Pintle Vs. Ball
Pintle and ball are two important varieties of hitch connection for cars, trucks, construction equipment and farm implements. A pintle hitch, usually made of stainless steel, is basically an open ring that is closed and locked over a connecting bar that carries the load weight. A ball hitch is a chromed steel ball, about the size of a tennis ball, over which the load is secured, using a bar with a cap and chain apparatus.
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Security and Simplicity
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Ball hitches are for lighter loads. The pintle hitch is designed for heavy weight hauling. The pintle is more secure, effectively locking down the load with much less danger of a breakaway. Ball hitches have to be set up with a safety chain to prevent a breakaway in case the hitch comes undone.
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Pintles are more complicated to mount and may require more accessories to work well. When adding a pintle hitch to a vehicle, you must also install a mounting bar. Most trucks come with a ball hitch already mounted underneath the tailgate, on the back of the vehicle. There are different sizes for different loads. A pintle hitch adaptor may also be necessary if the vehicle doesn't have the proper set up for a hitch connection.
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Noise and Movement
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Pintles are generally noisier than ball hitches. As the load shifts, the linkage moves with it, creating some rattling and clanking. But allowing the weight of the towed equipment to shift somewhat on the hitch makes it less likely for the hitch to suddenly fail.
Off-Road Hauling
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Pintles are better than ball-joints for off-road hauling. The connection is more secure in the case of potholes, washboard surfaces and obstructions. Ball hitches can more easily fail in suddenly rough terrain; the ball itself can shear completely off the hitch if the driver has to slam on the brakes. Ball hitches allow less movement of the hitch, so are smoother at high speed.
Combinations
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A ball/pintle combination hitch allows you to tow any type of trailer. This is the most secure kind of hitch lockdown. It allows less movement of the load connection while moving at highway speeds. It is also less noisy than a pintle hitch used alone.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of F. HAYET
