Determining Correct Ball Mount to Use for Towing Load Rite Trailer with 2012 Honda Pilot

Published 03/09/2018

Question:

Greetings, I have a 2012 Honda pilot. I am looking at a 14F1000WT Load Rite trailer. Cant tell if I can use a standard hitch, or if I need one that will lower the ball relative to the coupler height. Pretty sure the Honda Pilot has a standard coupler height around 17 inches??. From pictures, the load rite seems to sit very low. Thanks! Great website.

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

When determining the needed rise or drop to tow the trailer level with your 2012 Honda Pilot, you will just want to take a couple measurements.

First, with the trailer parked on level ground, you will take a measurement from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. I was unable to locate this measurement on your Load Rite trailer in my research, but you should be able to get this information from the dealer since it doesn't sound like you have it on hand yet. Then, on your Honda Pilot, you will take a measurement from the ground to the top of the trailer hitch receiver. Based on my research, this distance looks to be 21-5/8 inches from the ground to the factory hitch on the vehicle. I do recommend verifying this measurement on your vehicle.

If the measurement on your vehicle is greater, you will need a ball mount with a drop. If the trailer measurement is greater, you will need one with a rise. You will simply choose a ball mount that features a rise or drop closest to the difference between the two measurements.

I recommend taking a look at the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit # 989900. This kit includes two ball mounts, one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and another with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop, along with two different sized hitch balls (1-7/8 inches and 2 inches). If you find the ball mounts in this kit are not sufficient for towing your trailer level, I have also attached a link that will take you to our available selection of ball mounts that you can look through. You can use the facets on the left side of the page to filter through the different rise and drop options.

expert reply by: Chris R