Towing with CUCV question

[Mastiff]

I know next to nothing about towing, but am being asked to tow some diesel powered event lights for my kids' school. My CUCV has the original rear bumper with a hole to mount the hitch ball. I have a 2" ball, but the threaded shank on it is a fair bit smaller than the hole in the bumper. Is this considered acceptable/safe if I just torque it down? I feel like I should at least have a big washer on the bottom or something to get it torqued down well, but this would require a 3/4" washer - not sure the availability on that. Anyway, looking for advice from people who actually tow stuff sometimes.

 

[sweetk30]

there is reducer bushings for the smaller ball shank to fit the bigger hole .

but best safest way in my opinion is just a few bucks more and a new correct size ball.

 

[Mastiff]

there is reducer bushings for the smaller ball shank to fit the bigger hole .

but best safest way in my opinion is just a few bucks more and a new correct size ball.

What do you mean by correct size ball? Can I get a 2" ball with whatever size shank I need?

 

[AJMBLAZER]

What do you mean by correct size ball? Can I get a 2" ball with whatever size shank I need?

Yep. They sell them with different size shanks. If you were closer I'd give you one. I've got like a dozen sitting around.

 

[Mastiff]

That clears it up, thanks for the help.

 

[brans87]

I have quite my share of balls myself . I have like 10 receivers with balls on them then probably another 8 balls laying around. I try to give them to friends

 

[AJMBLAZER]

They seem to multiply.

For a while I kept finding them on the side of the road and every truck I bought had two more in it.

 

[campfire]

but best safest way in my opinion is just a few bucks more and a new correct size ball.

This. They are just a few dollars new, and come with a new washer and non-rusted nut.

 

[campfire]

There aren't very many shank sizes (I'm only familiar with 2 for the 2" ball). This is likely what you are needing. $6 cost. You can probably beat that cost at your local retail establishments (though they will happily charge you $20 for a more stylish one. )

 

[6.2Blazer]

How much do the lights weigh? Is the hitch height of the bumper half way reasonable? Not sure what the weight capacity of a CUCV version bumper hitch is, but in general you don't want to tow a whole lot of weight using a bumper.

 

[Mastiff]

Not sure the weight, but it's a 2" ball, so that may indicate that it's not incredibly heavy. Also, the CUCV bumper strikes me as pretty stout, I'd guess the mounting spot is solid 5/16" steel and goes right to the frame. 1" shank hole.

 

[kennyw]

The bumper hitches are typically rated at 2000 lb towing, 200 lb tongue weight. But they will have a stamp in that plate with the rating.