How Do I Know How High The Ball Should Sit Above the Ground

Updated 06/19/2024 | Published 11/11/2009

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3382)

$36.11

Question:

How many inches above the ground should the trailer hitch ball be?

asked by: Dan H

Expert Reply:

This will depend on the hitch used and the height of the trailer coupler. You want the trailer to be as level as possible. We have a page on calculating hitch height and coupler height to help you find what ball mount would work best.

Most light duty trailers are 16-17 inches in coupler height, so we recommend ball mounts on the hitch pages that will give that particular vehicle 16-17 inches on the ball mount. The ball mount that provides 16-17 inches height for a 2008 Hyundai Entourage is part # 2753.

expert reply by: Patrick B

Rob T.

4/10/2020

I have a fairly steep driveway. Before I purchase a trailer I would like to figure parameters for when my hitch might bottom out. I suspect it has to do with the angle of the driveway and length of trailer from coupler to axle? An illustration on what to find to figure out would be ideal.

Chris R.

4/11/2020

This is a difficult question to answer because of all the variables involved. There isn't really a set formula or diagram you can use for it. If bottoming out is a big concern, your best route will be to actually mock up a trailer setup with your tow vehicle on the driveway to see where it bottoms out, and what needs to be changed to prevent it. The driveway angle, actual coupler height when hooked up (the rear of your vehicle will likely sag a bit upon hookup), angle you actually come up or down the driveway, etc will all factor into play.

Ed F.

6/19/2024

@ChrisR I am in a similar situation and have made a pyramid shoring set that will decrease the angle, it takes an extra step to place them in the low spot but works fine for raising the trailer axle 4''