Tow Ball options

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MartinGZ

359 posts

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#248411 25-Mar-2019 13:18

I regularly tow 2.5-3 tonne and as such prefer a fixed tow ball, in this case with a 50mm ball and coupling. In addition I have a 2.5 tonne trailer with 1 7/8" coupling.

I have a CM convert-a-ball which once greased up is pretty mucky to change - as I guess they all are. https://www.trailerpartsnz.com/product_info.php/towball-convert-ball-set-p-1800

Trojan have two types, their older Duo Ball and the new Multi Ball

https://www.trailerpartsnz.com/product_info.php/trojan-towball-duo-ball-system-19mm-25mm-shank-p-3693

https://www.trailerpartsnz.com/product_info.php/trojan-towball-multi-ball-system-22mm-25mm-shank-p-3092

Does anyone have any experience of the Trojan balls especially the newer Multi Ball?

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Ge0rge

2052 posts

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#2204927 26-Mar-2019 00:19

I have always tried to avoid the multi fit balls, for the greasy reasons you've described and the fact there is always something to lose.

Might I suggest you look at this from another angle?

https://www.trailerpartsnz.com/product_info.php/trojan-coupling-duofit-non-braked-2500kg-plunger-p-2702

Doesn't matter what vehicles you then use, it's as simple as lift and twist to fit either standard size.

Couplings have to be bolted on in NZ, and you'll find the majority have the same bolt pattern. There will be someone on Trademe building a trailer that you'll be able to sell the old one to as well.

apocalypso

53 posts

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#2205024 26-Mar-2019 10:16

We have the Trojan Duo-Ball System on a couple of vehicles, never had any issues, works as it should. Would recommend.

wratterus

1687 posts

Uber Geek

#2205071 26-Mar-2019 12:28

Don't own one personally but have seen the Trojan Duo Ball setup used with contractors etc (eg getting a really hard time) and haven't seen a broken one yet.

MartinGZ

359 posts

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#2205104 26-Mar-2019 14:01

Thanks @Ge0rge.

Unfortunately my 2.5 tonne trailer is braked, so that one won't do. Trojan do a non-braked 2.5 tonne and CM do a 2.5 tonne braked duo coupling, but is likely to be north of $400 with brake lever. It would be cheaper to get another OEM tongue for the ute towbar.

Thanks for the other feedback on the Duo Ball, nice to know it's OK, although I have heard reports of the pin breaking on the ball (assuming it's just a dowel pin, a minor issue IMO).

In the meantime I guess I'll just put the CM convert-a-ball back on for local travel, but may invest in another towbar tongue so I can easily swap between that and the fixed 50mm ball.

It's about time we got rid of all the 1-7/8 inch fittings!

clevedon

1059 posts

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#2205195 26-Mar-2019 17:14

MartinGZ:

Thanks @Ge0rge.

Unfortunately my 2.5 tonne trailer is braked, so that one won't do. Trojan do a non-braked 2.5 tonne and CM do a 2.5 tonne braked duo coupling, but is likely to be north of $400 with brake lever. It would be cheaper to get another OEM tongue for the ute towbar.

Thanks for the other feedback on the Duo Ball, nice to know it's OK, although I have heard reports of the pin breaking on the ball (assuming it's just a dowel pin, a minor issue IMO).

In the meantime I guess I'll just put the CM convert-a-ball back on for local travel, but may invest in another towbar tongue so I can easily swap between that and the fixed 50mm ball.

It's about time we got rid of all the 1-7/8 inch fittings!

Why don't you just wrap the unused convert-a-ball in a rag or two and then when you swap them over you wont get your hands greasy. There should still be enough grease on the ball afterwards, cheaper than buying another tongue.

MartinGZ

359 posts

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#2205899 27-Mar-2019 21:28

clevedon:

Why don't you just wrap the unused convert-a-ball in a rag or two and then when you swap them over you wont get your hands greasy. There should still be enough grease on the ball afterwards, cheaper than buying another tongue.

That's basically what I do at the moment, but thanks anyway.

Was hoping to get a solution for a stronger arrangement as I'm not really keen on the hole that goes through the center of the ball and shaft of the CM convert-a-ball . I know someone (who admittedly does a LOT of towing) who has had two standard towballs break over the years.

Bung

6477 posts

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#2205932 27-Mar-2019 22:12

MartinGZ:
Was hoping to get a solution for a stronger arrangement as I'm not really keen on the hole that goes through the center of the ball and shaft of the CM convert-a-ball . I know someone (who admittedly does a LOT of towing) who has had two standard towballs break over the years.

What size standard ball? Both 1 7/8 and 50mm are available with a 2000kg rating and 3/4 shank which is fine on a light vehicle only rated to tow ~1500kg. Both sizes are available with 3500kg ratings but the shank is either 7/8 or 1"

The two piece balls certainly look better than the old outlawed 2 piece that was a ball with a coach bolt through it but for some reason they can't be used with some load levelling hitches.

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webwat

2036 posts

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#2207775 30-Mar-2019 19:00

Or carry a big spanner in the car...

Time to find a new industry!