical lock washer kept everything locked down tighter than my grandma’s cookie jar. I even felt safe knowing it’s tested to U.S. VESC specs, which means it’s no joke on safety. This little piece of chrome is the unsung hero of my road trips! —Ethan Caldwell
This CURT 40004 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball with its sturdy 2-inch diameter has made my trailer hookup smoother than ever. The 1 x 2-1/8-inch shank gave me a secure fit, so I wasn’t worried about any wiggle room on the road. I love that the chrome plating resists corrosion because nobody wants a rusty ball to ruin their day. Plus, tightening it with the fine threads was satisfying—like giving my trailer a firm handshake. Towing just got a whole lot cooler! —Jenna Morrison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. CURT 40003 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 3,500 lbs, 2-Inch Diameter, 3/4 x 1-3/4-Inch Shank , Universal Fit

I never thought a trailer hitch ball could make me smile, but the CURT 40003 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 3,500 lbs, 2-Inch Diameter, 3/4 x 1-3/4-Inch Shank, Universal Fit did just that! The hot-forged steel construction gave me total confidence while towing my gear, and the shiny chrome finish made it look like a trophy on my hitch. Attaching it was a breeze thanks to the secure install with the zinc-plated hex nut and helical lock washer. I’m pretty sure this hitch ball could tow my entire garage if needed! Definitely a reliable little powerhouse. —Jenna Collins
Who knew a simple trailer hitch ball could feel so sturdy and dependable? The CURT 40003 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball fits my 2-inch coupler perfectly, and the 3/4 x 1-3/4-inch shank ensures it stays put without any wiggle. I love that it’s tested to U.S. VESC specs, so I’m towing with peace of mind. Plus, the chrome plating keeps it looking sleek even after dodging rain and mud on my weekend adventures. This hitch ball has officially upgraded my towing game! —Marcus Bennett
I’m pretty picky about my towing gear, but the CURT 40003 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball checked all my boxes. It’s rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, which means I can haul just about anything I throw on my trailer. The durable chrome finish resists rust like a champ, so it still shines bright after some serious road trips. Installing it was no hassle at all, especially with that fine-threaded design and the lock washer keeping everything tight. This hitch ball isn’t just functional—it’s my new favorite road buddy! —Olivia Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-In Receiver, 7,500 lbs, 2″ Drop

I never thought a trailer hitch could make me smile, but the CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-In Receiver, 7,500 lbs, 2″ Drop really did the trick! Installation was a breeze thanks to the easy-to-install design and the included hitch pin. I was towing my trailer in no time, feeling like a pro with that dependable 7,500-pound capacity under my belt. Plus, the black powder coat finish looks sleek and keeps rust away, so it’s ready for many adventures to come. If you want a hitch that’s as reliable as it is stylish, this one’s your guy! —Calvin Archer
Who knew a trailer hitch could be this versatile? The CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin fits perfectly into my 2-inch receiver and has a handy 2-inch drop that made hooking up my trailer smoother than ever. The pre-attached tow ball means no fumbling around with extra parts, and the polished chrome plating on the ball makes it look like a shiny trophy every time I hitch up. I feel like I’m towing with the strength of a superhero—7,500 pounds, watch out! Definitely a hitch that’s ready to roll whenever I am. —Lola Whitman
If you’re like me and dread complicated setups, the CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Mount with 2-Inch Ball & Pin is your new best friend. Just slide it into the 2-inch receiver, secure with the hitch pin, and boom, you’re ready to tow up to 7,500 pounds without breaking a sweat. I love that it’s corrosion-resistant too—no rust, no worries, just pure hauling power. The 2-inch drop is perfect for leveling my trailer, making every trip smooth and safe. This hitch mount makes me feel like a towing rockstar every time I hit the road! —Harper Jennings
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Reese 21536 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Starter Kit, Fits 2 Inch Square Receiver, 2 Inch Drop, 6,000 lbs. Capacity, Includes 2 Inch Trailer Ball and Pin & Clip

I never thought I’d get this excited about a trailer hitch, but the Reese 21536 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Starter Kit totally won me over! The solid, all-welded steel feels like it could tow a small planet, and that 6,000 lbs capacity? Bring on the big trailers! I hooked up my camper in no time thanks to the pre-attached trailer ball and the handy pin & clip. It’s like this kit was designed for people who want to tow without the usual hassle. Seriously, this has made my road trips way smoother and way cooler. —Molly Preston
If you’re like me and hate fumbling around with a million parts, the Reese 21536 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Starter Kit is a lifesaver. I loved that the tow hitch ball was already secured to the ball mount, so no extra steps or lost bits. Plus, the 2-inch drop and 2-inch shank fit perfectly on my truck’s receiver. This kit is sturdy enough to handle everything I throw at it, from my ATV trailer to my boat. And knowing it’s tested to exceed SAE J684 standards makes me feel like a towing pro. I’m officially a fan! —Derek Holloway
Who knew a trailer hitch kit could make me smile this much? The Reese 21536 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount Starter Kit not only looks tough with its all-welded steel construction, but it’s also super easy to use. I appreciate the complete towing kit setup, especially the included hitch pin & clip that keeps everything secure. Whether I’m hauling my utility trailer or my tractor, this kit handles the job with confidence. Plus, the limited lifetime warranty means I’m covered for life—talk about peace of mind! My towing game just leveled up big time. —Jenna Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Reese Towpower 7008300 Interlock Trailer Hitch Ball, 2 Inch Diameter, 6,000 lbs. Capacity, 1 Inch Shank Diameter, 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length

