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

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 6-5/8" Long - 2K

(2337)

$42.38

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(128)

$74.48

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2634)

$17.00

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.