Measuring the Rise/Drop Needed for Ball Mount to Tow a Trailer with a Trike

Updated 07/11/2017 | Published 07/08/2017

Question:

Can you please tell me what the distance is from the top flat edge square tube that slides into the receiver to the top of the ball? I have a trike that needs to have the top of the ball height at 13inch for my trailer. The receiver on the trike measures 8.5inch from the top inside edge to the ground. So I would need a rise of 1.875inch ball is 2.625inch tall from that same top edge as mentioned above to the top of the ball. Thanks

asked by: Larry

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you take the 2.625 inches you mentioned for the ball (measured from the top of the receiver opening) and subtract the ball diameter (1-7/8 inches) then the rise you would need is approximately 3/4 inches for which I recommend the Curt Class II Drawbar # C45519.

Rise and drop measurements are not measured to the top of the ball. They are measured from the top of the receiver opening to the platform on which the ball sits because the coupler comes down and over the ball, plus, there are different size balls that fit a single drawbar.

To ensure we can get you the right rise/drop there are some measurements needed. Measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the trike. On the trailer side you would measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler with the trailer level. The difference is the amount of rise or drop needed to tow the trailer level. If the trailer is taller than receiver by 3/4 inches then # C45551 is perfect. If you come up with a different measurement let me know what it is.

expert reply by: Michael H