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Anyone know what the wear limit is for a 50mm towball? I've seen 49mm and 49.6mm mentioned, is it as simple as setting the vernier callipers to 49.5 and trying to pass them over the ball in various directions? Although Google has mention of the importance of checking the wear, there isn't much in the way of 'how'.
I reckon the ball has got at least 15,000 towing miles on it with a heavy trailer, when I cleaned the grease off (it tows a horsebox so doesn't have a stabiliser hitch/friction pads) to fit a bike rack it was nicely polished and much shinier than when it was new!
And is there a way to check the wear of the trailer hitch?
Our Thule has an adjustment dial, so you can narrow the rack clamp. I then have to lean a good amount of my weight onto the handle to close and s cure it.
At the cost of a replacement towball compared to the monetary cost of Vet bills not to mention the emotional impact why don't you just replace it. Also make sure the hitch isn't worn too.
I could replace it but it seems pointless if it's not at all worn. There is no visible wear apart from the fact it's taken on a bit more shine.
I also read about a guy who did 35,000 with one ball and it wore past the allowable limit, and he found the tolerances for new towballs were terrible, with many already at the worn out measurement from brand new...
Matt, just to clarif, Not fitting a bike rack 🙂
I just bought a new ball with pin style one from eBay, £27 quid delivered.