Choosing the Correct Class I Ball Mount to Pull a Small Boat Trailer with a 2014 Kia Soul
Updated 08/15/2017 | Published 08/14/2017
Question:
Hi,Have 2014 Kia Soul Base model.Have your hitch mount installed and need to know what type ball mount to order.I know the ball size needed is 17/8 but need to know the ideal type.I like the Euro mounts but not sure thats the best.Its basically to hall a 10foot light jon boat on a trailer. Jon boat approx.80 lbs.Trailer 125 lbs max weight 870 lbs.
asked by: James C
Expert Reply:
To choose the correct ball mount you will want to make sure that you do check the weight capacity of it, but it is also equally important to make sure that you know what kind of Rise or Drop you need or if it is even needed at all. Keep in mind that you will need to check your owner's manual for any special instructions about towing. In an online manual it states not to use your 2014 Kia Soul for towing so if you do so you will be operating outside of the parameters of the manufacturer.
What you will need to do is park both your 2014 Kia Soul and your boat trailer on level ground and uncouple them. You will then want to measure from the ground to the top of the inside of your hitch receiver opening on your Kia and then measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on your trailer. if your hitch height is greater then you will need a ball mount with a Drop, if the coupler height is greater then you will need a Rise. The difference of these measurements is what you will want to base your choice of a ball mount with the correct rise or drop off of. I have attached a helpful article that helps to demonstrate this as well.
Since you will be needing a ball mount with a 1-1/4 inch shank you could use the Draw-Tite # 3593 which has a 2-1/8 inch Rise or a 2-3/4 inch Drop. You could then use a 1-7/8 inch Hitch Ball # 19256 to complete your setup.
The Euro ball mount/hitch ball combinations are nice, but you can only use them in the Rise position.
If you don't already have a 4-Pole connector on your Kia Soul then I recommend installing the Tekonsha T-One # 118637 which will give you the basic light functions for your trailer.
I have attached a link to our selection of ball mounts that have a 1-1/4 inch shank that you can look through for the proper Rise or Drop that you need.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- Steel Shank
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: torque wrench
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Truck Bed Auxiliary Tank
- Shop: Replacement Lock Core and Keys for Weather Guard Early Model Paddle Latches - Key 19
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Weather Guard Underbody Tool Box - Single Door - Steel - 5.6 cu ft - Gloss Black
- Shop: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K
- Shop: Tool Box
- Video: Curt Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Review
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Does etrailer Carry Furrion Chill Cube w/ Heat Pump to Replace Dometic Duo-Therm
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
on Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
