If you are looking for a hitch ball with a 1-5/8-inch ball diameter, none of the listed products has that size. Several instead have a 5/8-inch shank, which is the stem that attaches to a mount—not the ball diameter. The CURT 40097 is best for a 2-inch coupler on an ATV, UTV, or lawn tractor; the CURT 40096 suits a 1-7/8-inch coupler in the same setting; and the CURT 40093 is a specialized sway-control attachment. Confirm both measurements before buying.
| Product | Ball diameter | Shank | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURT 40097 | 2 inches | 5/8 × 1-3/4 inches | Small-equipment towing with a 2-inch coupler |
| CURT 40096 | 1-7/8 inches | 5/8 × 1-3/4 inches | Small-equipment towing with a 1-7/8-inch coupler |
| CURT 40093 | 1-1/4 inches | 5/8 × 1-3/4 inches | Compatible sway-control setups |
| CURT 40063 | 1-7/8 inches | 3/4 × 2-1/8 inches | Trailer mounts needing a 3/4-inch shank |
| CURT 40062 | 1-7/8 inches | 1 × 2-1/8 inches | Trailer mounts needing a 1-inch shank |
CURT 40097 2-Inch ATV Hitch Ball
Best for: ATV, UTV, and lawn tractor owners whose trailer coupler requires a 2-inch ball and whose mounting tongue accepts a 5/8-inch shank. This ball is rated for up to 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight and is made from hot-forged steel. Its shank measures 5/8 inch in diameter by 1-3/4 inches long.
Choose this if the coupler size and mount dimensions match. The product is intended for small utility-trailer towing. Its stated 2,000-pound rating is a limit, not a reason to exceed the capacity of any other towing component. Avoid it if you need a 1-5/8-inch ball diameter; the ball itself measures 2 inches.
CURT 40096 1-7/8-Inch ATV Hitch Ball
Best for: Small-equipment towing where the trailer coupler calls for a 1-7/8-inch ball. Like the 40097, this CURT model is designed for ATVs, UTVs, or lawn tractors and has a 5/8-inch-diameter, 1-3/4-inch-long shank. It is made from hot-forged steel and rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
Compared with the 40097, this is the better choice only when the coupler requires 1-7/8 inches. The ball size is not interchangeable with a 2-inch coupler. Check that the tongue opening and thickness suit the listed shank dimensions before choosing it.
CURT 40093 Sway-Control Attachment Ball
Best for: Buyers replacing or adding the specified attachment ball for a compatible sway-control setup. The product has a 1-1/4-inch ball diameter and a 5/8-inch-diameter, 1-3/4-inch-long shank. It is intended for CURT sway control unit #17200 and is listed as fitting most weight-distribution hitches or CURT sway tab ball mount #45820 and weld-on sway tab #45822.
This is a specialized sway-control component, not a standard trailer-coupler ball for general towing. The sway-control unit is sold separately. Confirm your setup against the stated fit information; do not select it simply because its shank measures 5/8 inch.
CURT 40063 1-7/8-Inch Chrome Hitch Ball
Best for: A trailer setup that needs a 1-7/8-inch ball and a mount with a 3/4-inch hole. This CURT ball has a 3/4-inch-diameter shank that is 2-1/8 inches long, a stated 2,000-pound gross trailer weight rating, hot-forged steel construction, and chrome plating described as protective against corrosion.
It offers a different shank size from the 5/8-inch models, so it may suit a mount that cannot accept those smaller-shank options. Avoid it if your mount requires a 5/8-inch or 1-inch shank. Its ball diameter is 1-7/8 inches, not 1-5/8 inches.
CURT 40062 1-7/8-Inch Ball With 1-Inch Shank
Best for: Buyers whose ball mount requires a 1-inch-diameter shank and a 1-7/8-inch ball. The shank is 2-1/8 inches long. This hot-forged steel ball is rated for up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and has a chrome finish described as corrosion-resistant.
Compared with the CURT 40063, this model has a wider shank and a higher stated towing rating. Select it only if the mount is designed for a 1-inch shank and the coupler requires a 1-7/8-inch ball. It will not fit a 5/8-inch mount opening.
Buying Guide
Is 1-5/8 inches the ball diameter or the shank size?
Measure the spherical ball across its widest point to identify ball diameter. Measure the threaded stem separately to identify shank diameter. These products include several 5/8-inch shanks, but none has a 1-5/8-inch ball diameter. If you specifically need a 1-5/8-inch ball, verify the required size with your trailer coupler and look for a product listing that states that exact ball diameter.
How do I match a ball to my coupler?
Use the ball diameter specified on the trailer coupler. A 1-7/8-inch ball and a 2-inch ball are different sizes, even when their shanks are identical. The CURT 40096, 40063, and 40062 have 1-7/8-inch balls; the 40097 has a 2-inch ball. The 40093 is a sway-control attachment ball, not a typical coupler option.
What shank measurements should I check?
Match shank diameter to the hole in the ball mount, then check shank length against the mount thickness and required thread engagement. The listed options include 5/8-, 3/4-, and 1-inch shanks. A ball with the correct diameter can still be unsuitable if its shank does not match the mount.
How should I compare towing ratings?
Check the ball’s stated gross trailer weight rating and compare it with the ratings of the mount, hitch, vehicle, and trailer. The lowest-rated component sets the practical limit for the towing setup. Do not infer a rating for a product when its supplied specifications do not state one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a 5/8-inch shank mean the hitch ball is 5/8 inch wide?
No. Shank diameter measures the stem that passes through the mount. Ball diameter measures the spherical part that mates with the coupler.
Which listed product has a 2-inch ball?
The CURT 40097 has a 2-inch ball and a 5/8-inch-diameter shank. It is rated for up to 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
Can I use a 1-7/8-inch ball with a 2-inch coupler?
No. Match the ball diameter to the coupler’s specified size. The 1-7/8-inch and 2-inch sizes are not interchangeable.
Is the CURT 40093 a regular trailer hitch ball?
It is listed as a replacement attachment ball for CURT sway control and specified sway-tab setups. It has a 1-1/4-inch ball diameter and is not presented as a standard coupler ball.