How to Pick Out the Correct Rise/Drop Ball Mount for a 2009 Ford Explorer towing a Camper Trailer

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Question:

I have a 2009 Ford explorer with a factory 1 1/4inch hitch. I am trying to figure out what tow bar I will need for my 2005 Fleetwood Allegiance trailer. The trailer has 13inch wheels. The tow bar I bought from a local place seems to be slightly higher than level when it is loaded with the trailer and it tends to bounce slightly when I go down the road. What to you think I should use for this setup? If I purchased a 2inch hitch to fit under my 1 1/4inch hitch what 2inch should I use with this configuration? The other thing I was wondering is if you think I would have any benefit from installing something on the spring suspension of my vehicle to improve the ride. It isnt a horrible ride but I am thinking it could be better. I have towed my other trailer 1994 Coleman Royal in the past with other cars and it never bounced but I notice it with this newer trailer setup. Your insight would be appreciated. Cliff

asked by: Cliff R

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Expert Reply:

You need to pick out a ball mount for your setup that will allow your trailer to sit as level as possible when towing. In order to determine the correct ball mount rise/drop you will want to check out the FAQ I attached to the right that details this. Having your trailer sit level should help tremendously with any sway or bouncing of the trailer.

Since the 2 inch hitch will have a higher capacity I would recommend using it for towing purposes. Suspension enhancements aren't recommended when towing trailers as they basically act as a fulcrum point for the tongue weight of the trailer and unload the front suspension somewhat which can cause problems when braking and turning.

If your trailer weighs more than 50 percent of your 2009 Ford Explorer I would recommend a weight distribution system. I attached an FAQ on these as well.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow, this figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 3

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 7

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 8

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 9

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 10

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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Answer 11

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 12

The best hitch for a 2024 Hyundai Tucson is the etrailer Hitch item #e38KR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Tucson with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver, that has a 3,500 lbs towing capacity and a 525 lbs…

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How to Pick Out the Correct Rise/Drop Ball Mount for a 2009 Ford Explorer towing a Camper Trailer

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