Difference between hitch ball?

[simplyrwc]

A lot of hitch balls are round. Some are cut off at the top. What's the difference and are they interchangeable?

[simplyrwc]

Ok I'm probably really showing my ignorance here but if you don't know ask right?

[raspivey]

I've never seen any marks on the very top of a completely round ball, so I'm assuming that the top of the ball doesn't make much contact on most couplers. I didn't find any references to a difference when I searched online for it either. I would have to say, in all likelihood, there's no difference at all.

[youroo]

The most contact bearing area on a (RV)type ball socket is (50%). If the ball is machined with a flat surface on top (normaly where info is stamped,1-7/8-2-5/16 and Lbs) the bearing area is reduced more. There are some (Self Lube balls that use the flat top area for a Teflon? lube insert, Also there are (Bulldog type Sockets that (Clamp) around a ball that would allow more cotact area. Youroo!!

[youroo]

It took this time! Thanks Eppydad! Youroo

[simplyrwc]

Ok thanks....wanted to ensure I wasn't towing with the wrong ball for my hitch. I am trusting my dealers service department less and less each day and am grateful to have FRF as a go to!