What Size Rise Ball Mount Do I Need for a 2021 Mazda CX-5 Towing a 2026 Aliner Scout Lite?

Updated 10/21/2026 | Published 10/15/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 8" Rise, 9-1/4" Drop - 14" Long - 5K

(4009)

$55.35

1-1/2" 12pt Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel

(301)

$15.43

Curt Ball Mount - 6" Rise, 8" Drop - 11-1/2" Long - 5,000 lbs

(4009)

$50.01

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

(4041)

$17.94

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Chrome

(3827)

$27.62

Question:

I have a 2021 Mazda CX5 with a 2inch receiver. Its 11inch from the ground to the inside top of the receiver. Im going to be towing a 2026 Aliner Scout lite camper that measures 18inch from the ground to the upper inside of the ball cup. Im calculating that I need a ball mount with a 7inch rise. I think I should add one inch to that to compensate for any sag in the rear suspension due to tongue weight that could be approaching 200lbs. Im wondering if this particular part would work well for me?

asked by: Joe C

Expert Reply:

Hello Joe,

Thanks for writing in.

Yes, I think you are on the right track with your measurements, but I would recommend a ball mount with a little less rise.

When figuring out the correct rise, you want to measure from the ground to the bottom of your trailer's coupler, not the upper inside edge. Since you measured 18", we can subtract approximately 2" to account for the hitch ball, bringing your coupler height to around 16".

Now subtract your Mazda's 11" receiver height from the 16" coupler height, and that gives you a 5" rise. I recommend the Curt Ball Mount # C45090, which has a 6" rise. This will put you about an inch higher than your calculated height, giving you a little room for your Mazda's rear suspension to settle once the trailer's tongue weight is applied.

The Curt # C45090 fits your 2" receiver and is rated for 3,500 lbs of trailer weight and 350 lbs of tongue weight when used in the rise position. You will also want to make sure you stay within your Mazda's towing and tongue weight capacities.

For a 2" hitch ball, I recommend # C54CR, which has the 1" diameter shank needed for this ball mount. You will need a 1-1/2" socket to tighten the ball's nut, and we carry one under part # ALL643210. I also recommend the etrailer Locking Hitch Pin # e98880 to secure the ball mount in your Mazda's receiver and help prevent theft.

Once everything is hooked up, you will want to check that your Aliner is sitting level.

Does your Aliner have a 2" coupler? I want to make sure we have the correct hitch ball for you.

expert reply by: Kate F

Joe C.

10/15/2026

Thank you, you were spot on, I rechecked the measurements and the trailer coupler is 16.4" to the bottom of the coupler so the 6" drop, 5" rise would work. My next need is a pin that is also an anti rattle pin that screws together (a lock) because I won't be able to use my u-bolt anti rattle bracket because I have to install a no drill 7 pin mounting plate that'll sit on the collar of the receiver. I really appreciate your help! Joe

Kate F.

10/21/2026

@JoeC My pleasure, Joe. Thanks for following up. For your anti-rattle hitch pin, take a look at the Lets Go Aero Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # 63232. It works with hollow-shank ball mounts and helps eliminate movement inside the receiver without needing a U-bolt bracket. It also includes a lock for added security.