Choosing a Class II Ball Mount with the Correct Rise and Drop on 2004 Subaru Outback Wagon
Question:
I am installing a Class 2 Hitch Receiver by Draw-Tite #36284 on my 2004 Subaru Outback Ltd. 2.5L H4 I have been reviewing options for the drawbar I can use to tow. I understand the Class 2 hitch receiver requires a 1 1/4 in. drawbar. Since 2inch drawbars are quite universal, Is there any advantage to using a drawbar converter to change the 1 1/4 drawbar to a 2inch drawbar? I also understand I will want a drawbar with a rise. How do I determine the correct rise 1, 2, 5inch etc. Is it based on the trailer I am towing or preference? Thanks for your knowledge and easy customer experience!
asked by: Mac
Expert Reply:
I've linked our selection of Class II ball mounts for you to take a look at.
You can use an adapter to increase the tube size to a 2 inch, like # HTAD, however this is going to reduce the weight capacity of the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 36284 by 50 percent making it 1750 pounds with only 150 pounds of tongue weight. So yes, you will have more options of ball mounts to choose from, but you will have a lot less towing capacity.
Choosing the correct rise and drop depends on the height of your trailer. With your Outback and trailer both on level ground, measure from the ground to the inner top of your receiver's opening tube on the car, and to the bottom of the coupler on your trailer. Then subtract the difference and that is what you will need.
I've attached a help article on choosing ball mounts that may be helpful to you. It goes into more detail about determining rise and drop as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hitch Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Expander
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- 7-1/4 Inch Extension
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1-1/4 Inch to 2 Inch
- Brophy
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 4" Rise - 10" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 3-1/8" Rise - 9-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Video: Curt Class II Euro Style Drawbar Review C45592
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: receiver lock
- Search Results: 36061
- Search Results: euro style drawbar
- Search Results: 2" ball
- Search Results: adjustable drawbar
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock - Padlock Style for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Shop: Curt Class II Euro Style Drawbar with 2" Ball - 3-1/8" Rise - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Curt Class II Euro Style Drawbar with 2" Ball - 3-1/8" Rise - 3,500 lbs
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It