Ball Mount with More than 5 Inches of Drop to Tow a Trailer Level with a Jeep Commander
Question:
I have a Jeep Commander and I am attempting to haul a utility trailer with 12 inch wheels, I have a hitch with a drop of 5 1/2 inches but my trailer trails at a high angle. I want the trailer to be level. What do I need and where can I get it. I have a 1 7/8 ball??? I can not find a drop of more than 5 1/2 inches. I use it around my property and to pick up supplies, never more than a 1000 pounds hauled. Thanks
asked by: Paul G
Expert Reply:
We do have ball mounts that you can use that have more drop than 5-1/2 inches. But you have to choose one based on the hitch you have, 1-1/4 inch receiver opening or 2 inch receiver opening.
On a 1-1/4 inch hitch you have to use the ball mount indicated by the hitch manufacturer or it can void the hitch warranty. But if you have a 2 inch receiver then you can use any ball mount that fits your needs.
I have included a link to the right that shows how to measure to determine the proper rise or, in this case, drop you will need to tow the trailer level.
When choosing a ball mount, since you already have a ball, you will want to also look at the ball hole diameter of the ball mount to make sure it works with the shank of your ball. For example, ball mount # C45090 offers 8 inches of drop and uses a ball with a 1 inch diameter shank.
If you do have a 1-1/4 inch Class II trailer hitch and the hitch manufacturer does not specify a specific ball you have to use we have ball mount # BM96 with a 6 inch drop. It takes a ball with a 3/4 inch shank diameter.
The other option is to raise the trailer height. There are a couple of ways to do this. If the trailer uses double-eye leaf springs and the stack is mounted under the axle you can use an over/under conversion kit, # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8 inch round axles or # K71-385-00 for 3 inch round axles.
Otherwise you would have to have taller hangers welded on which would require a professional welder to perform the installation. I have linked all the hangers we carry. Please note that raising the height of a trailer makes it more susceptible to sway.
Products Referenced in This Question
Brophy Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5-1/2" Rise, 6" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 6 Inch
- Rise - 5 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- Brophy
more information >
Curt Ball Mount - 6" Rise, 8" Drop - 11-1/2" Long - 5,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 8 Inch
- Rise - 6 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 5000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Single Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 3 Inch
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Pintle Hook Mounting Plate for 2" Hitches - 11" Shank - 8 Hole - 16,000 lbs
- Pintle Hitch
- Pintle Mounting Plate
- 16000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch Mount
- 8 Holes
- Standard Shank
- B and W
more information >
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