Recommended Ball Mount for Extended Length Needs on 1997 Nissan Pathfinder

Updated 08/10/2020 | Published 08/06/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Ball Mount 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop - 12-5/8" Long

(3993)

$35.97

Curt Dual Length Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1" Rise, 2-3/8" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(175)

$42.94

Curt Channel Style Adjustable Ballmount - 5-1/4" Rise, 6-3/4" Drop - 6,000 lbs

(601)

$114.70

Brophy Ball Mount - 3" Rise, 4" Drop - 14-5/8" Long - Aluminum - 8,000 lbs

(158)

$104.17

Question:

Im guessing you cant but I have what Ill call a stupid question. Does anyone make a extra long ball mount that could be extended not while towing but when access is needed into the back of a vehicle while parked with out having to completely disconnect a trailer? I realize that in this instance there might not be a large customer base. I have a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder that Ive installed a hitch on that also has the factory swing away tire carrier on it. I need to get a longer ball mount because my current one places the ball under the tire close enough that the tire hits the trailer coupler. You list many that will work but the question comes to mind is there a real long one that would allow me to just jack up the tongue to take the weight off and pull forward with the pin out to open the tire carrier and the rear hatch and then back up and install the pin to tow again? I understand that the clearance under the Pathfinder is much greater than on many vehicles as there is nothing under the vehicle from the rear bumper to the pan hard bar on the rear axle. fuel tank etc is in front of the rear axle. What Im picturing is a long ball mount with possibly 2 pin holes to length adjustment and an additional pin as a stop pin once the ball mount is ed in the receiver. Again, I realize that there probably are not many rigs where this would work and so it probably isnt available. Thanks

asked by: Mike N

Expert Reply:

There are some ball mounts that have multiple hitch pin hole options for different lengths. For instance the Curt Dual Length Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1" Rise, 2-3/8" Drop - 7,500 lbs # C45220 has a couple options or the Curt Channel Style Adjustable Ballmount - 5-1/4" Rise, 6-3/4" Drop - 6,000 lbs # C45901 which also has options but not spaced out very far. We also have long ball mounts like # D-26 you referenced.

The Brophy Ball Mount - 3" Rise, 4" Drop - 14-5/8" Long - Aluminum - 8,000 lbs # EA40 is the longest ball mount we currently carry but it doesn't have adjustable hole options.

I've attached some videos to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S