How Will I Know What Size Ball Mount Receiver I Need Without Having A Trailer Yet?

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Question:

Hi - We have a 2008 Honda Odyssey, and recently purchased a small gokart. We want to buy a 5x8 utility trailer for it, and need to outfit the Odyssey with the appropriate parts for towing. How are we supposed to measure the distance between the ground and the tow bar, and the ground and the trailer, if we havent purchased the trailer yet, and havent installed the two bar either? Is there a standard rise/ measurement for an Odyssey? Is there an adjustable ball mount that would work?

asked by: Jennifer P

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Expert Reply:

Looking at the different trailer hitch receivers that we offer I see that most will have a hitch height of 12-16" on the 2008 Honda Odyssey. We do list the heights of the receivers in our installation videos.

If you do not yet have a receiver I recommend our etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98862. This receiver will have a height of 14" and a 2" receiver. The 2" receiver is great because it will give you more ball mount options as well as hitch accessories.

Most 5'x8' trailers will have a 16-18" ball mount height on the trailer, you can always call ahead and ask them to confirm the measurement on the trailer that you are looking at. It is also a good idea to confirm the ball size that you will need at that time. The majority will need a 2" ball but there are still some using 1-7/8".

I recommend our etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches # 989900, this kit will include 2 seperate ball mounts. The first is a 2" drop or 3/4" rise, and the second is a 4" drop or 2-3/4" rise. There is also a 2" ball or 1-7/8" ball that you can use on either ball mount, 2 receiver pins and a convenient carry bag.

If you would prefer something that is easier adjustable the B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount # BWTS10038B is adjustable from 5" of drop to 5-1/2" of rise in 1" increments. It has both a 1-7/8" and 2" ball that can easily be switched by removing the pin and rotating the ball.

expert reply by: Bud M

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Answer 1

The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98862 attaches to a 1999 - 2017 Honda Odyssey with four M12-1.25 x 35mm bolts and one 7/16-14 x 1-1/2" carriage bolt and nut utilizing a square hole spacer. We do offer the Replacement hardware Kit #RHK if…

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Answer 2

The issue you described in your question is actually not too uncommon, especially on vehicles that have seen a few winters. I did verify that the M12 x 1.25 bolts are the correct size for installing the Curt Trailer Hitch #C11265 on your 2015 Toyota…

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Answer 3

It is actually pretty common for the bolts to seem like they are too big to fit when installing a trailer hitch such as the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #13084 that fits your 1998 Jeep Cherokee. The issue is especially prevalent in more well-traveled…

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Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

The recommended solution for installing a hitch where the bolts all don't seem to perfectly line up is to first start each install bolt and leave it as loose as possible. This gives you a bit more leeway to compensate for holes that don't…

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Answer 6

I have a solution for you but they don't give us that information. I can tell you that the side to side bolt hole spacing of the etrailer Trailer Hitch item #e98862 is 56.13", center to center. This is the frame width measurement. The bolt…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 11

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 12

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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How Will I Know What Size Ball Mount Receiver I Need Without Having A Trailer Yet?

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