How to Select Correct Ball Mount to Allow Towed Trailer to Remain Level

Question:

I have 2010 chevy Silverado 1500, and i have a Pop-up camper. i have measured the the distance for a ball hitch and the distance is 6 1/2 to 7 . is there a tolerance on that height i already have a 5 1/2 hitch. would i be safe at this height

asked by: Kevin

Helpful Expert Reply:

You ask a good question.

It is important to select a ball mount for your towing set-up that allows the trailer frame to be level with the ground when it is hitched to the tow vehicle. Level trailers handle better and tend to have less sway.

With that said, it is generally a good idea to start out with your tow vehicle's hitch ball sitting a good inch (or maybe a little bit more) HIGHER than the trailer coupler. This height difference tends to compensate for the normal rear-end squat on the tow vehicle caused by the trailer's tongue weight pushing down on the hitch ball.

So long as your hitch ball starts out higher than the level trailer coupler then that 1-1/2-inch difference is absolutely fine. On the other hand, if the coupler were 1-1/2-inches higher than the hitch ball, then you would want to choose a different ball mount with more rise.

I linked for you a helpful article on how to choose a ball mount as well as our main page for all ball mounts that fit a 2-inch hitch. These include fixed ball mounts like # C45230 and adjustable ones like the 2-ball B&W # BWTS10037B.

expert reply by: Adam R