Factors to Consider When Picking Out Length of Ball Mount
Question:
What’s the best size of shank to use when towing a travel trailer? I see there are some that are shorter and some that are longer. When I say shorter it’s probably the standard length away from the vehicle but there are ones that are longer or extended. Which one would be better for towing? My thoughts are that the longer or extended one would put the tongue weight of the trailer further away from the vehicle and cause more bouncing in the vehicle. I’m using the Husky Centerline Round Bar hitch and weight distribution setup.
asked by: Michael
Expert Reply:
I would say the shorter you can go without any turning clearance issues will be the safest and best option. The length of the ball mount doesn't typically play a huge factor in ride quality or anything but we have longer ball mounts for trailers that are wider at the nose of the trailer to help get a little more clearance for turning.
In theory a longer ball mount would put more leverage on the hitch in terms of tongue weight but most of the time it's not something that's really noticed one way or another. A standard length ball mount would be like the Curt # C45030.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 1" Rise, 2-1/4" Drop - 7-5/8" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Class II Drawbar - 3-7/8" Rise - 13-1/2" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: 2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Reese Trailer Hitch Starter Ball Mount Kit
- Shop: Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise - 6-5/8" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: How to Determine if Trailer Axle is Not Aligned and How to Measure to Replace Trailer Axle
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: Brake Controller Wiring for Ford E-450 Motorhome
- Video: Lippert Solera Slider Slide-Topper Review
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Video: Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect Installation - 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: Wheel and Tire Recommendation For Jet Ski Trailer with Tire Size ST175/80R13
- Search Results: dust cap
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Titan Trailer Brakes T2385200 Review
on Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
