How to Determine the Right Rise/Drop Ball Mount Needed to Tow a Trailer Level

Updated 05/15/2014 | Published 05/14/2014

Question:

The coupler naturally sets a little lower on my trailer, should I crank the front end up to level my trailer when trying to determine the rise / mount needed?

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

To determine the correct rise or drop needed to tow the trailer level, you will need to take a couple of measurements. First take the truck and trailer to a place where the ground is flat and level. Then uncouple the trailer.

Measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the truck. Then, use the trailer jack to make the trailer level/parallel with the ground. Measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler.

If the trailer is taller the difference in the measurements is the amount of rise you need. If the vehicle is taller the difference in the measurements is the amount of drop you need.

I have included a link to our how-to article that shows how to take theses measurements. I have also included a link to our ball mount main page.

expert reply by: Michael H