04 Niagara standard hitch size??

[gmglenn]

We've been pulling an older Coleman past 8 years.  We use a 1 7/8" hitch ball to pull the older coleman.  I'm buying a 04 Niagara from an individual and setting up my tow truck for the new trailer.  I can't reach the owner, but my guess is that I need a 2" ball diameter, 1" shank diameter and a 2 1/8" shank length.  I also need to add a new 7 pin wiring harness as we've used the old flat 4-way.  When adding the wiring harness, any recommendations on a electric brake controller type or brand name?  Looking forward to many years camping in the new niagara!! cya in the woods, Mike

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT!  Yes it is a 2 inch ball.  The shank diameter and length depend on the draw bar that you are using.  As far as what brand of brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy.  Good luck with the new camper.  When and where is your first trip planned?

[masspopup]

When bought our first pup (new to us) the seller told us we needed a 2" ball.  We have had a couple of occassions where the trailer seemed to be "stuck" on the ball, and required a number of creative methods to eventually pop it loose.  

Is there a chance that I should be using a smaller ball?  Our pup is a 97' Viking Legend.

masspopup

[gmglenn]

Thanks for the welcome!  For our 1st trip in the new camper, we're off to Southern Colorado for four nights, then Lake Navajo three nights.  We'll be arriving southern CO first week of June, during the peak of the runoff.  Piedra river rapids should be running high.  Now that we have A/C and heat in the camper, we'll be planning late fall and summer trips.  For fall, we'd like to hike in Bend Bend National Park.  Do you have some favorite sites in PA?

[tlhdoc]

When bought our first pup (new to us) the seller told us we needed a 2" ball. We have had a couple of occassions where the trailer seemed to be "stuck" on the ball, and required a number of creative methods to eventually pop it loose.
 
Is there a chance that I should be using a smaller ball? Our pup is a 97' Viking Legend.
 
masspopup

The coupler on the trailer should have the size ball stamped on it.  You can adjust how tight the coupler fits over the ball.  You don't want it too loose, because it could come off when towing, but it sounds like it is a smidge too tight.  Do you use hitch lube?  That may help too.

[tknick]

We've been pulling an older Coleman past 8 years.  We use a 1 7/8" hitch ball to pull the older coleman.  I'm buying a 04 Niagara from an individual and setting up my tow truck for the new trailer.  I can't reach the owner, but my guess is that I need a 2" ball diameter, 1" shank diameter and a 2 1/8" shank length.  I also need to add a new 7 pin wiring harness as we've used the old flat 4-way.  When adding the wiring harness, any recommendations on a electric brake controller type or brand name?  Looking forward to many years camping in the new niagara!! cya in the woods, Mike

Ball should be a 2"

When wiring the 7 pin plug, there are kits available that will allow you to plug your 4 way plug into the back of the 7 pin and save you the trouble of having to rewire those connections.  HERE is one example.  When running the +12v line to the plug, connect it through a relay directly to your battery.  That way when the TV is not running, the 12v is disconnected and you won't return from that long lunch to a dead battery.  Running the blue Brake controller wire is simply a matter of routing the wire away from heat sources and getting into the cabin through the firewall.  Most brake controllers have a 3 or 4 wire setup that is relatively easy to figure out.  They have good instructions and tech support (or us) are always available to help with the details.

as for the brake controller, I HIGHLY recommend the Prodigy.  I recently upgraded from a time delay controller to the Prodigy and love it .  it is like the trailer isn't even back there.  And I am towing a bayside which is comparable in weight to your niagra (really heavy).

good luck
travis

[tlhdoc]

Do you have some favorite sites in PA?

Yes I do.  I love RB Winter SP and after checking out Poe Paddy SP last week, I think that it will be on my list too.  It sounds like you have some great places to camp lined up.  Enjoy the heat and air.