Determining Correct Ball Mount or Draw Bar for your Vehicle and Trailer Combination for Level Towing

Published 11/10/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Channel Style Adjustable Ballmount - 2" & 2-5/16" Balls - 14,000 lbs

(582)

$227.17

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.80

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(2620)

$15.90

Curt Dual Length Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4-1/2" Rise, 5-3/4" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(162)

$54.89

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome

(3573)

$25.40

Question:

Thanks for the info on this issue! I parked the trailer, leveling it as best I could by eye. The measurement to the bottom of the coupler was 15". The measurement to the top of the receiver on the truck was about 20.5", giving me about a 5.5" drop. Looks like some of the Curt ball mounts should work for me. One model, the C45240, seems like it might add a little bit of versatility for other towing applications, being it has the two mounting points. I'm curious if connecting this NEO trailer using the longer position would affect how it maneuvered while backing up?

asked by: Frank B

Expert Reply:

To find the correct ball mount you want to measure from the inside top opening of the receiver on your truck to the ground. Then you want to measure the trailer from the bottom of the coupler to the ground when the trailer is level. The difference between those two measurements will give you the proper rise or drop for your application. I've attached an article to assist.

If you don't want to use a fixed mount, or if you pull different trailers, you may want to consider an adjustable mount. For a basic adjustable mount, I recommend the Curt Adjustable Ball Mount # C45900. I've linked the page to all of your options for your convenience.

You may also want to consider a locking hitch pin like # e98880 to secure your investment.

expert reply by: Jason S

Frank B.

11/10/2017

Jason S.

11/10/2017

The Curt Dual Length Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4-1/2" Rise, 5-3/4" Drop - 7,500 lbs # C45240 does have the two mounting points for you to have additional clearance when needed. The longer position won't have much of a bearing on backing up. The trailer will still utilize the hitch ball as the pivot point so the only variable is added clearance to the side if you are backing at a significant angle. This longer pin will allow you a little more turning clearance when pulling the trailer, but the extra 3 inches won't really effect much unless you needed more bumper clearance. I also recommend the # 63845 for a 2 inch diameter ball, # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch ball, and # e98880 for a hitch lock.