Selecting a Ball Mount and Ball for a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

Expert Reply:

One of the most important things to do when towing is to get the trailer and vehicle level. Selecting the appropriate ball mount will allow you to keep the trailer level. We have a page that shows how to find what drop or rise ballmount is needed to keep the trailer level, I have included a link to it. Basically you will measure the height of your hitch and the height of the coupler on the trailer. If the trailer is higher, then you get a ball mount that rises however many inches. The opposite goes if the hitch is higher.

If you are towing the same trailer all the time, you can use a fixed ball mount. They are less expensive and easier to use. If you are towing a different trailer each time, then you would probably want an adjustable ball mount with multiple balls like the part you were looking at.

Selecting a ball is a fairly easy process. The trailer coupler will have stamped on it what size ball it needs, either 1-7/8 inch, 2 inch or 2-5/16 inch. The ball mount will also play a part in determining which ball you choose. The ball mount holes come in 3 different sizes, 3/4 inch, 1 inch and 1-1/4 inch and that will determine the ball shank size.

So if your trailer coupler says 2 inch ball and your ball mount has a 1 inch diameter hole, you would order a 2 inch ball with a 1 inch shank diameter. I will link you to another page that has information on selecting a ball.

If you measure your hitch height, from the ground to the top of the opening and your coupler height, from the ground to the bottom edge of the coupler, I can tell you what ball mounts and balls will work for your setup.

Rental trailers are usually about the same height, and are usually 16 to 17 inches coupler height, so the ball mount we have recommend on a hitch page should be a close fit. The recommended drawbar for 2003 Avalanche hitches is part # 2923 and should work with a standard height trailer.

expert reply by: Patrick B