High Low Adapter Needed for RV to Raise Hitch Height When Flat Towing

Question:

I am towing a vehicle behind an RV and I need a hitch riser to get my hitch height up to my base plate height. However, I have to work around the bumper of my RV. Are there extender and riser combinations to do this? If not is it advisable to use one of each? Thanks,

asked by: Roger

Expert Reply:

We do offer extender/riser combinations, also know as high-low adapters, for situations like yours. I have included a link to all of our high-low adapters for you.

It will take just a couple of steps to determine which adapter is right for you. First we will start determining the rise that is needed. Since you want the setup as level as possible, you will want to measure the height from the center of your hitch pin hole on the RV to the ground and then the distance from the center of the draw bar arms, when installed in frame brackets, to the ground. I have included a picture to illustrate this. A 3 inch difference between the two measurements is acceptable but anything more would require an adapter with that amount of rise.

The last step is to check for clearance. Since you mention working around the bumper, take a look at the help article that I have attached. To determine the clearance amount that we are working with, you will just need to measure from your hitch pin hole to the outer edge of your bumper.

For example, if you need a 6 inch rise and your clearance measurement is less than 5 inches, you could use the RoadMaster High-Low Adapter, # RM-076. This adapter measures 5 inches from the hitch pin hole to the rise in the shank so it would clear the bumper. I have attached a picture with measurements for you.

If you would like to send me an email with both of the measurements mentioned above, I would be happy to make a specific recommendation for you.

Last but not least, using a hitch extension and the high-low adapter together is not recommended. When using a hitch extension, added strain is put on the hitch so the capacity of the hitch will be reduced by 50 percent. Adding a high-low adapter to the extension would be like using another extension and further reduce the capacity of the hitch. Since this has not been tested, we would have no why to determine the new capacity of the hitch.

expert reply by: Leah S