Ball Mount Recommendations for Towing a Trailer with Multiple Vehicles Requiring Different Drops

Question:

Hi, Im interested in the diversi-tech albm6400 or 6600. Weve got 2 vehicles for one trailer. The trailer has a 16 coupler height. One hitch is at 21 and the other is 17. I suppose that I need a 1 and a 5 . Im concerned about ground clearance, so was thinking maybe the 6400. Even so, it looks like I could gain much more clearance with something like the master lock adjustable or just 2 fixed mounts. Ive never pulled anything and have no idea how much ground clearance is needed. Your recommendation and explanation would be appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track for picking out the correct ball mount.

The Self-Locking Adjustable Aluminum Ball Mount, part # DTALBM6600 is a good choice., I believe that you would be better off with the # DTALBM6400. As it could do both the 1 inch and 5 inch drop and would not be be excessively longer than you need. The # DTALBM6600 would work in that regard, but it would be a little longer than you would need so the # DTALBM6400 would be better suited for you.

If ground clearance is a concern for you I would recommend you get two separate ball mounts, each with the appropriate drop for each vehicle. For the vehicle that needs a 5 inch drop I would recommend a Aluminum Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, part # DTBM4400. For the vehicle that needs a 1 inch rise I would recommend a Aluminum Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, part # DTBM5200. This way you could keep the appropriate ball mount with each vehicle and you would not have to worry about which vehicle has the ball mount when you needed it.

The ground clearance that you would need really depends on the terrain that you will be towing your trailer on. If there is a lot of elevation changes where you will be going I would definitely go with the two separate ball mounts. If you will be towing on flat roads you should have no problem using the # DTALBM6400. Either way that you decide and you should have a solid ball mount setup for towing your trailer.

I attached an faq article on ball mounts that you should find informative also.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Tom

12/18/2012

Hi Jameson: I believe that the DTALBM6400 has a 4 inch though it does have a 5 inch rise. In that case, the fella that needed the 5 inch should probably go with the 6600.

Patrick B.

12/19/2012

The 6400 would not quite get you low enough. When towing a trailer you want the trailer either level, or slightly nose down. Nose up can lead to the trailer swaying and not tracking straight behind the tow vehicle. The DTALBM6600 would provide enough drop to cover the 5 inch difference for the taller tow vehicle.