How to Measure To Determine How Much Rise/Drop is Needed from Ball Mount Towing Trailer

Published 02/07/2019

Question:

Ive read the QandA and reviews on the Flash E Series HD Adjustable 2-Ball Mount - 2-1/2inch Hitch - 8inch , 8inch Rise. My biggest question is about how much drop I need. Right now we are towing a small travel trailer, about 20 feet long, so I definitely need some drop. My concern is that if I get the 8 inch, the bottom will sit too low and cause issues while backing up inclines. How should I measure the distance? Should I measure from the center of the receiver down toward the ground? How much clearance from the bottom of the hitch to the road should I leave? If you can give me an idea of how to measure, I will know how much drop I should purchase. Thanks!

asked by: Ernie J

Expert Reply:

I attached an FAQ that details how to pick out the correct ball mount. Picking out the correct ball mount will allow your trailer to sit as level as possible. Basically you will first measure the height from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the hitch while on level ground. Next, you will measure the coupler height from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler when the trailer is on level ground.

Next, you will need to compute the difference. If the hitch height is greater than the coupler height the difference is the drop required. If the coupler height is greater the difference is the rise required. You will want to pick the ball mount with the rise/drop closest to the difference.

expert reply by: Jameson C