Will Using Ball Mount with a Rise/Drop with Bumper Mount Trailer Hitch E-3S Decrease Hitch Capacity

Published 05/22/2014

Question:

I have a question stemming from my previous question about bolting the E-3S on top of a bumper. If we raised the ball say 5 or 6 inches above the receiver, how would that affect the load rating of the receiver 500 lb tongue capacity and 5000 lb load capacity, it seems like it would decrease it pretty drastically, is that the case, and if so how much would that much raise affect the capacity.

asked by: Nathan S

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are talking about using a ball mount that has a rise in the shank of 5 to 6 inches. Using a ball mount in the rise or drop position does not decrease the gross trailer weight of tongue weight capacities of Curt trailer hitch # E-3S.

It is likely that the bumper of your vehicle is rated lower than the hitch. Typically, bumpers, if rated for towing, max out at 3,500 pounds. You will need to check the owners manual of the vehicle or the bumper manufacturer if aftermarket to determine the capacity of the bumper. If it is rated lower than the hitch then you go by the lower rating.

expert reply by: Michael H