Ground Clearance After Installing Trailer Hitch on 2009 Dodge Journey

Updated 11/30/2018 | Published 11/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(399)

$173.71

20x60 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs

(1167)

$277.09

Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1981)

$104.00

Question:

I want to install a Trailer Hitch to my 2009 Dodge Journey SE. The concern I have is that the trailer hitch may be too low to the ground. Looking at the Trailer Hitch Installation video you have on youtube, it shows the top of the receiver tube being 13-3/4inch from the ground. Im worried that the trailer hitch may be to low to the ground for most trailers, as well as possible ground scrapping when going over a bump/uneven terrain. Looking forward to hearing back

asked by: Anthony

Expert Reply:

Installing a trailer hitch on just about any vehicle will reduce its ground clearance, especially when the hitch installs below the bumper cover. Some hitches are designed to provide a more hidden appearance for cosmetic reasons and this type may offer more ground clearance. The linked video details the available hitches for your Journey and how they differ.

Actual ground clearance depends on several factors including passenger count, cargo weight in the vehicle and wheel/tire size and condition.

Many hitch-mount accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers have shanks (the part that goes into the hitch opening) that have an angle or rise to provide better clearance for the rack itself. Examples are the Swagman XC 2-Bike Platform Bike Rack # S64650 which has 4-inches of rise in the shank and the Curt Cargo Carrier # C18151 which has 2-inches of rise.

When there is a potential concern with ground clearance, say when entering a steep driveway with some type of carrier installed on the car, approaching the driveway at a sharper angle (not straight on) often helps.

expert reply by: Adam R