When you're hauling a heavy gooseneck trailer or a loaded horse trailer down the highway, the hitch ball is literally the single point holding it all together. B&W Hitches built its reputation on getting that connection right, and the HB94003 reflects exactly that -- a precision-machined, high-strength steel ball rated to 24,000 lb gross trailer weight, sized at the industry-standard 2-5/16" diameter, with a 3-1/4" shank drop to match deeper receiver or gooseneck coupler setups.
The 2-5/16" ball diameter is the standard for heavy-duty towing applications -- gooseneck trailers, large horse trailers, stock trailers, and oversized fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapters all rely on this size. Pair that with a 24,000 lb rating and a 3-1/4" shank drop, and the HB94003 is built for serious working-truck duty, not just the occasional weekend haul.
B&W machines these balls from solid, high-strength steel and applies a zinc or chrome-style finish to resist corrosion -- important for a component that lives exposed under your truck bed or in the back of the pickup box. The dimensional precision matters too: a sloppy-fit ball causes coupler wear and trailer sway, while a properly sized B&W ball seats cleanly and locks tight.
Rated for up to 24,000 lb gross trailer weight -- appropriate for gooseneck livestock, flatbed, and equipment trailers common in ranch and construction work.
The heavy-duty standard size. Compatible with gooseneck couplers and fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapter hitches requiring a 2-5/16" socket.
The extended drop positions the ball at the correct height for deep-mount gooseneck hitches and adapter plates that sit lower in the truck bed.
B&W mills these balls to tight tolerances for a consistent, rattle-free coupler fit and long service life under repeated heavy loads.
The "drop" on a hitch ball refers to the offset between the top of the mounting plate or receiver and the centerline of the ball. A 3-1/4" drop is on the longer end of the spectrum and is typically used in gooseneck applications where the ball mounts to an OEM gooseneck kit or an aftermarket under-bed hitch (like B&W's own Turnoverball) that sits lower in the truck bed, or where a riser plate requires additional height offset.
If you are running a B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch -- one of the most popular OEM-style gooseneck systems on the market -- verify your specific hitch model's required ball shank dimensions before ordering. B&W publishes fitment charts for all Turnoverball applications by year, make, and model of truck.
The HB94003 is a popular replacement or upgrade ball for B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitches, as well as compatible with fifth-wheel-to-gooseneck adapter hitches (like the B&W Companion, Andersen, and similar designs) that accept a 2-5/16" ball. Always confirm your adapter's required ball shank length and thread size before installation.
This listing is for the hitch ball only. No receiver shank, no lock nut, and no trailer coupler are included. Confirm that your gooseneck hitch or adapter plate provides the correct threaded hole pattern to accept this ball's shank. A correctly torqued retaining nut (typically a large hex nut threaded onto the shank from below) is required for safe installation -- use a torque wrench and follow your hitch manufacturer's specification.
- Inspect the ball surface before each tow season for pitting, cracking, or deformation. A damaged ball can cause coupler bind or unexpected release.- Apply a light coat of ball grease or anti-seize to the ball surface to reduce coupler wear and prevent galling.- Check the retaining nut torque periodically, especially after the first few tows following installation. Steel-on-steel connections can settle slightly under load.- Store the ball with a rubber cover or cap when not in use to prevent surface rust in wet climates.
The HB94003 uses a specific shank thread size designed for B&W's hitch mounting systems. Do not force-thread this ball into a mismatched receiver hole. Cross-threading a hitch ball under load is a serious safety risk. If the ball does not thread in smoothly by hand, stop and verify compatibility before proceeding.