What Are The Differences Between Standard Trailer Hitch And Gooseneck Hitch Balls

Question:

Is there a difference between a standard 2-5/16 trailer ball vs. a 2-5/16 gooseneck ball?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The size of the hitch ball itself is the same but there are differences between the standard hitch balls and a gooseneck ball.

The shank on a standard hitch ball like the hitch ball you came from, part # BWHB94005, is threaded so that the nut can be used to tighten it to the balll mount. On a gooseneck ball they are typically designed to fit a specific gooseneck hitch. For example, a hitch ball for a B&W Turnover Gooseneck Hitch like part # BWGNXA2005 has a square shank that is a specific length and has a hole for the hitch to be able to hold the ball in place.

Another gooseneck ball like part # 19310 has a smooth shank but uses a snap ring to hold it in place. It is also designed for specific gooseneck hitches.

If you let me know what trailer htich you have or what gooseneck hitch you have is I will be glad to make some recommendations that will work for you.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

Larry W.

6/8/2020

How do so know what brand gooseneck hutch I have? It’s the old style That just screws in and the nit is welded under the plate. It is on a 1995 F350 but it’s a 2” ball and I need a 2 5/16

Chris R.

6/11/2020

There should hopefully be model or manufacturer information stamped somewhere on the main gooseneck plate. If not, please feel free to email me a picture directly and I will try to determine what model/brand it is.