OOSC, Part II, Item 3. Coupling Devices, g. Hitch Systems - Ball Hitch
| Entry Date | July 7, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Issue Number | 21-029-VEH |
| Name | William Crook |
| Agency | Maryland State Police |
| Address | 6855 Deerpath Rd Ste GElkridge, Maryland, 21075United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab) |
| Phone | 4105795959 |
| [email protected] | |
| Committee | Vehicle Committee |
| Status | Closed |
| Summary of Issue | During a recent inspection I observed a ball hitch with a two inch shaft inserted into a three inch receiver, equipped with an adapter/ sleeve (installed to making the receiver a total two and a half inch). I couldn't find anything in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations prohibiting this. |
| Justification or Need | I fear with this set up most of the tongue weight of the trailer is being supported by the receiver pin (which are not rated for any type of weight) and with the movement of normal transportation will result in the pin failing and the trailer becoming disconnected. |
| Request for Action | Research into whether this is a safe practice and added regulations if it is deemed to be unsafe. |