How to Pick Out the Right Rise/Drop Ball Mount for a 2010 Chevy Express Van
Updated 02/01/2013 | Published 01/16/2013
Question:
I have a 2010 Chevy Express Van . I ordered it new with a towing package. I towed my light weight 3800 pound 20foot TT and no problems. I sold the older trailer and just purchased a 22 foot 2008 Forest River. Th FR is 4300 pounds. The worry I have is that the distance from trailer coupler to ground is 22.5 inches and the distance to ground from top of my vans hitch receiver is 12. I will need a hitch with a big rise to get the trailer to haul level. And....can I get an extender so the tongue of my trailer will not interfere with opening the rear van doors? Is this inch high rise inch situation safe? Thanks,
asked by: Marsha F
Expert Reply:
I attached an FAQ that details how to pick out the correct ball mount. Picking out the correct ball mount will allow your trailer to sit as level as possible. Basically you will first measure the height from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the hitch while on level ground. Next, you will measure the coupler height from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler when the trailer is on level ground.
Next, you will need to compute the difference. If the hitch height is greater than the coupler height the difference is the drop required. If the coupler height is greater the difference is the rise required. You will want to pick the ball mount with the rise/drop closest to the difference.
What you need to consider with using a hitch extender is that they reduce the carrying capacity of the hitch by 50 percent. Depending on what hitch capacities your vehicle has this may not be a viable option.
As long as you determine that the # AMSC12 is the correct rise for your application and all of the components in your setup have the necessary towing capacities for your trailer it should be very safe.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 10-3/4" Rise, 12" Drop - 7,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- Steel Shank
- Drop - 12 Inch
- Rise - 11 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7000 lbs GTW
- Shock Absorbing
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
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on Drop Hitch
Marsha F.
1/17/2013
Thank you for this information. Will I need any kind of weight distribution system?