Towing a Trailer with a Coupler that is Higher than the Trailer Hitch on a Jeep Wrangler
Updated 05/13/2016 | Published 05/12/2016
Question:
My Jeep Wrangler hitch is lower than my boat trailer tongue. Is there a hitch made to compensate for the height difference. And if so, does towing something with a height difference a long way adversely affect either vehicle? Thanks
asked by: Colleen
Expert Reply:
All you need is a ball mount that allows you to tow the trailer level. You can measure for the amount of rise needed to select the correct model. A ball mount with rise is needed when the trailer coupler is higher than the hitch receiver on the vehicle.
Have the trailer and the Jeep Wrangler parked on level ground. Disconnect the trailer from the Jeep. Measure from the ground to the top of the hitch receiver opening. Then use the trailer jack to make the trailer level and measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. The difference in height is the amount of rise you will need. I have linked a help article that covers this as well as a link to our ball mount main page.
If you were to tow the trailer with it pointed nose down it will put extra tongue weight on the hitch and might exceed the capacity of the hitch in that regard. It will also make steering and braking more difficult and put additional stress on the vehicle suspension.
If you towed the trailer nose up then the tongue weight would be too low which can lead to sway and too much weight on the trailer axle(s). That could lead to tire wear and suspension problems.
If you tow the trailer level, even if the trailer is taller or shorter than the vehicle, then you won't have those problems!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 8" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW, 400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Adapters
- High-Low Adapter
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 8 Inch Rise/Drop
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Search Results: redarc trailer brake controller
- Shop: Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Recommended Electric Brake Controller for Off-Road Trailering
- Shop: Curt Weight Distribution Shank - 10" Long - 5-3/4" or 6-1/8" Drop - 1,500 lbs TW
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller for Tekonsha Harness - Off-Road Mode - Proportional
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness Review
- Search Results: 1 7 8 thin walled socket
- Search Results: redarc
- Search Results: weight distribution sway control
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Q&A: Brake Controller Wiring Harness Location 2017 Jeep Cherokee
- Q&A: Charge Travel Trailer Battery Via the 7-Way RV Connector on a Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: tongue cover
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Best Suspension Upgrade for 33" Tandem Axles: Road Armor vs Dexter EZ Flex for Ember 22ETS
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on Accessories and Parts
