Ball Mount Recommendation for a Rented Trailer

Updated 08/07/2026 | Published 07/30/2026

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer High-Low Adjustable Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitch - 6" Rise/Drop - 10K GTW

(81)

$148.69

BulletProof Hitches 2-Ball Mount for 2" Hitch - 6" Drop, 6" Rise - 10,000 lbs

(676)

$139.00

etrailer Adjustable 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 6" Rise, 6" Drop - 10K

(217)

$110.55

Question:

Hello, I want to verify absolutely, positively that there are no issues with using this adapter for my situation: We will be renting a camper thats located out of town and paying in advance for the both the camper rental and our campsite - so the entire vacation will be prepaid and for those reasons we need certainty that this adapter will suit our purposes. We will be towing a Grand Design 17MKE travel trailer that weighs 4,950 lbs. unloaded and typically about 6,400 lbs. loaded, towing with a Dodge Durango with a max towing capacity of 8,700 lbs. The issue is the bottom of our Durango receiver is 17inch from the ground which is too low for the camper to be level, which requires the receiver to be 21.5 to 23 inches from the ground to the bottom/top of the coupler. In other words the bottom of the receiver at 21.5inch and the midpoint at 22.25. So I just want to confirm that with 6inch rise or , this product will offer to work for our scenario: i.e. 17inch bottom of our receiver + 4.5inch rise = the 21.5inch height we need. Can you confirm Im figuring everything correctly, and that with your 10,000-lb. rating we should be fine with respect to weight as well? Lastly, can you tell me if this unit is in stock and approximately when we could expect delivery if we order right away?

asked by: John S

Expert Reply:

Hey John!

I'm happy to help you complete the setup for your trip! Your math comes out perfect and based on your measurements, the etrailer High-Low Adjustable Adapter for Tow Bars # e52ZV will raise your Durango's 2" hitch height from 17" to up to 23", but this adapter is designed for flat towing and not pulling a trailer so it won't work in your setup.

You will need a ball mount with a minimum 5" rise to keep the Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE perfectly level. Since the trailer is a rental, I also recommend getting a ball mount with 2-balls to ensure you have the right size ball to attach to the coupler on this trailer. The etrailer Adjustable 2-Ball Mount # e66PR is the perfect setup for you. It has a 6" adjustable channel for rise or drop (which would put your ball at a height between 18-23"), it includes a 2" and 2-5/16" ball to attach to the trailer coupler, and is able to tow trailers up to 10,000 lbs, so your 6,400 lbs capacity is light work for this ball mount. The black nickel-coated ball is the icing on the cake and will be great for rust-and-weather resistance.

At the time of writing, the # e66PR is out of stock but expected back next week so my next best recommendation for you is the BulletProof Hitches 2-Ball Mount for 2" Hitch # BPH89MR. This ball mount has the exact same specifications and hitch ball options as the # e66PR, but the only drawback in my opinion is that the ball is powder coated, which will show wear once you've used it and the coating begins to rub thin. This has not been a problem according to the feedback we've received, but I think it's definitely possible.

Where are you planning on going on your trip and how far is the trip? What are you most excited to do once the Grand Design is set up?

expert reply by: Jerry B

Patrick

8/6/2026

I used one for flat towing behind my rv it had too much play side to side, could feel my truck I was towing going back and forth. Stopped using it after one trip.

Don D.

8/7/2026

I wouldn't recommend this receiver for a vehicle behind a RV. It has way to much play and your vehicle will sway left and right. If I had to do it all over I would purchase a solid 1 piece drop/rise receiver with the right size for your application.

Jerry B.

8/7/2026

@DonD Thanks for your feedback! I'm sorry that that's been your experience. Since it's adjustable, it does have some play in it like all adjustable mounts do, They're designed that way so that you're able to easily move the receiver tube. You could always use a 5/8" anti-rattle pin in the channel holes to stop the wobble, but there is no fix that I'm aware of that would stop it completely.