Factors to Consider When Picking Out Length of Ball Mount

Updated 06/14/2023 | Published 06/13/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3905)

$33.00

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1" Rise, 2-1/4" Drop - 7-5/8" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3905)

$35.50

Question:

What’s the best size of shank to use when towing a travel trailer? I see there are some that are shorter and some that are longer. When I say shorter it’s probably the standard length away from the vehicle but there are ones that are longer or extended. Which one would be better for towing? My thoughts are that the longer or extended one would put the tongue weight of the trailer further away from the vehicle and cause more bouncing in the vehicle. I’m using the Husky Centerline Round Bar hitch and weight distribution setup.

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

I would say the shorter you can go without any turning clearance issues will be the safest and best option. The length of the ball mount doesn't typically play a huge factor in ride quality or anything but we have longer ball mounts for trailers that are wider at the nose of the trailer to help get a little more clearance for turning.

In theory a longer ball mount would put more leverage on the hitch in terms of tongue weight but most of the time it's not something that's really noticed one way or another. A standard length ball mount would be like the Curt # C45030.

expert reply by: Jameson C