Accounting for Tow Vehicle Sag when Choosing Ball Mount

Updated 01/23/2012 | Published 01/19/2012

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.

expert reply by: Mike L