Written by: Amber S

Last updated: 5/20/2024

Est. read time: 5 mins.

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

For safe and comfortable towing, your trailer should always be as level as possible. A level trailer handles well, promotes even tire wear, and minimizes strain on both the trailer and tow vehicle. However, with the many different tow vehicles and trailers out there, it's rare that any vehicle and trailer line up perfectly for towing. This is why ball mounts are made in a variety of sizes and come with what's known as rise and drop — to compensate for the height difference between your trailer and vehicle and allow for safe, level towing. Today I'm going to show you how to measure rise or drop on your own trailer so you can get out of the driveway and onto the road!

In this article:

Learn how to measure for ball mount rise and drop with our expert Jake in this video!

What are Rise and Drop?

Rise is the distance from the top of the shank to the top of the ball platform when the ball mount is oriented for greater coupler height.

Drop is the distance from the top of the shank to the top of the ball platform when the ball mount is oriented for lower coupler height.

Measuring rise on your drop hitch

Measuring drop on your drop hitch

Your tow vehicle and trailer should be level when towing

How Do I Measure for Rise and Drop?

To choose a ball mount with the correct rise and drop, you'll first need to take two measurements: your hitch height (Measurement A) and coupler height (Measurement B). The difference between them will be your rise or drop.

Step 1: Find your hitch height

Measure trailer hitch height to top of receiver opening

Measurement A: With the tow vehicle parked on level ground, measure from the ground to the top of your hitch receiver opening.

Step 2: Find your coupler height

Measure coupler height from ground to bottom of coupler

Measurement B: With the trailer level, measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler.

Step 3: Find the difference

Determine which has a greater height—your hitch or coupler—and find the difference between the two measurements. This is the amount of rise or drop you'll need.

Hitch Height (A) - Coupler Height (B) = Rise/Drop (C)

If your hitch height is greater, use a ball mount with a drop. If your coupler height is greater, use a ball mount with a rise. You can flip your drop hitch upside down to use it in either the rise or drop position as needed.

Example:

(15" Hitch Height) - (10" Coupler Height) = (5" Drop Needed)

(12" Hitch Height) - (13" Coupler Height) = (1" Rise Needed)

Examples: Measuring for rise and drop on a fixed vs adjustable ball mount:

Measuring for trailer hitch rise or drop (fixed hitch)

Measuring for rise or drop on a fixed ball mount

Measuring for trailer hitch rise or drop (adjustable hitch)

Measuring for rise or drop on an adjustable ball mount

What If I Tow Multiple Trailers?

If you need to tow multiple trailers, you should consider an adjustable ball mount like you see here. While fixed ball mounts have a set rise and drop, the rise and drop on adjustable ball mounts can be altered to accommodate different coupler heights. Adjustable models can save you the trouble and expense of using a separate ball mount for each trailer. Simply slide the ball mount platform up or down the shank and secure it in place with the locking pin to achieve the necessary rise or drop.

How Do I Choose an Adjustable Ball Mount?

To choose the best adjustable ball mount for your towing needs, first you'll need to determine the tongue weight of the heaviest trailer you want to tow. Make sure your adjustable ball mount has the weight capacity to support the loaded weight of the trailer. Also make sure the ball mount you choose has the correct size shank to fit your hitch's receiver (for instance, use a 2-inch ball mount with a 2-inch hitch receiver). Next, determine the tallest rise and deepest drop you'll need using the guidelines above—this will be the range you'll need in your ball mount. Finally, determine which hitch ball diameter you will need. Adjustable ball mounts usually come with at least one ball, and most come with two or three balls of different sizes for towing different trailers.

Still have questions?

Give our experts a call at 800-298-8924, or contact us online. We're happy to assist any way we can!

About Amber S

As a content writer for etrailer, I might spend my morning loading and unloading a bike on five different bike racks to figure out which is easiest to use. I might be in the parking lot, taking pictures of an impressive RV battery setup our techs came across in the shop and discussing the benefits of the setup with the owner. I might spend an afternoon in a manufacturer training classes for some hands-on experience with new products, and then sit down to assemble all this information into a coherent article.

At etrailer, one of our core values is that we are always learning, and I learn something new every day. I start each morning with the goal in mind of taking all of this information and figuring out the best way to answer the questions people ask us (and the ones they don’t know to ask yet), and helping people get the solutions they need to make their lives easier, safer, and more fun. I’m a DIYer at heart, so it brings me great joy to help a fellow DIYer find what they’re looking for, whether that’s a product, an answer, or a community.

