How to Measure to a Get a Ball Mount with the Right Rise or Drop to Tow a Trailer Level

Updated 05/03/2018 | Published 05/02/2018

Question:

how do I determine the hight of my trailer ball in relation with a boat?

asked by: Chas

Helpful Expert Reply:

To determine the amount of rise or drop in a ball mount that you will need to tow a trailer level there are a couple of measurements needed. First make sure the trailer is on level ground. Use the jack to make the trailer level then measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler.

Then on the vehicle measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the trailer hitch. If the vehicle is higher then the difference is the amount of drop you will need. If the trailer is higher then the difference is the amount of rise you will need. If you do not have a trailer hitch installed then you will want to do that first to avoid any guesswork when selecting a ball mount.

I have included a link to our help article that explains how to measure for rise and drop.

expert reply by: Michael H