Recommended Trailer Hitch for Towing Small Kayak Trailer With 2012 Chevy Volt

Updated 11/22/2021 | Published 11/21/2021

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(14)

$481.99

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2619)

$12.45

Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2-3/4" Rise, 4" Drop - 9" Long - 7.5K

(3466)

$38.63

EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(15)

$492.99

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

(1358)

$12.80

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3838)

$30.91

Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1670)

$73.55

Question:

I am in the process of purchasing a Sylvansport Go Easy Kayak Trailer to be towed by a 2012 Chevy Volt. The specs on the trailer are as follows: Trailer Weight: 305 lb. Total Carrying Capacity: 495 lb GVWR: 800 lb. I have been told by Sylvansport that the 2 ball of the trailer should measure 15 to the ground to be level and the Tongue is 75 Long. My question is which hitch is a better option the ECO HITCH# 306-X7186 or the ECO HITCH# 306-7180 and why? I am leaning more to the ECO HITCH# 306-X7186 due to ground clearance concerns. Thank you for tour assistance!

asked by: William R

Expert Reply:

From a convenience standpoint, the # 306-X7186 EcoHitch would probably be easier to live with, as you wouldn't need to remove the receiver when it's not being used but because there'd be a 10 inch height difference between the hitch and the coupler height, and because none of the ball mounts we offer that have the appropriate drop would be long enough to clear the rear bumper, you'll be better off going with the removable receiver model, part # 306-X7180.

To figure out the ride that the ball mount you choose would need, measure the height above the ground of lowest point of the rear bumper cover, just under the reverse lamp. Subtract 1/2 inch from that measurement. The difference between that height and 15 inches would be the rise of the ball mount you're wanting. Most likely # C45010 (3/4 inch rise) or # 2753 (2-3/4 inch rise) would put you within 1-1/2 inches of the required height, which would be more than close enough.

To wire your vehicle for towing, you'll need # C59236 as well as a # 19260 for a 1-7/8 or # 63845 for a 2 inch trailer ball, and a pin and clip # PC3.