Is it Okay if Hitch Ball on Tow Vehicle Bumper is a Couple of Inches Higher Than Trailer Coupler

Updated 04/21/2017 | Published 04/20/2017

Question:

If bumper is a couple of inches higher will it make a big difference towing boat

asked by: Joe S

Expert Reply:

Ideally, you will want both your tow vehicle and boat trailer to be as level as possible when towing. Some of this will depend a bit on the tongue weight of the trailer you will be pulling. For example, a trailer with a heavy tongue weight may actually lower the bumper on your vehicle enough when attached to reduce the difference in height you referenced in your question.

I have attached an article on ball mounts and about halfway down the page it goes into detail on how and why a trailer should be towed level. To get the exact difference in height between your bumper hitch ball and trailer coupler, you will want to take a measurement from the ground to the top of the hitch ball on your vehicle, and then from the ground to the bottom of your trailer coupler. The difference between these measurements will be the ideal rise or drop you will need in order to tow everything level.

expert reply by: Chris R