How to Select Correct Ball Mount to Allow Towed Trailer to Remain Level
Question:
I have 2010 chevy Silverado 1500, and i have a Pop-up camper. i have measured the the distance for a ball hitch and the distance is 6 1/2 to 7 . is there a tolerance on that height i already have a 5 1/2 hitch. would i be safe at this height
asked by: Kevin
Helpful Expert Reply:
You ask a good question.
It is important to select a ball mount for your towing set-up that allows the trailer frame to be level with the ground when it is hitched to the tow vehicle. Level trailers handle better and tend to have less sway.
With that said, it is generally a good idea to start out with your tow vehicle's hitch ball sitting a good inch (or maybe a little bit more) HIGHER than the trailer coupler. This height difference tends to compensate for the normal rear-end squat on the tow vehicle caused by the trailer's tongue weight pushing down on the hitch ball.
So long as your hitch ball starts out higher than the level trailer coupler then that 1-1/2-inch difference is absolutely fine. On the other hand, if the coupler were 1-1/2-inches higher than the hitch ball, then you would want to choose a different ball mount with more rise.
I linked for you a helpful article on how to choose a ball mount as well as our main page for all ball mounts that fit a 2-inch hitch. These include fixed ball mounts like # C45230 and adjustable ones like the 2-ball B&W # BWTS10037B.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 5" Drop, 5-1/2" Rise - 10K - Black
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Adjustable Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- 2-5/16 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Matte Black
- Drop - 5 Inch
- Rise - 5 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- B and W
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Dual Length Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2-3/8" Rise, 3-5/8" Drop - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Availability of 7-1/2-inch-long V-Shaped Replacement Keel Roller for Boat Trailer
- Q&A: LED Trailer Taillight Recommendation for a 3110 Feather Lite Car Trailer
- Q&A: Converting From 7-Way Round to 7-Way Flat Connector
- Q&A: Wiring Diagram for 7-Way Round Pin Trailer and Vehicle Side Connectors
- Q&A: Replacement Clearance Lights Needed for GLO-BRITE 122R and 122Y Lights
- Article: Will Flat Towing Blow Up Your Transmission?
- Q&A: Automatic Transfer Switch For 30 Amp Service
- Article: How to Accurately Measure Trailer Leaf Springs
- Q&A: What is 22 mm Size of Wheelmaster Lug Nut # WM9062 Refer To
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: 2023 Holiday Must Haves
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Flat Towing Package for 2007-2018 JK Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size