How to Determine Correct Ball Mount Rise or Drop for Towing a Trailer with a 17 Inch Coupler Height

Updated 06/28/2010 | Published 06/25/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(518)

$220.00

Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2-3/4" Rise, 4" Drop - 9" Long - 7.5K

(3399)

$36.82

Convert-A-Ball Dual-Cushioned, Adjustable Ball Mount - 7" Rise to 9-1/2" Drop - 5,000 lbs

(1326)

$163.73

etrailer 2-3/4" Rise or 4" Drop Ball Mount Kit - 7,500 lbs

(1369)

$115.39

Question:

I am buying a trailer which specifies that its hitch height is 17. I am assuming is from the ground. I am not sure what ball mount to purchase. Which one would work for my truck Honda CRV 2008?. Will the Adjustable Ball Mount etrailer.com recommends work for my truck and the trailer?

asked by: Ludwin

Helpful Expert Reply:

Normally trailer coupler height is around 17 inches, from the ground to the bottom of the coupler, and most hitch manufacturers design their hitches to work with a ball mount that will end up very close to this measurement. I am including a link to an instruction page detailing how to measure for the correct ball mount and how to measure the ball mount.

With the Curt Trailer Hitch, item # 13555, for your 2008 Honda CRV the recommended ball mount is the Draw-Tite Ball Mount, item # 2753, which will put your ball at the recommended height. You will need to measure from the ground to the top of the hitch opening to determine the exact height and the correct rise or drop ball mount you will need.

If you tow trailers with different size balls then the etrailer.com 2-3/4 inch Rise or 4 inch Drop Ball Mount Kit, item # EBMK4 would be a good choice.

An adjustable ball mount would also be a good idea for towing trailers with differing coupler heights. The Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount, item # CAB-UM, will provide a maximum drop of 9 inches and a maximum rise of 7 inches, depending on the coupler height of the trailer you tow and the hitch height on your vehicle.