Recommended Ball Mount for a 3-1/2 Inch Rise For a Class III Hitch Receiver on 2015 Subaru Crosstrek

Question

Question:

My hitch is a Curt class III for my 2015 Subaru XV-Crosstrek C13135 and I measure about 13 3/4 inches from ground to top of receiver opening. My trailer height is 17 1/4 from ground to bottom of the coupler. So that would indicate that I need a ball mount with a rise rise in the vicinity of 3 1/2 inches. Would I be better off with a 4 inch rise or 3 inch? Thanks for your help!

asked by: Steve W

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Expert Reply:

If you measured without any cargo weight in the back of your tow vehicle, then you may want to add the load you would normally carry when towing and measure again. The 4 inch rise ball mount from Curt # C45070 would be a better option if that weight brings your trailer closer to level with a 4 inch rise. You will have some compression of your suspension when you add any weight to the tow vehicle and remember you will be adding the tongue weight of your trailer to that. This could cause significant squat to the suspension of your vehicle if you have a heavy trailer. If you have a light trailer and don't think squatting suspension will be an issue, then adjust your measurement accordingly.

Towing level is important, and the closer to level the better for traction, sway, weight distribution, and many other variables. If your tow vehicle and trailer are level and you have to choose a slightly higher or slightly lower ball mount, you will want to go with the slightly lower option. This will allow for you to have more of the weight toward the tow vehicle versus tilting slightly toward the rear. A little more weight at the hitch ball connection is a better option if you have to choose because too little can cause your trailer to get a little squirrelly.

What I would recommend you getting an adjustable ball mount like Convert-a-Ball Adjustable-Height Ball Mount # TK5007. This ball mount has up to an 9 inch rise, which will accommodate for any vehicle sag as well as the height needed. This will remove all the guesswork and allow you to tow a trailer level. With either and adjustable or fixed ball mount, you'll also want to get a 2 inch hitch ball like # A-90, and a hitch pin like # C21500 or locking pin like # e98880 to secure your ball mount to your vehicle.

If you don't have wiring for your trailer, I'd recommend the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, # C56040. This is a simple plug connection that requires no splicing of wires or running wires to the battery. I've included a video of the install to help.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Answer 1

The trick here is to get as close as possible. If you are talking about less than 2 inches or so, there is nothing to worry about. Having the trailer tongue a bit too high is preferable to it being too low. You may be a good candidate for an…

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Answer 2

In order to get a ball mount that has effectively 0 inches of rise or drop you would need to get a Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, part #D-4, like the one you referenced that has a 2 inch drop, and then use a 2 Inch High Rise Ball, part #C40034. I…

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Answer 3

Since the goal when picking out the correct rise/drop ball mount is to tow the trailer as level as possible you would want to compensate for sag like you mentioned. 3 inches of sag is quite a bit but you'd need to factor it in when towing…

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Answer 4

Switching your ball mount to one with a 5 inch rise, like the Curt #C45336, will help level your trailer but it won't take the sag out of your 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. The trailer's tongue weight will still be pushing the rear of the…

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Answer 5

Sounds like you are asking about how to pick out a ball mount that allows the trailer to sit as level as possible. Ideally you go with the rise/drop that allows the trailer to sit totally level with it loaded. Since significant sag isn't…

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Answer 6

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 7

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 8

Normally trailer coupler height is around 17 inches, from the ground to the bottom of the coupler, and most hitch manufacturers design their hitches to work with a ball mount that will end up very close to this measurement. I am including a link to…

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Answer 9

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…

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Answer 10

The ideal height will actually have to do with how tall the coupler of the trailer is from the ground. The Draw-Tite #76020 will sit at 13 1/2 inches from the ground to the top of the hitch when installed on a 2016 Mazda CX-9. From what I could…

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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…

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Answer 12

Yes, a trailer that is nose up can cause big problems. A level trailer is ideal and worth working toward for safety. The good news is that you can get the trailer almost exactly level with switching ball mounts. This is where an adjustable ball…

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