How to Determine the Rise/Drop of Class I Ball Mounts

Updated 06/24/2015 | Published 06/22/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 3-1/8" Rise - 9-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs

(2293)

$38.94

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K

(2338)

$42.38

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 4" Rise - 10" Long - 2,000 lbs

(2338)

$31.30

Curt Class I Drawbar - 3-3/4" Rise - 11-1/2" Long - 2,000 lbs

(2293)

$32.89

Curt Class I Drawbar - 5" Rise - 11-9/16" Long - 2,000 lbs

(2293)

$37.54

Question:

Hi - we have a 2005 jetta wagon gas and were towing a 1974 Trillium fibreglass camping trailer which i renoed. the wagon has a hitch and currently a towing drawbar with only a 3/4inch rise 1 1/4 x 1 1/4. the trailer sits too low for my liking. is there a rise youd recommend? thanks!

asked by: Ross M

Expert Reply:

There's some specific measurements to take to determine the rise/drop of ball mount you need. Measure from the inside top of the receiver tube to the ground. Then, with the trailer jacked so that it's level, measure the distance from the underside of the coupler to the ground. The difference between the two measurements is the rise/drop needed. If the coupler height is taller than that of the receiver, you'll need a ball mount with a rise. If the coupler height is smaller than that of the receiver, you'll need a drop.

I'll link you to an FAQ article that shows how to take the measurement, as well as to our selection of ball mounts that might work for you.

2-1/8 inch rise, # 3593
3 inch rise, # 36061
3-3/4 inch rise, part # C45023
4 inch rise, part # 3594
5 inch rise, part # C45025

I'd recommend confirming that the weight of the trailer and its fully loaded tongue weight doesn't exceed the 2000 lb towing/ 200 lb tongue weight capacity of the hitch, or the towing capacity of the vehicle, whichever is less.