Choosing a Class II Ball Mount with the Correct Rise and Drop on 2004 Subaru Outback Wagon

Updated 10/19/2016 | Published 10/18/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(560)

$90.49

Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(65)

$292.34

Question:

I am installing a Class 2 Hitch Receiver by Draw-Tite #36284 on my 2004 Subaru Outback Ltd. 2.5L H4 I have been reviewing options for the drawbar I can use to tow. I understand the Class 2 hitch receiver requires a 1 1/4 in. drawbar. Since 2inch drawbars are quite universal, Is there any advantage to using a drawbar converter to change the 1 1/4 drawbar to a 2inch drawbar? I also understand I will want a drawbar with a rise. How do I determine the correct rise 1, 2, 5inch etc. Is it based on the trailer I am towing or preference? Thanks for your knowledge and easy customer experience!

asked by: Mac

Expert Reply:

I've linked our selection of Class II ball mounts for you to take a look at.

You can use an adapter to increase the tube size to a 2 inch, like # HTAD, however this is going to reduce the weight capacity of the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 36284 by 50 percent making it 1750 pounds with only 150 pounds of tongue weight. So yes, you will have more options of ball mounts to choose from, but you will have a lot less towing capacity.

Choosing the correct rise and drop depends on the height of your trailer. With your Outback and trailer both on level ground, measure from the ground to the inner top of your receiver's opening tube on the car, and to the bottom of the coupler on your trailer. Then subtract the difference and that is what you will need.

I've attached a help article on choosing ball mounts that may be helpful to you. It goes into more detail about determining rise and drop as well.

expert reply by: Charles S