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Post by Teachndad on Aug 23, 2014 5:28:36 GMT -8
Hi,
There's a good chance I will be picking up a 1955 Kenskill today supposedly with everything original..., that's if the pictures and owners answers are authentic.
Since I haven't seen it, can anyone tell me with the most likelyhood, what size hitchball fits in the coupler?
It's a 1955 14' foot model. I currently run a 2" ball on my TV for my tent trailer. I am hoping it's going to be the right size.
BTW, I am running a class 3 hitch.
Thanks
Rod
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Aug 23, 2014 7:49:32 GMT -8
I have no experience with Kenskill (Mobiltec and Vikx can probably give you some insight) but I can give you some advice on being prepared with the right ball size from my own experience. If I were you, I'd be prepared with your 2" and maybe a 1 7/8" just in case. And when you get to your trailer, look on the coupler and see what it says. When I went to look at my trailer, the PO said it took a 1 7/8" and I took his word for it because I had read that's what other trailers like mine had. The PO even swapped out my 2" for a 1 7/8" and we towed home with it. Hmm. 6 months later, I'm cleaning up the tongue and it is clearly stamped "2" inch ball."
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Post by bigbill on Aug 23, 2014 8:07:43 GMT -8
Very good advice SusieQ.
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Aug 23, 2014 8:20:50 GMT -8
You need to "carry" both a 2", and a 1 7/8" ball size with you when picking up unknown trailers. How you accomplish that is the question. IMO, changing the ball size is not very practical. There's too many different ball shaft diameters, thickness differences, and it's hard to hold the ball from turning after it gets rusted and crusted. Your going to want to carry two "ball mounts" that already have the correct different sized balls "installed". Just look at any Saturday morning garage sale and pick up a extra ball mount or two for five bucks each. It is even good to have a couple with different drops/rises incase you have different height receivers on different tow vehicles. You should "always" try to use the 2" ball size first. As Susie pointed out, you can mistakenly put a 2" trailer coupler on a 1 7/8" ball, and it's not safe. It will not fit in the other direction, so you cannot mess up. Also as a safety check, after the trailer coupler is latched onto the ball, try and raise the trailer with the screw jack. If it raises the tow vehicle with the trailer.......it is safely latched.
Every trailer ball should be GREASED! The best way to handle them is to keep them covered with a plastic ball cover to reduce the mess.
You should also have a "seven way to a four way" plug adapter (under $10), because you never know what you will find until you see the trailer.
The best ball mount for any vintage that has a "short tongue" (as most do) is a ball mount sold by ETrailer. It's Hidden Hitch #80232 Ball Mount. It's extra long, and only sells for about $30.00. It's a good solution for towing a early "short tongue" trailer with a modern wide tow vehicle that has the receiver mounted further under the bumper. |
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Aug 23, 2014 8:29:35 GMT -8
Excellent point John about the drop. That was another problem I ran into because I went back with a different tow vehicle that was higher. I have several balls mounted that I can change out. Some people invest in the multi-size ball mount but I it's too heavy and gaudy for my likes.  |
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Post by Teachndad on Aug 23, 2014 9:03:59 GMT -8
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for the great advice!
In response to John Palmer's suggestions, I bought the adapter with a 4 and 6 adapter for the TV early this morning to be picked up on the way to the look see. I do have a 1 7/8 ball on a ball mount, but it's a narrower shank( I think 1"), but I do have an adapter to fit the standard(I think)2 inch shank hitch. It should get me the 25 miles home. Of course that bars any issues with leveling the trailer to the TV.
Along with the adapter, I purchased for pick up a set of magnetic tail lights just incase the signal lights arent' working.
I had previously noticed the tongues are so short even compared to my 1985 pop up. I really like the idea of the extension as I can already see, since you mentioned it, issues with backing up into tight spots and with the short tongue. I would hate to play Crinkle Fender with my vehicles.
Thank you for the education. : )
Rod
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Aug 23, 2014 9:06:47 GMT -8
Excellent point John about the drop. That was another problem I ran into because I went back with a different tow vehicle that was higher. I have several balls mounted that I can change out. Some people invest in the multi-size ball mount but I it's too heavy and gaudy for my likes.
Susie, At first glance the "multi mount" might seem like the perfect solution. But your never going to need the 2 5/16" size unless your towing a heavy trailer , then you will also need a weight distributing type mount. When using the 1 7/8" or 2" sizes you will have a "extra ball" hanging down, and dragging on the curb.
I just built a custom receiver for my 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon and I tucked the hitch up under the bumper as far as possible to hide it. Since the car sits low, I don't want anything extra hanging down below the hitch when towing.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Aug 23, 2014 9:31:19 GMT -8
I agree with you John. Just putting what's available out there. And I do know people who tow multiple trailers who use the multi-size ball mount. Had one come in handy this past summer when towing a utility trailer that wasn't mine.
There's also a double mount which has the 2" and 1 7/8" but one is up and one is down. Also, another disadvantage is you either don't have a drop or you have a drop on one and rise on the other.
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Post by bigbill on Aug 23, 2014 9:47:35 GMT -8
I have found over the years that when going after an unknown trailer there are no rules as to what to expect. the handiest hitch to have is the one with adjustable ball height and a selection of trailer balls that fit it, at least an 1 7/8 and a 2 inch ball but a few years ago I ran into a coupler that was marked for a 1 3/4 inch ball and to my knowledge they have not been made for years, like 50 or 60. Also make sure you have the proper tools with you.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 23, 2014 20:40:59 GMT -8
John you sure know your trailers. Kenskills do have short tongues. I had to get an extended hitch for mine. That extra inch and a half did the job.
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Post by Teachndad on Aug 23, 2014 21:15:38 GMT -8
Thank you everyone again for so much good info. What a great forum!
As you all have more than likely experienced, once you see the trailer, it's not anything as it was presented by the owner. That's what happened today. Major flooring issues beyond my abilities or patience to repair.
I am once again engaged in a search for another trailer that might suit me like Harry Potter and his wand. LOL.
I will take what I learned here and keep it.
All be back.
Rod
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Aug 23, 2014 22:28:33 GMT -8
As you all have more than likely experienced, once you see the trailer, it's not anything as it was presented by the owner. That's what happened today. Major flooring issues beyond my abilities or patience to repair. I am once again engaged in a search for another trailer that might suit me like Harry Potter and his wand. LOL.
Well.........I'M SHOCKED!
A seller has misrepresented the condition of a trailer for sale!
This must be a first.
LOL
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 24, 2014 17:41:59 GMT -8
Sounds like a cedar chopper story to me LOL. At least he didn't threaten to chainsaw it to pieces if you didn't buy it.
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