Can Curt Ball Mount C45100 be Safely Used to Tow 3,500 lb Trailer is Rise Position

Updated 06/12/2020 | Published 06/10/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 6-1/4" Rise, 7-1/2" Drop - 13" Long - 5,000 lbs

(3905)

$46.95

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1361)

$15.01

Question:

I have a fairly inset hitch on my vehicle 2006 Mercedes ML320 CDI that needs to extend a solid 7 inches from the hole to clear the rear bumper. I also need a 6inch rise for my trailer. This ball mount exists. CURT Manufacturing 45100 Class III 2inch Ball Mount seems pretty much perfect. My only concern is the weight rating in the rise position. Im pulling an E-Pro 19BH which is going to sit pretty much exactly at the 350lbs tongue weight and 3500lbs GVW. Is that reasonable, or is there a better solution?

asked by: John W

Expert Reply:

Great question, and I think you're on the right track. Even though the Curt Ball Mount # C45100 is rated for 3,500 lbs towing/350 lbs tongue while in the rise position, I like to have some kind of safety margin so that I'm not constantly checking to make sure the ball mount is holding up.

For your application I recommend the MaxxTow Adjustable-Height Ball Mount # MT70068 because the weight ratings are 5,000 lbs towing/500 lbs tongue whether you are using it in the rise or drop position. This will accomplish what you're needing done while at the same time giving you quite a bit of cushion in the max weight for your trailer.

You'll need a hitch pin and clip # PC3 or locking anti-rattle pin and clip # PS63100 as well as a hitch ball with a 1" shank like the 2" # 63845 to complete this setup.

expert reply by: Jon G