How to Determine the Amount of Drop Needed on Ball Mount for Towing Trailer

Updated 04/18/2017 | Published 04/17/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 7" Rise, 8-1/4" Drop - 9-3/8" Long - 10,000 lbs

(3905)

$55.56

Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-3/16" Span

(2954)

$4.57

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 7" Rise, 8" Drop - 9-3/8" Long - 12,000 lbs

(3905)

$83.33

Question:

Im going to need a ball mount, but trying to figure out for sure how much of a drop Ill need. Its for a 2inch hitch. The trucks hitch measures, from the top of the inside hitch opening to the ground, is 22.5. When this same trailer is hitched to a different vehicle and rides level, the distance from the ground to the top mounting surface of the ball mount measures 14. What do I need?

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

When determining the amount of rise or drop you will need on the ball mount for your towing setup, you just need to take a couple simple measurements. The first, which you have already taken, is from the ground to the top of the trailer hitch receiver when your vehicle is parked and on level ground. The second is from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler when it is also parked on level ground. You did state you took a measurement when the trailer was attached to a different vehicle, but if possible, I recommend verifying this measurement when the trailer is uncoupled and sitting on level ground, also remembering to measure to the bottom of the coupler.

You will then select a ball mount that has a rise or drop that is closest to the difference between these two measurements. So for example, based on the 22.5 inches from the ground to your hitch receiver and the 14 inches from the ground to the coupler, you will need a ball mount with a drop of around 8-1/2 inches.

I recommend looking at the Curt Ball Mount # C45448 that has up to either a 7 inch rise or an 8-1/4 inch drop. This particular ball mount has a weight capacity of 10,000 pounds and will work great with the 2 inch trailer hitch receiver on your vehicle. If you do not have one already, you can add the Pin and Clip # C21500.

I have also attached an article on determining the correct ball mount that you may find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R