Coupler size?
 

I just purchased a 1999 Hi-Lo 26FB. I bought it from an estate and the inheritee doesn't know whether it takes a 2" of 2 5/16" ball. I told him it would probably be stamped on the front of the coupler, but he knows nothing about trailers and so can't find anything. It's 800 miles from my house and we're going to drive out to pick it up in about 10 days. It's in a small town in the middle of nowhere so there aren't any camping or hardware stores locally. I'd also like help determining if I need a weight distributing hitch to tow this trailer behind my 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab. Can anyone help me with these questions? I've tried calling Hi-Lo, but no one will answer the phone or return voice mails.
Thanks in advance,
................................Tim

Tim, there was a prior thread that may help your question. Goto

https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f26/...7-towlite-272/

The year and the size of the hi-lo may have 2" or 2 5/16" ball size. The factory used both sizes. My 1997 21 ft Tow-lite has a 2" ball.

Your best bet is to take both sizes & a box wrench (the nut size & shaft diameter may be different, so check this)

There is also another tread on this message board that refers to the weight distribution hitch. Under chit-chat/tow vehicles/tow systems

https://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f19/tow-systems-196/

I would recommend a wieght distribution hitch.
When you buy your wieght distribution hitch, buy one to accept a 2 5/16" ball size.They sale a reducing bushing to accept the smaller shaft size of a 2" ball.

I used the reducing bushing on my set up, since I had an older wieght distribution hitch with a 2 5/16" ball.

Also, you may need an electric brake controller for your truck.

LES 97 21ft. towlite

26 foot ball hitch
 

Go big. You can always find a smaller ball if you need it.
Weight equalizing hitches are fine if you never leave the pavement. You can add an easy rear suspension improvement, like Air Lift - Home
and tow pretty much anything and go pretty much anywhere.

Ball size
 

All 26' HiLo's use a 2 5/16 ball. the smaller towlites, funlites and some HiLo's 21' and smaller use the 2" ball. The size of the ball is determined by the weigh of the trailer and the heaver trailers all use the 2 5/16 ball.

I use to have a Dodge 1500 and I can tell you It will pull a 29' hilo very well. I do recomend you use a equlizer hitch with sway control and elec. brakes.

Sam

Thanks, everybody. I'll take the 2 5/16" ball and we'll get an equalizer that will handle the load. I knew there would be somebody here that could help. We're looking forward to towing this thing and more importantly, looking forward to taking the first trip.
Thanks again,
..................................Tim