Why do Some Ball Mounts Have a Drop and Rise and Others Only have a Rise

Updated 09/13/2011 | Published 09/11/2011

Question:

firstThanks very much for your article choosing the right ball mountIt answered most of my questionsAll but one. Why do some mounts offer both lower and rise measurements while others offer only rise measurements?? I thought all mounts had both , depending on how they were put into the receiver, This apparently is incorrect. Please explain.

asked by: JJohn P

Expert Reply:

Some ball mounts, generally Class I and Class II ball mounts, are designed by the manufacturer for use in the rise position only. These ball mount designs are intended for use with vehicles that require a rise only and would be too low to the ground to ever need a lower ball mount. Ball mounts listed with a rise only should not be used in the lowered position because the manufacturer has not tested them for use in that position.

Some Class I and Class II ball mounts, like item # 3592, are designed and tested for use in the rise and drop position, these dimensions will be listed on the product page for these ball mounts.

expert reply by: Robert G