Will Using a Long Ball Mount Reduce the Tongue Weight Capacity of a Trailer Hitch

Updated 10/31/2011 | Published 10/29/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Multi-Ball Adjustable Ball Mount for 2" Trailer Hitches

(186)

$158.90

Brophy Ball Mount - 3" Rise, 4" Drop - 14-5/8" Long - Aluminum - 8,000 lbs

(156)

$100.70

Question:

have 1 ton truck with oem hitch, with a truckcamper 3000 lbs towing a 6500 lb horse trailer.wondering how the tongue weight would increase with this extended I ball mount.I need the length to clear the TK overhang ~ 18.

asked by: Jim H

Expert Reply:

First, the CURT Multi-Ball Adjustable Ball Mount, # D900, measures 15-3/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball. If you are needing 18 inches, this ball mount will come up just a little short.

A fixed ball mount, like # EA40, is just a little longer at 14-5/8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole.

The length will not negatively affect the tongue weight capacity of the hitch enough to warrant any concern provided you stay within the capacity of the hitch or ball mount, whichever is lower. Please note that the above ball mounts all fit in 2-inch square receivers. Many 1 ton trucks are being fitted with a 2-1/2 inch receiver and that will require different parts.

expert reply by: Michael H