Towing: If I have a hitch, do I need a ball?

[jwblue]

I am new to towing. I am going to tow a small trailer.

 

Someone is offering to sell me the Nissan 1994 Pathfinder OEM Class II hitch. Do I need to buy a ball or does the hitch alone allow me to attach it to the truck?

Edited April 29, 2011 by jwblue

[nunya]

odds are you will need to purchase a reciver ball mount and will need to get the correct size ball for your trailer anyway. Might get the mount with it as well, but I honestly doubt it. You can get them at your local parts stores though or favorite online parts source.

[BowTied]

The black part is the hitch, aka receiver. The drawbar can be purchased with or without a ball. The two common ball sizes are 1-7/8" or 2".

[jwblue]

Thank you for the help guys.

Edited April 29, 2011 by jwblue

[nige]

also, don't leave the ball in the receiver for extended periods of time without applying some grease. The ball mount will rust and seize itself in the receiver and it can me a major p.i.t.a. to separate them.

 

Another tip, verify you are putting the hitch pin through the hole in the ball mount and not infront of it!

 

Cross your safety chains underneath the trailer tongue in case the ball fails for whatever reason

Edited April 29, 2011 by nige