Related Products

Shop Trailer Hitch Balls

Shop Hitch Pin Alignment Collar

Shop Hitch Pins and Clips

Written by: Amber S

Updated by: Jacob J

Updated on: 5/20/2024

Jenni C.

11/25/2024

This doesn't account for any change in height when the trailer is dropped onto the ball, so won't these measurements result in the trailer angling downward, once hitched up?

Jameson C.

11/25/2024

@JenniC Yes slightly. So when picking out a ball mount if you have to go with an option that is a little on the taller or shorter side try to compensate for the sag of the suspension.

Backroad B.

8/18/2024

I have a 2020 Toyota forerunner trd off road, I just bought a 10 x 12 enclosed trailer and haven't picked it up yet. I have a 2 inch ball that goes into the receiver with hardly any drop. Will I be OK or wait to go pick it up and have to purchase a new ball with a bigger drop at the dealership?

Bryce D.

8/19/2024

@BackroadB Backroad, you'd just need to measure the rise/drop in order to determine which ball mount would work best. Check out the URL I attached which goes over how to measure this so you can pick out the correct ball mount. If the trailer is an inch or less off of level, then you'll be fine to tow it but if it's more then I'd suggest waiting.

Helpful Links

faq-ballmount.aspx

Gene

8/4/2024

I have a Ram 2500 with a class 5 hitch with a 2 1/2 receiver. The inside of the receiver on top measures 24". My enclosed car hauler measures 16" to the coupler similar to the video. I would like to purchase a drop hitch with a weight distribution system for this application. I already purchased a Blue Ox system and had to return it. The vendor said the drop would be fine. They don't take in consideration their system does not measure from the bottom hole but it raises the top of the ball to 23" due to the sway control rod holders and the rise of the ball. The drop hitch had 9 holes. The rise was about 6 holes. Do you have a suggestion to which drop hitch and distribution system would work for my situation? Jake has the same situation in the video, but he is not using a weight distribution system.

Jon G.

8/5/2024

@Gene I recommend combining the 12K Reese Dual Cam II # RP75FR with the Curt Shank # C17132 for the amount of drop you're needing. I'm not entirely sure what weight capacity weight distribution you're needing, but if you can let me know the GVWR of your trailer I'd be more than happy to make a different recommendation if needed!

Gene

8/5/2024

@JonG My GVWR of my trailer should be 12,000 to 14,000LBS.

Jon G.

8/6/2024

@Gene In that case, I recommend the 17K Strait-Line # RP66075 and Hitch Ball # 63840 to complete your setup. You'll just combine it with the Curt Shank # C17132 and be good to go!

Phil A.

11/29/2023

What effect if any do you get if tow ball is above top of hitch height. I’m currently having trouble with set up of my new car with van. I can get van level behind vehicle but rear of vehicle has about 80mm sag (too much) with WDH I put on 4 links but it only raises rear minimal. People recommend air bags but not convinced as sole way of solving problem. Sorry for more than one question. Thanks

Jenny N.

11/29/2023

@PhilA Congratulations on the new vehicle! If you have too much of a rise on the ball mount it can cause the trailer to be off balance enough to cause uneven wear on the tires over time as the trailer front end will be up higher then it needs to be. With your vehicle sag, I would be happy to give options for you. Air bags can help however there are other options that may be better suited. How often do you tow? What is the year, make, and model of your new vehicle.

Phil

11/29/2023

@JennyN Hi, new car is Isuzu MUX, 2023, LST, we are full time travellers so towing most of year. I inquired about air bags, but people I speak to are either airbag or WDH supporters, I’m the latter as I have used them all the time. But I always have in my mind about airbags only lift but don’t move weight back onto front of vehicle and that is my concern. I previously had an Isuzu MUX 2014 model but new model is higher and whilst I can get van level on rear of car the rear is down about 80mm. That is when airbags are recommended but with my question about not shifting weight?

Jenny N.

11/30/2023

@Phil Yep, you are correct in that using airbags will not shift weight however it will help with vehicle sag. You can use air bags and the WDH in conjuction with each other. The air bags PSI would be set first and then you would set the WDH. The draw back with air bags is that it takes a compressor which you can use a manual one or add a onboard compressor to your vehicle. That being said, for your vehicle I do not have an air bag system to offer through the manufacturers we carry except an universal kit rated for 1,000 pounds that would install in the rear coil spring suspension, such as part # AL60920. On the product page it explains how to measure to make sure you select the right kit if it is something you want to go with.

See All (5) Replies to Phil A. ∨

David K.

