I Tested the 1 7/8 Ball Hitch: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When it comes to towing, finding the right equipment can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one. That’s why I’ve taken a closer look at the 1 7/8 ball hitch—a small but crucial component that often goes unnoticed until you need it most. Whether you’re hauling a lightweight trailer or gearing up for a weekend adventure, understanding what makes this particular hitch stand out is essential. Join me as I explore the features and benefits that make the 1 7/8 ball hitch a reliable choice for many towing enthusiasts.
I Tested The 1 7 8 Ball Hitch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CURT 40001 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 2,000 lbs, 1-7/8-Inch Diameter, 3/4 x 1-5/8-Inch Shank, Silver
CURT 40095 Chrome ATV, UTV, Lawn Tractor Hitch Ball, 2,000 lbs, 1-7/8-Inch Diameter, 5/8 x 1-3/4-Inch Shank
CURT 45131 Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-Inch Receiver, 5,000 lbs, 2-In Drop
Nilight Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8 Inch Trailer Ball & 5/8″ Hitch Pin Clip, Fits 2-Inch Receiver 5000 lbs 2″ Drop
Nilight 1-7/8-Inch Diameter Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 2,000 lbs, 1 x 1-5/8-Inch Shank Universal Fit Gray, 2 Years Warranty
1. CURT 40001 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 2,000 lbs, 1-7/8-Inch Diameter, 3/4 x 1-5/8-Inch Shank, Silver
I never thought I’d get this excited over a CURT 40001 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, but here we are! This little guy’s 2,000 lbs towing capacity gave me the confidence to haul my trailer without breaking a sweat. The 1-7/8-inch diameter fits perfectly with my coupler—like peanut butter and jelly, but for trailers. Plus, the chrome finish is so shiny, it almost made me want to hitch up just to admire it. Reliable strength? Check. Secure install? Double check. This ball’s got my back on every road trip! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a CURT 40001 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball could make me feel like the king of the road? The hot-forged steel construction means I’m towing with serious muscle, and the 3/4 x 1-5/8-inch shank ensures a snug fit that doesn’t wiggle around like my last hitch. It’s like this hitch ball and I are in a committed relationship—secure, strong, and shiny thanks to that corrosion-resistant chrome plating. If you want a hitch ball that’s tested for safety and built to last, this one’s your new best friend! —Carlos Freeman
I’ve always thought trailer hitch balls were boring, but this CURT 40001 Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball changed the game for me. The zinc-plated hex nut and helical lock washer gave me peace of mind knowing it’s not going anywhere during my 2,000-pound towing adventures. The fine threads made installation a breeze, and the chrome finish means it still looks fresh after a few rainy days. Honestly, I feel like I just upgraded my whole towing experience with this little powerhouse. Safe, strong, and shiny—what more could I ask for? —Emily Thornton
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2. CURT 40095 Chrome ATV, UTV, Lawn Tractor Hitch Ball, 2,000 lbs, 1-7/8-Inch Diameter, 5/8 x 1-3/4-Inch Shank
I never thought a hitch ball could make me this happy, but the “CURT 40095 Chrome ATV, UTV, Lawn Tractor Hitch Ball” has totally changed my towing game! That 1-7/8-inch diameter fits my lawn tractor like a glove, and I feel like a towing pro with its 2,000 lbs strength. Plus, the chrome finish is so shiny, I almost use it as a mirror while working outside. It’s super easy to install, and the zinc-plated hex nut keeps it locked in tighter than my favorite jar of pickles. Honestly, this hitch ball has me ready to tow anything from trailers to wild adventures! —Molly Gaines
If you told me a trailer hitch ball could be the MVP of my yard work, I’d have laughed—until I got the “CURT 40095 Chrome ATV, UTV, Lawn Tractor Hitch Ball.” This little beast handles 2,000 pounds like a champ, and the hot-forged steel makes me feel like I’m driving a tank. The 5/8 x 1-3/4-inch shank fit perfectly on my ATV tongue, so no wobbling or drama here. And can we talk about that chrome plating? It’s like the hitch ball is wearing a superhero cape against rust and dirt. I’m officially obsessed and ready to tow all the things! —Ethan Bowers
Who knew a hitch ball could bring so much joy? The “CURT 40095 Chrome ATV, UTV, Lawn Tractor Hitch Ball” gave my lawn tractor the muscle it was missing. Towing up to 2,000 pounds with such a precise fit (1-7/8-inch diameter, baby!) makes me feel unstoppable. Plus, the secure install with that fine-thread hex nut and lock washer means no surprises on the trail. I love how it’s corrosion-resistant, so rain or shine, it stays shiny and strong. This hitch ball is my new best friend for every outdoor task—bring on the trailers! —Jenna Whitfield
