Effect of Using Extra-Long Ball Mount for Towing

Updated 08/15/2018 | Published 08/14/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Ball Mount w/ Sway Control Tab for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(173)

$46.73

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(486)

$74.50

Brophy Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 13-1/4" Long - 10K

(282)

$81.54

Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

(623)

$634.95

Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long

(669)

$76.77

Curt Dual Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches - 8" Extension

(120)

$98.09

Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV

(319)

$44.40

Question:

How does the length of the ball mount affect driving, towing capacity and weight distribution? Are there concerns when using a sway bar or weight distribution hitch on an extended ball mount? I purchased a used trailer and received a ball hitch with a 13 1/2 inch length center of ball to center of pin. I could use a shorter ball mount 7 1/2 but Im not sure of the pros and cons. Im hoping a shorter mount will improve the driving experience and weight distribution. I use a sway bar.

asked by: Stephen S

Expert Reply:

Use of a long ball mount like # BM20 will not reduce a hitch's towing weight capacity the way that use of a separate extender/adapter will. Extenders like # C45791 and # D-192 actually do reduce the hitch towing capacity by 50-percent.

Weight distribution hitch systems such as # C17501 should not be used with any type of hitch extender or adapter. A friction sway control unit like # 83660 can be used with a long ball mount like # BM20 by adding a sway control bracket like # RP26003.

All other things being equal it is usually best to use a ball mount that is only as long as you truly need it to be to provide adequate vehicle-to-trailer clearance. A shorter one will tend to apply less stress to the hitch receiver tube and may reduce the tendency for rattle and play since there will be less force on the hitch tube.