10/24/2023

What is the point on a towed vehicle do you measure? To figure rise or drop to correct offset.

Mike L.

11/11/2023

@DavidK What's the year/make/model vehicle? Which base plate are you planning on using?

David K.

11/11/2023

@MikeL 2021 jeep grand cherokee 80th edition Using blue ox BX1128

Mike L.

11/12/2023

@DavidK Assuming your GC is at stock ride height, the mounting arm tabs of the # BX1128 will sit at 17-1/2 inches above the ground. If this represents more than a 3 +/- height difference compared to the receiver hitch on the tow vehicle, you'll need the appropriate high/low adapter to bring it within that range. I'll link you to our selection of adapters below.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-hitch_adapters-sf-high%7elow_adapter.aspx

Show All (28) Replies

Hide Replies

Explore Expert Info

on Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

Videos

for Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

Help Articles

for Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

Expert Answers

for Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

A Closer Look at the BulletProof Hitches 2-Ball Mount for 2" Hitch with 8-1/4" Drop or 8-3/4" Rise

A Closer Look at the Lomax Stance Hard Tonneau Cover

Built for Big Loads: BulletProof Hitch Breakdown with the Manufacturer

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat: The Breakdown

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040

Review of B and W Lock for BW Tow and Stow - BW72AR

Checking Out the Weigh Safe Hitch with Built-In Scale

Review of etrailer Hitch Anti-Rattle - Anti-Rattle - e38FV

Review of InfiniteRule Trailer Hitch Lock - Brand Specific Lock - 34061775-D

How to Choose the Right High-Low Adapter

All About the Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2" Hitches

Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness Review

The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy

Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size

5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches

Determining Trailer Tongue Weight

Steel vs. Aluminum Ball Mounts

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class

2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size

My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit

Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)

Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes

What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Best Air Bag Kit For 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro

Hey Mike, thanks for reaching out. We do offer an air bag kit for the 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro. Here is what you will need: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle #AL95QF You also have the option of adding an onboard compressor,…

view full answer...

Is Just the Shank Available for the Curt Adjustable 2-Ball Channel Mount 45926

Hey David, thanks for reaching out! The shank on the Curt Adjustable 2-Ball Channel Mount #C45926 isn't available by itself, unfortunately. What were you planning on using it for? I might be able to find an alternative solution for you!

view full answer...

Hey Ed! To pull a tow dolly you'll need an adjustable ball mount like the BulletProof Hitches 2-Ball Mount for 2" Hitch item #MD204. The Blue Ox item #BLU34TR you were looking at only works with tow bars on flat towing set ups. What…

view full answer...

What Weight Safe Weight Distribution to Use for 11,300 lbs GVWR Trailer

Hey Vernon, great to hear from you again! For your trailer that has a GVWR of 11,295 lbs I actually recommend stepping up one level and going with the 18.5K #WS49MR which has the same 6" drop and fits a 2-1/2" hitch receiver like the 12.5K…

view full answer...

My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Is There a Ladder Rack that Fits with Access Tonneau Cover for 2025 GMC Sierra EV

Hey Robert, the Access tonneau cover part #A24AU can work with a ladder rack but it has to be one that attaches to the top of the bed rails and not one that wraps around them like the Yakima Overhaul. For a ladder rack that installs like that the…

view full answer...

2 inch Hitch that Fits 2025 Mercedes Benz GLB35

Hey Adam, we have the Oris hitch part #TS26VR that fits your 2025 Mercedes Benz GLB35 and would provide a removable 2 inch hitch confirmed as a fit for your vehicle that would work great with a bike rack. What kind of bike rack do you have now and do…

view full answer...

Is The Ground Connection Incorporated Into The Plug On The Curt T-Connector C53VV?

Hi Len! I had not noticed that before. I asked and Curt does indeed integrate the ground into the plug in connection on a lot of their wiring harnesses and the #C53VV T-Connector is one of them. Tekonsha almost always has a separate ground that needs…

view full answer...

Does a Trailer have to be towed Level or Can it be Off Up or Down

If the trailer is less than 1 inch off of being perfectly level either up or down then it will be perfectly fine. Having it slightly higher would be better because presumably the tongue weight of the trailer will pull it down a little. You could also…

view full answer...

Is There Locking Hitch Pin for Rhino Rack T-Loader

Hey Rick, I wish I could say yes a Thule locking hitch pin would work with your Rhino Rack T-Load part #RTL002 but they are different sizes. The good news is the T-Load comes with a lock for the hitch pin so you won't need anything else.

view full answer...