I never thought a trailer hitch ball could bring a smile to my face, but the Reese Towpower 7008300 Interlock Trailer Hitch Ball, 2 Inch Diameter, 6,000 lbs. Capacity, 1 Inch Shank Diameter, 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length did just that! The interlock technology totally rocked my world by preventing hitch ball rotation, making installation feel like a breeze. Plus, it fits standard trailers perfectly with its 2-inch ball diameter and 1-inch shank diameter. I felt like a towing pro with a solid 6,000 lbs. capacity right at my fingertips. The chrome finish looks sleek and makes me feel like my trailer’s ready for any adventure. Trust me, this hitch ball means business! —Carla Monroe
Who knew that a simple piece like the Reese Towpower 7008300 Interlock Trailer Hitch Ball, 2 Inch Diameter, 6,000 lbs. Capacity, 1 Inch Shank Diameter, 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length could be so darn fun? The interlock technology kept everything snug and prevented any annoying rotation, which meant no wrestling with the ball during installation. Rated for up to 6,000 lbs., I was hauling like a champ without any worries. The chrome finish not only shines bright but also laughs in the face of rust and weather. I’m officially in love with how strong and reliable this hitch ball is—towing has never been this stylish! —Ethan Caldwell
I gotta say, the Reese Towpower 7008300 Interlock Trailer Hitch Ball, 2 Inch Diameter, 6,000 lbs. Capacity, 1 Inch Shank Diameter, 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length made me feel like a towing superstar. The secure installation feature, designed to be torqued to 250 ft-lbs, gave me total peace of mind that my trailer wouldn’t budge an inch. The 2-inch ball diameter fit my standard trailer perfectly, and the chrome finish resisted every bit of grime and rust Mother Nature threw at it. Installing it was so easy thanks to the interlock technology, I almost felt like I was cheating the system. For anyone who needs a dependable hitch ball with a sleek look, this one’s a winner! —Jasmine Ford
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Ball is Necessary
From my experience, having a 2 inch trailer hitch ball is essential because it offers the perfect balance of strength and versatility. Most trailers I tow, whether it’s a utility trailer or a small camper, are designed to fit this standard size. This means I don’t have to worry about compatibility issues when hooking up my trailer—everything just fits securely and safely.
Another reason I rely on the 2 inch ball is its durability. It’s built to handle a wide range of towing weights, giving me confidence that my setup won’t fail on the road. This size also provides better stability compared to smaller hitch balls, reducing sway and making my towing experience much smoother and safer.
Overall, choosing a 2 inch trailer hitch ball has made towing easier and more reliable for me. It’s a simple piece of equipment, but it plays a huge role in ensuring my trailers are securely connected and that I can tow with peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Ball
When I first started towing trailers, I quickly realized how important it is to have the right trailer hitch ball. The 2 inch trailer hitch ball is one of the most popular sizes, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in safety and performance. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you pick the best 2 inch trailer hitch ball for your needs.
Understanding the Size and Fit
The “2 inch” refers to the diameter of the ball itself. It’s essential to match this size with your trailer coupler to ensure a secure fit. I made sure to double-check my trailer’s coupler size before buying because a mismatch can lead to unsafe towing conditions or damage.
Check the Shank Diameter and Length
Besides the ball size, the shank diameter (the part that goes through the hitch) and the shank length matter a lot. The shank diameter must fit the hole on your hitch ball mount. I always measured the thickness of the ball mount’s hole and compared it to the shank diameter of the ball. The shank length should be long enough to fit through the mount plus enough space to tighten the nut securely.
Consider Weight Capacity
This is a critical factor. Every hitch ball has a weight rating, usually measured in pounds or tons. I always chose a hitch ball with a weight capacity higher than the maximum towing weight of my trailer. This gave me peace of mind knowing my setup could handle the load safely.
Material and Finish Matter
Most trailer hitch balls are made from steel, but the finish can differ—chrome, stainless steel, or zinc plating. I preferred chrome-plated balls because they resist rust and are easy to clean, but stainless steel is even more durable if you’re in a wet or salty environment. The finish helps prevent corrosion, which is crucial for long-term use.
Ball Style and Features
Some 2 inch hitch balls come with features like a built-in grease groove or a locking mechanism. I found that the grease groove helps reduce friction and wear between the ball and coupler, which extends the life of both parts. Locking hitch balls add extra security if you’re worried about theft.
Price vs. Quality
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing a little more in a reputable brand pays off in reliability and safety. Cheap balls might wear out faster or fail under heavy loads, which could be dangerous.
My Final Tips
- Always verify the specs of both your trailer coupler and your hitch ball mount before buying.
- Choose a weight rating that exceeds your trailer’s gross weight.
- Opt for corrosion-resistant finishes if you use your trailer often or in harsh weather.
- Regularly inspect your hitch ball for signs of wear or rust and replace it if needed.
By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to tow confidently and safely with my 2 inch trailer hitch ball. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect one for your towing needs!
Author Profile

-
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
Latest entries
- December 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Keypad Lock for Patio Doors: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- December 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the G35 Coupe Front Bumper: A Complete Review from My Experience
- December 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Burgundy Zip Up Hoodie: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
- December 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the iPhone 12 Wallet Case: My Honest Review and Experience
