Ball Mount Recommendation for a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder and Boat Trailer

Updated 07/29/2013 | Published 07/25/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Ball Mount - 6-3/4" Rise, 8" Drop - 10" Long - 5,000 lbs

(3473)

$31.77

Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter

(262)

$17.88

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

(1358)

$12.62

Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span

(895)

$13.90

Adjustable Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 9" Rise to 10-1/4" Drop - 5,000 lbs

(60)

$106.62

Question:

I am planning to pick up boat that is about 4 hours away and I am not very experienced in towing a boat. The tow vehicle is a 2013 Pathfinder with a hitch already installed. So, I need to buy the connecting pieces between the hitch and trailer. I am planning to tow a 1999 Four Wins Horizon 170, which states a 2inch hitch ball is needed. I need to make sure I have everthing I need before picking up the boat because it is somewhat remote location. Will Part #2793 work? Do you recommend any other parts that would help?

asked by: Kevin L

Expert Reply:

There are a few things to consider when choosing a ball mount. First you need to know the hitch capacity, which should be on a sticker on the hitch, the receiver size, and a couple of measurements to get the correct rise or drop ball mount to tow the trailer level. I have included some links that will help.

Ball mount # 2793 will fit 2 inch hitch receivers and has a max drop of 8 inches. It is rated for 500 pounds tongue weight and 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight. If these figures will work for you then this ball mount would be a good choice.

If you are not sure what rise or drop you need and if you will be towing more than one trailer I recommend a adjustable ball mount like # TK5007. For this ball mount you would also need a hitch pin and clip, # PC3, and for a 2 inch ball use # 63845.

If your Pathfinder needs a trailer wiring connector you will need to visit a Nissan dealer. Many boat trailers actually have a 5-Way flat connector (the 5th function controls an electric reverse lock out). If your Pathfinder has a 4-Way flat then you would need an adapter like # 20036. The additional blue wire will need to connect to the reverse light circuit to control the reverse lockout if equipped.

If the Pathfinder has a 7-Way then you can use adapter # A75TB.