Accounting for Tow Vehicle Sag when Choosing Ball Mount
Question:
Ive read the FAQ on ball mounts. Ive measured the difference between my trucks hitch and my trailers coupler as 3.5 inch . It doesnt look like e-trailer really has a mount at that . My real question though is shouldnt there be any account for the amount the vehicles shocks compress when the trailer load is applied to the hitch? If I measure everything on even ground and unloaded, the heights will change if a load is applied. How do you account for this? Thanks.
asked by: Scott
Expert Reply:
Choosing a ball mount with the proper rise or drop is not an exact science. I typically recommend allowing for 1 to 2 inches for sag once the trailer is coupled. This figure can increase of decrease depending on the trailer tongue weight and the nature and condition of the tow vehicle suspension.
Having the trailer coupler a bit on the high side of level is preferable to having it below level. In your case, having a late-model pickup truck as the tow vehicle that is towing a trailer with a moderate tongue weight, I would recommend a 2 inch drop.
If you would care to respond with the year, make and model of your tow vehicle as well as the tongue weight of your trailer, I would be glad to recommend a specific ball mount for you.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- Steel Shank - Matte Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Shock Absorbing
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
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on Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
Stephen
1/14/2025
Mike, I found this FAQ, just bought a new 2024 Ram 2500 to better handle my trailer, it sits way higher than my old 2019 Ram 1500 classic. I'm looking to determine the correct drop shank for my system, but can't connect my trailer to my current system to see how much it drops due to the change from 2 inch to 2.5 inch. Do you have an estimated Sag for a 2024 Ram with 700 to 800 lb tongue weight?