How Would Ball Mount Height be Picked out for Trailer Hitch Installed on 2015 Mazda CX-5

Question:

I am trying to determine the type of ball mount I would need. I am planning to pull a popup camper with my Mazda CX5. I need to purchase the hitch before I can get the camper. The camper is going to be under 1700 lbs. I plan to purchase the Curt Class III hitch # C13315. What I am worried about is the height of the hitch receiver. Because of its relatively low location, will I need to get a ball mount that has a rise to it or no? Also, would you recommend trailer brakes or no?

asked by: Jeremy

Expert Reply:

I attached an FAQ that details how to pick out the correct ball mount. Picking out the correct ball mount will allow your trailer to sit as level as possible. Basically you will first measure the height from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the hitch while on level ground. Next, you will measure the coupler height from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler when the trailer is on level ground.

Next, you will need to compute the difference. If the hitch height is greater than the coupler height the difference is the drop required. If the coupler height is greater the difference is the rise required. You will want to pick the ball mount with the rise/drop closest to the difference.

For your 2015 Mazda CX-5 the Curt hitch part # C13315 is the correct hitch.

To determine if you need a brake controller you'd want to first check to see if the trailer has brakes. And if it does and the weight of the trailer is more than 50 percent of the towing capacity of your trailer you would need a controller.

expert reply by: Jameson C