What Size Ball - Mac26M

A forum for discussing issues relating to trailers and towing MacGregor sailboats.
Post Reply
macsailor65
Just Enlisted
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Sep 15, 2014 9:46 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M

What Size Ball - Mac26M

Post by macsailor65 »

I recently purchased a 2006 M26 and have a question on towing. The manual said to use a 2 inch ball on the tow vehicle. My 2 inch ball would not fit so I used a 1 7/8 inch ball. Am I required to use a 2 inch ball? It did not fit. Any ideas?
Y.B.Normal
First Officer
Posts: 336
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:55 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Western PA

Re: What Size Ball - Mac26M

Post by Y.B.Normal »

I offer 3 suggestions:

1. Look on the coupler itself; it should have stamped on it if it's 1 7/8", 2", or larger. If you use a smaller ball than what's required, you're taking the chance that it may come off the ball. It's no fun chasing the trailer after it leaves the ball. USUALLY :) the safety chains keep it behind the vehicle.

2. Make sure the coupler ball socket is opening up all the way. I've had this happen on several hitches; the moveable piece inside the coupler may be jammed or sticking. Lubing it or prying it with a screwdriver gently should loosen it.

3. Make sure the ball isn't egg-shaped. Severe pressures may have deformed the ball. It it is, replace the ball.

Hope these ideas help.
User avatar
Tomfoolery
Admiral
Posts: 6135
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2011 7:42 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Rochester, NY '99X BF50 'Tomfoolery'

Re: What Size Ball - Mac26M

Post by Tomfoolery »

1 7/8" balls usually are only good to 2000 lb. The :macm: and trailer will be 4000 lb or more and came with a surge brake coupler for a 2" ball. Unless someone changed the coupler.

What YBN said.
Stevenhigbee
Engineer
Posts: 124
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2014 8:15 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26S

Re: What Size Ball - Mac26M

Post by Stevenhigbee »

When I bought my 26S and went to pick it up, it wouldn't attach to the 2" ball on my truck either. The ball on my truck had a rounded top, and it needed a flat top.
Post Reply