Should You Measure For a Ball Mount When The Truck and Trailer Are Loaded or Unloaded?

Updated 07/10/2023 | Published 07/07/2023

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 5" Drop, 5-1/2" Rise - 10K - Black

(4738)

$269.00

B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - Compatible with GM MultiPro Tailgate - 2" Hitch - 10K

(845)

$349.00

Question:

When I’m measuring my rise/drop for truck I loaded the bed with everything I normally have in it for camping trip and trailer loaded so basically I had truck bed loaded and sitting level then same w my camper is that okay to measure with the bed loaded or should I do it without anything in it???

asked by: Jacob S

Expert Reply:

I prefer to measure for a ball mount with the truck unloaded. I do this so when you add gear to the truck it would lower the front of the trailer slightly which raises the back. This is a much safer towing position than if you were to tow with the front of the trailer slightly higher than the rear. I recommend considering an adjustable ball mount like the B&W Tow & Stow # BWTS10037B. As I do see you have a Chevrolet truck we do also have the B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount # BW44FR which is compatible with the MultiFlex tailgate if you have that option. These allow for 1" height adjustment increments which will allow you to get your trailer as level as possible both when loaded or unloaded.

expert reply by: Bud M