Leveling a 1940 LTD Rockwood Tent Trailer Hitch Height for Proper Towing

Updated 06/02/2010 | Published 05/30/2010

Question:

i have a rockwood tent trailer 1940 LTD. i am trying to measure the proper hitch height. if i level it based on the box it is 21. if i level based on the tongue, the height would be 16.5 the tongue actually points up a little bit versus the box. Which measurement is correct????

asked by: Ben

Expert Reply:

You should level your trailer for towing by the trailer frame. Since the tongue is part of the trailer frame the tongue measurement is what you should use. Park the trailer on a fairly level surface and level the trailer frame. Measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler. Next measure from the ground to the top of your receiver opening on your vehicle, parked on the same fairly level surface.

Select a ball mount height or weight distribution shank height that allows you to set the ball at the drop or rise that is calculated by subtracting the coupler height from the hitch height. If the hitch height is 2-1/2 inches greater than the coupler you should select a ball mount with a drop of 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches. If the coupler height is 3-1/2 inches higher than the hitch height you should select a ball mount that has a rise of 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches.

expert reply by: Robert G