Will Using a Drop Ball Mount Break My Hitch?
Updated 07/08/2026 | Published 07/02/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
2017 Ram quad-cab, Hemi, big-horn, 4W. Factory Class 4 hitch. Rear of truck very high, and I think I need 6+ inches of to get level with my boat trailer. Worried about the leverage of going to 6,7 or 8 inches of . How much can I employ without bending things or violating the laws of math and physics? Thanks...
asked by: Bill S
Expert Reply:
Hey Bill!
To start, you'll want to confirm the drop that you need. 6"-8" is probably correct, but you always want to keep your trailer within as level as possible for safety. I've attached a link below on how to properly measure your drop.
I found online that your 2017 Ram 1500 Big Horn 4WD Quad-Cab Hemi's class IV hitch is rated for up to 10,150 lbs. (though you'll want to consult your owner's manual to confirm). A ball mount like B&W Tow & Stow Pintle Hook with 2" and 2-5/16" Balls - 2" Hitch - 10K/16K # BW67BR is perfectly safe for use with your truck, and under normal conditions will not bend or break your hitch. A 6"-8" drop is not uncommon, so you'll be perfectly fine to tow a boat with that much difference in height as long as it's within the weight ratings of your hitch and ballmount. It's not normal for a hitch receiver or a ball mount to break, but you'll always want to be sure not to go over the manufacturer's weight ratings and provide the proper care for them to prolong the life of the products.
What kind of boat are you towing? Do you usually launch in fresh water or salt water?
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: drop hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Video: Review of Fastway Trailer Hitch Ball Mount - Flash Force Adj 2 Ball Mount 2 Inch Hitch - FA93FR
- Shop: B&W Tow & Stow Pintle Hook with 2" and 2-5/16" Balls - 2" Hitch - 10K/16K
- Shop: B&W Tow & Stow Pintle Hook with 2" and 2-5/16" Balls - 2-1/2" Hitch - 10K/21K
- Shop: Fastway Flash Force Adjustable 2-Ball Mount- 2" Hitch - 7" Drop - 7-1/2" Rise - 10K
- Video: Review of Aluma-Tow Trailer Hitch Ball Mount - Silver 360 Adjustable 2 Ball 2 Inch Hitch - UR45PR
- Video: A Closer Look at the Aluma-Tow 360 Silver Adjustable 2-Ball Mount
- Q&A: Determining Which Ball Mount For 2017 Ram 1500 With Class IV Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch For A 2020 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Big Horn With Class 3 Tow Bumper
- Shop: Aluma-Tow 360 Adjustable 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 7" Drop/6" Rise - 15K - Silver
- Shop: Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 6-1/4" Rise, 7-1/2" Drop - 13" Long - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Weigh Safe 180 Hitch 2-Ball Mount for 2.5" Hitch - 6" Drop/7" Rise - 18.5K - Aluminum
- Shop: Aluma-Tow 360 Adjustable 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 7" Drop/6" Rise - 15K - Black
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Recommended Ball Mount for a 2017 Ram 1500
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
on Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
