How to Use a Higher Rise Ball Mount and Still Tow Trailer Level

Question:

I am attemting to pull a single axle covered utility trailer with my 2013 MB GL 450. However the trailer hitch on the GL450 is to low and the trailer jack bottoms out at the end of my drive way. Is there any way to raise the hitch upward? Can I use a 3 inch ball mount and turn it upside down? Is that safe? The trailer maxes out at 3500 lbs. The 3 inch drop ball mount is rated for 7,500 lbs in the position. Is the rating the same upside down?

asked by: Billy B

Expert Reply:

When picking out a ball mount for towing a trailer you need to go with the correct rise/drop that will allow you to tow your trailer level. If using a 3 inch rise ball mount like the part # 2753 will allow your trailer to tow level then this would be an option you could use.

If your trailer is currently being towed level then I doubt you would be able to use a 3 inch rise ball mount and still be able to tow the trailer level. I attached a help article that details how to pick out a ball mount rise/drop.

It is possible that you could lift your trailer and then with the additional height go with a higher ball mount so that your trailer would have more ground clearance and would be level.

You can do this by moving the axles from being above the leaf springs to below the leaf springs.

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

Some refer to this process as "flipping the axles," but since axle has a slight bow to it you can't just flip them and reinstall them under the springs using the same spring seats. You have to install new spring seats on the opposite side of the axle so that it can be moved below the spring.