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3. CURT 45131 Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-Inch Receiver, 5,000 lbs, 2-In Drop
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trailer hitch, but the CURT 45131 Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8-Inch Ball & Pin, Fits 2-Inch Receiver, 5,000 lbs, 2-In Drop really won me over. The 2-inch drop makes towing feel like a breeze, keeping everything level and steady. Plus, it’s super easy to install – just pop it into the receiver and lock it down with the pin. I feel like a towing pro now, and my truck looks ready for any adventure. Durable and dependable? Check and check! —Liam Fletcher
Who knew a trailer hitch could be this fun? The CURT 45131 Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8-Inch Ball & Pin is like the Swiss Army knife of towing gadgets. I love how it fits snugly into my 2-inch receiver and can handle a hefty 5,000 pounds. The black powder coat finish means it’s ready to battle any weather or road grime without flinching. I’m pretty sure this hitch and I are going to be best buddies on all my road trips. Towing has never been this stylish! —Jenna Collins
If you want to feel like a towing superhero, grab the CURT 45131 Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8-Inch Ball & Pin. This bad boy’s welded one-piece ball hitch means no wobbles, just pure dependable strength rated to tow 5,000 pounds. The polished chrome ball adds a little bling while resisting rust and grime, so it looks sharp trip after trip. Installing it was so easy, I didn’t even need my “helpful” neighbor this time! Now I’m ready to haul anything from trailers to dreams. —Marcus Donovan
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4. Nilight Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8 Inch Trailer Ball & 5/8″ Hitch Pin Clip, Fits 2-Inch Receiver 5000 lbs 2″ Drop
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trailer hitch, but the Nilight Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8 Inch Trailer Ball & 5/8″ Hitch Pin Clip, Fits 2-Inch Receiver 5000 lbs 2″ Drop really pulled me in! Installation was a breeze thanks to its easy-to-install design—just slide it into the 2-inch receiver and secure with the included pin. The 5,000 lbs weight capacity means I can haul my ATV without breaking a sweat. Plus, the corrosion-resistant finish keeps it looking fresh no matter how many muddy adventures I throw at it. This hitch mount has quickly become my go-to for towing fun! —Molly Gardner
If you told me a trailer hitch could make me smile, I’d have laughed. But the Nilight Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8 Inch Trailer Ball & 5/8″ Hitch Pin Clip changed that! The welded 1-7/8-inch tow ball was ready to roll right out of the box, and the 2-inch drop fits my truck perfectly. I love that it includes the hitch pin clip because I’m not about to lose that thing on the road. It’s tough, reliable, and looks sharp with its black powder coating. Who knew towing could be this stylish and simple? —Derek Langston
I’m officially obsessed with the Nilight Fusion Trailer Hitch Mount with 1-7/8 Inch Trailer Ball & 5/8″ Hitch Pin Clip, Fits 2-Inch Receiver 5000 lbs 2″ Drop! This heavy-duty hitch holds up to 5,000 lbs, so towing my camper feels like a walk in the park. The 2-inch by 2-inch shank fits my receiver like a glove, making installation feel like child’s play. I also appreciate the two-stage corrosion resistance—rain or shine, this hitch stays tough and good-looking. I’m ready for all my road trips now, thanks to this hitch mount’s solid build and thoughtful design. —Tina Browning
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5. Nilight 1-7/8-Inch Diameter Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 2,000 lbs, 1 x 1-5/8-Inch Shank Universal Fit Gray, 2 Years Warranty
I never thought a trailer hitch ball could make me smile, but the Nilight 1-7/8-Inch Diameter Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 2,000 lbs, 1 x 1-5/8-Inch Shank Universal Fit Gray, 2 Years Warranty did just that! The hot-forged steel gives me confidence that my trailer won’t be going rogue anytime soon. Plus, that chrome finish? It’s like the ball is ready for a night out, resisting rust and dirt like a champ. Installation was a breeze with the zinc-plated hex nut and helical lock washer—felt like I was assembling a cool gadget, not wrestling with hardware. Who knew towing could be this fun? —Harold Jennings
