Ideal Hitch Ball Height for a 2008 Toyota Highlander V6

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

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$86.63

Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Trailer Hitches - Stainless Steel

(511)

$30.43

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3842)

$25.47

Question:

2008 Toyota highlander v6...what is the ideal ball height fron the ground laden and unladen?

asked by: Big E

Expert Reply:

The hitch ball height you need depends entirely on the specific trailer you will be towing. There is no ideal height that would be universal for a certain vehicle. Trailers come in all different heights, so you will need to take some measurements to determine the correct rise or drop you will need on your ball mount. This is what will allow you to put the hitch ball in the correct placement for hooking up your trailer.

First, you will need to measure from the ground to the top of the hitch opening on your vehicle. Then, measure from the ground to the flat, bottom side of your trailer coupler. The difference between these two measurements will be the rise or drop you need. If the trailer is higher than the hitch, you would need a ball mount with a rise, and if it is lower, you would need one with a drop. Most ball mounts will be listed as having both a rise and a drop, because they can be flipped up or down as the situation requires.

If your vehicle has an aftermarket hitch installed, then a ball mount like part # D-4 would put the hitch ball at the most common trailer height. This ball mount has a 3/4 inch rise or a 2 inch drop, depending on which way you place it into the hitch. If you might be renting a trailer, the # D-4 would most likely work for your application, but I would definitely recommend measuring to know for certain.

You would additionally need a hitch pin or hitch lock and, of course, the hitch ball. I would recommend hitch lock # 1480DAT which is easy to use and remove. The hitch ball size will be determined by the size of the coupler on the trailer. If needed, you can view our selection at the included link.

You can also view some more information on choosing a ball mount at the included FAQ link.