Solutions for Towing Trailer With Very Low Ground Clearance Under Trailer Ball

Updated 04/16/2020 | Published 04/15/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 10-3/4" Rise, 12" Drop - 7,000 lbs

(1354)

$122.54

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$72.79

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$88.64

Question:

I purchased a new vehicle and the hitch height was different so I needed to add some . With the truck and the trailer on level ground I determined I needed a 12inch . I received the 12inch etrailer and hooked everything up. The trailer is level but I only have 4inch of ground clearance from the nut that holds the ball on to the ground. I suspect that I will need to sacrifice trailer level for ground clearnace?

asked by: Timothy W

Expert Reply:

Wow, your truck must have quite a lift and the trailer coupler height must be super-low!

4 inches of ground clearance under the hitch ball isn't sufficient. There are things you can do with the suspension on the trailer to raise its height. If the leaf springs are currently mounted to the underside of the axle, you can use an over/under conversion kits like # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8 inch or # K71-385-00 for a 3 inch diameter axle beam, but you're only going to gain the diameter of the axle as a height increase. If this was combined with taller leaf spring hangers, this would provide a nominal height increase. You can also tow the trailer 1 to 2 inches above level without too much issue.

Combining these methods would provide some much needed clearance, but I'd personally be leery about towing something with less than 8 or so inches under the trailer ball. Depending on the axle/suspension set up, there might be a lift kit available as well. If you could reply letting me know if you have a leaf spring or torsion axle, and whatever details you can find on the axle sticker I might be able to suggest a lift kit that would work.

expert reply by: Mike L