How to Choose a High-Low Adapter

A high-low adapter is a hitch accessory that allows you to either raise or lower the tow bar to a safe level. Before flat towing your vehicle behind your RV, your setup may require a tow bar adapter to raise or lower the height of the tow bar to the "Safe Zone".

Note: High-low adapters reduce the hitch's capacity by 50%. Additionally, the majority of high-low adapters cannot support the tongue weight of a trailer.

The "safe zone" for most motorhome-mounted tow bars ranges from 3" above level to 3" below level. Vehicle-mounted tow bars have less wiggle room—these should pretty much be level.

If your tow bar is unlevel, this can put a serious strain on your suspension, tires, and vehicle frame. So, how do you know if your tow bar has a spot secured in the "safe zone"? This article will explore the quickest and easiest way to choose a high-low adapter in only three steps.

How to Measure for a Tow Bar Adapter

Measure Hitch Receiver Height
Measure Base Plate Height
Find the Difference

Step 1: Measure Hitch Receiver Height

With the RV parked on level ground, measure from the ground up to the center of the trailer hitch receiver opening as shown. As a frame of reference, you can also utilize the center of your hitch pin hole.

With the RV parked on level ground, measure from the ground up to the center of the trailer hitch receiver opening as shown.

Step 2: Measure Base Plate Height

For the most accurate height, you'll want to start off by parking the toad on level ground. Next, measure from the ground up to the center point of the tabs/base plates where the tow bar attaches.

Step 3: Find the Difference

If the trailer hitch on the RV is higher, then the difference in the measurements is the amount of drop you need. And if the tabs/base plates are higher, the difference is the amount of rise you need. Still a bit confused? Check out a photo example of what this step looks like in a real-life setting.

Looking at the visual, the difference between the two measurements is 5". Although we recommend getting your setup as level as possible, the "safe zone" for most motorhome-mounted tow bars ranges from 3" above level to 3" below level. This means that the owner of the motorhome would want to invest in a high-low adapter greater than 2" but less than 8".

IMPORTANT: You may need safety cable extensions if you use a high-low adapter due to the added distance. Otherwise, you might actually damage your safety chains.

Damaged safety cable on tow bar. Make sure your safety cables are long enough after installing your high-low adapter!

Now, it's selection time!

Tow Bar adapters are measured from the center of the shank that fits in the receiver to the center of the receiver opening at the other end of the adapter. Once you determine the right rise or drop needed, you can select the right adapter!

Consider an Anti-Rattle Device

High-low adapters help you achieve the proper and safe height for your tow bar setup. Adapters create an additional point of potential movement in your hitch receiver, which amplifies the shake and play. You can reduce this by investing in an anti-rattle device. These devices help prevent movement of a hitch-mounted accessory. Not only does an anti-rattle device keep hitch-mounted accessories quiet, it will help your towed vehicle follow better behind your RV by preventing looseness in your towing setup.

To continue learning about high-low adapters, how they may reduce weight ratings, and if there compatible with a hitch extender click here. Other than that, happy towing!

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Written by: Michael H.

Updated by: Rachel S.

Updated on: 2/13/2023

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