Choosing a Ball Mount with the Right Drop to Tow a Trailer Level with a 2004 Chevy Tahoe

Updated 07/10/2014 | Published 07/09/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs

(232)

$70.92

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

(1358)

$12.85

Question:

The height of my receiver is 18 inches measured to the top of the inside of the receiver. I called U-Haul this afternoon and asked them what the height was to the top of the coupler for a 5ft by 8ft cargo trailer and they responded that it was 18 inches. I know I need a 2 inch ball to fit their equipment and the 2 inch size ball is correct for my hitch- class 3. I need a little help to determine if I need a drop or not before I buy a receiver ball mount. My receiver is 2 inches by 2 inches. Will you please advise me? Thank you.

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

Since you had them measure to the top of the coupler and not the bottom, the trailer will actually be a little lower than the vehicle by however tall the coupler is from the point they measured it. Those rental trailers are usually fairly low too.

But since nothing is certain the best option is an adjustable ball mount such as # MT70068 rated for 5,000 pounds. This ball mount has a maximum rise of 6-1/4 inches, minimum of 1-3/4 inches, and maximum drop of 7-1/2 inches, minimum of 3 inches. Then for a 2 inch ball you can use # 63845.

If I had to guess right now I would say that from the ground to the bottom of the coupler is likely around 15 inches (if it was 18 inches to the top). So that would mean you would need a ball mount with a drop of 3 inches but there are none that will also fit a 2 inch hitch. The adjustable ball mount is the best option.

expert reply by: Michael H