What is the Recommended Ball Mount for Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 36297
Question:
the top of the receiver is 11inches above the ground. what distance rise would fit typical trailer applications such as utility trailers? What length is recommended? The receiver is recessed about 2 inches from the bumper edge.
asked by: parry m
Expert Reply:
The Draw-Tite trailer hitch, # 36297, that you have referenced is a Class II trailer hitch. with a Class II trailer hitch, you will need to use the manufacturer recommended ball mount. According to the installation details linked below, the required ball mount is # 36061, and it should be used in the rise position only. It has a 3-1/8 inch rise and measures 9-3/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole.
This ball mount is rated at 3,500 pound gross trailer weight, but the trailer hitch and vehicle have their own towing capacities and you will need to go by whichever one is rated lowest. This ball mount uses a ball with a 3/4 inch shank. There are a couple of options for hitch balls. The diameter of the hitch ball will need to match the size ball the coupler accepts. You can use ball # 19258 (2 inch diameter) or # 19257 (1-7/8 inch diameter).
For other applications (using a Class III or higher hitch), the amount of rise or drop needed can be determined by taking a couple of measurements. Park the towing vehicle and the trailer on level ground. Measure from the ground to the top of the receiver tube on the trailer hitch. Next, raise the trailer tongue so that it is level and parallel with the flat ground. Measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler.
If the trailer hitch receiver tube is higher, the difference in height is the amount of drop needed. If the coupler is higher, the difference in height is the amount of rise needed. I have included a link to an FAQ article on ball mounts below. All trailer brands, sizes, and types are going to have a different level towing height. There will not be a standard even among trailers of the same type (like utility trailers). Length will only become an issue if the ball mount is very long and used on a low capacity trailer hitch. The trailer hitch may not be able to withstand the extra torque applied by the long shank.
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 2-3/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/8 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 3-1/8" Rise - 9-3/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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