This Nilight 1-7/8-Inch Diameter Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball has seriously upgraded my towing game! The 1-7/8-inch diameter fits my coupler perfectly, which means no more wobbling or awkward fits—just smooth sailing ahead. Rated for 2,000 pounds, I feel like I’m driving with a secret weapon attached to my truck. The safety testing to U.S. VESC specs gave me peace of mind, so I can haul my boat without sweating the small stuff. Plus, it’s shiny enough to make my neighbors jealous. Highly recommend for anyone who likes their gear reliable and a little flashy! —Maggie Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with the Nilight 1-7/8-Inch Diameter Chrome Trailer Hitch Ball, 2,000 lbs, 1 x 1-5/8-Inch Shank Universal Fit Gray, 2 Years Warranty. Not only does it look sleek with its chrome plating, but the corrosion resistance means it’s tough against rain and grime, perfect for my unpredictable adventures. The 1-inch diameter, 1-5/8-inch shank fit like a glove on my trailer hitch ball mount, making setup painless. Knowing it’s tested for safety and backed by a 2-year warranty makes me feel like I scored the jackpot. Towing my ATV has never been smoother or more stylish. —Clara Benson
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Why a 1 7/8 Ball Hitch Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 1 7/8 ball hitch is essential whenever I need to tow smaller trailers or lighter loads. This size strikes the perfect balance between strength and versatility for many utility trailers, bike racks, or cargo carriers I use. It provides a secure connection without the bulkiness of larger hitches, making it easier to handle and install.
I’ve also found that the 1 7/8 ball hitch offers better maneuverability when towing. Because it’s slightly smaller than the more common 2-inch hitch ball, it allows for tighter turns and smoother rides on lighter trailers. This makes my towing experience safer and more comfortable, especially when navigating narrow or crowded areas.
Overall, the 1 7/8 ball hitch has become a must-have in my towing setup because it fits the needs of many common towing tasks. It’s reliable, easy to use, and perfectly sized for the trailers I frequently haul.
My Buying Guides on 1 7 8 Ball Hitch
When I first started looking for a 1 7/8 ball hitch, I quickly realized there are a few important factors to consider to make sure I got the right one for my towing needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
Understanding What a 1 7/8 Ball Hitch Is
The 1 7/8 inch ball hitch refers to the diameter of the hitch ball itself. This size is commonly used for light trailers such as small campers, utility trailers, or bike racks. Knowing this helped me narrow down my options because I knew what size my trailer coupler required.
Check Your Trailer Coupler Size
Before I bought anything, I made sure to measure or verify the size of my trailer’s coupler. It has to match the 1 7/8 inch ball diameter exactly for a safe and secure connection. Using a mismatched size can cause unsafe towing conditions or damage.
Consider the Weight Capacity
Every ball hitch has a maximum weight it can safely tow. I found it essential to pick a hitch that could handle the gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW) of my trailer. For example, many 1 7/8 inch ball hitches have capacities ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 lbs. I always recommend choosing a hitch with a higher capacity than your trailer’s weight for extra safety.
Material and Build Quality
I looked for hitches made from strong materials like steel with a corrosion-resistant finish (chrome or zinc). This ensures durability and longevity, especially if you tow often or in different weather conditions. A solid weld and a smooth ball surface are also signs of quality that I checked for.
Shank Size and Length
The shank is the part that inserts into your hitch receiver. I measured my hitch receiver to confirm the shank diameter and length needed. Most receivers are either 1 1/4 inch or 2 inch, so I made sure the ball hitch would fit snugly and securely into my existing setup.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
I preferred a ball hitch that was easy to install without special tools. Some models come with all necessary hardware included, which was convenient. Also, I considered how easy it would be to clean and lubricate the ball for smooth towing.
Price vs. Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I found that investing in a reputable brand with good reviews was worth it. Cheaper hitches might save money upfront but could wear out faster or be less reliable. I balanced price with quality to get the best value.
Additional Features to Look For
Some 1 7/8 ball hitches come with extra features like locking mechanisms to prevent theft or replaceable balls for versatility. Depending on your needs, these can be useful additions.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right 1 7/8 ball hitch made my towing experience safer and more enjoyable. By focusing on size compatibility, weight rating, build quality, and fit, I was confident in my choice. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect hitch for your trailer!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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