Determining Correct Ball Mount or Draw Bar for your Vehicle and Trailer Combination for Level Towing

Question

Question:

Thanks for the info on this issue! I parked the trailer, leveling it as best I could by eye. The measurement to the bottom of the coupler was 15". The measurement to the top of the receiver on the truck was about 20.5", giving me about a 5.5" drop. Looks like some of the Curt ball mounts should work for me. One model, the C45240, seems like it might add a little bit of versatility for other towing applications, being it has the two mounting points. I'm curious if connecting this NEO trailer using the longer position would affect how it maneuvered while backing up?

asked by: Frank B

0

Expert Reply:

To find the correct ball mount you want to measure from the inside top opening of the receiver on your truck to the ground. Then you want to measure the trailer from the bottom of the coupler to the ground when the trailer is level. The difference between those two measurements will give you the proper rise or drop for your application. I've attached an article to assist.

If you don't want to use a fixed mount, or if you pull different trailers, you may want to consider an adjustable mount. For a basic adjustable mount, I recommend the Curt Adjustable Ball Mount # C45900. I've linked the page to all of your options for your convenience.

You may also want to consider a locking hitch pin like # e98880 to secure your investment.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Frank B.

11/10/2017

Thanks for the info on this issue! I parked the trailer, leveling it as best I could by eye. The measurement to the bottom of the coupler was 15". The measurement to the top of the receiver on the truck was about 20.5", giving me about a 5.5" drop. Looks like some of the Curt ball mounts should work for me. One model, the C45240, seems like it might add a little bit of versatility for other towing applications, being it has the two mounting points. I'm curious if connecting this NEO trailer using the longer position would affect how it maneuvered while backing up?

Reply

Jason S.

11/10/2017

The Curt Dual Length Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4-1/2" Rise, 5-3/4" Drop - 7,500 lbs # C45240 does have the two mounting points for you to have additional clearance when needed. The longer position won't have much of a bearing on backing up. The trailer will still utilize the hitch ball as the pivot point so the only variable is added clearance to the side if you are backing at a significant angle. This longer pin will allow you a little more turning clearance when pulling the trailer, but the extra 3 inches won't really effect much unless you needed more bumper clearance. I also recommend the # 63845 for a 2 inch diameter ball, # 63847 for a 2-5/16 inch ball, and # e98880 for a hitch lock.

Reply

Answer 1

There isn't a specific distance you want to have between the bumper of a vehicle and the hitch ball, but in general you'll want more than an inch. This will give you additional leeway when hitching up the trailer so that you…

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Answer 2

Going with a longer ball mount for your situation would be a great solution. The only real downside is that you might be more likely to bang your shin against the ball mount since it will be sticking out further, but the increased length does not…

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Answer 3

The Draw-Tite Ball Mount w/ 2" Ball for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7,500 lbs item #DT49MR you were looking at would work great to haul a 6 x 12 uhaul trailer. The trailer has a maximum 4,400 lbs capacity…

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Answer 4

The product weight of the Gen-Y Torsion 2-Ball Mount w/ Stacked Receivers #325-GH-1225 is 87 lbs. This hitch mount is awesome due to all the extra things you can use with it. It has 5 stacked 2" hitch receivers that can accommodate almost…

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Answer 5

Between the Shocker Hitch and Gen-Y Torsion ball mount, I recommend the Gen-Y. Its rubber torsion arms are going to absorb road shock naturally due to its design, while the Shocker Hitch requires constant maintenance that isn't needed with…

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Answer 6

There would be no way to use the Gen-Y Glyder Shock Absorbing Ball Mounts with a weight distribution system but not to worry, Gen-Y does offer the Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shanks like part #GY54FR which have built-in cushioning and are…

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Answer 7

Yes, the Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank #GY54FR can be mounted in either orientation to provide more rise or drop. It will have a gauge on both sides of the hitch so that you can uses in either orientation and clearly see the gauge. Your…

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Answer 8

Since your 26 foot Mini Lite Rockwood has torsion springs we don't have a shock kit for the trailer we can recommend to cushion the ride of it but we do offer a cushioned ball mount option that will prevent a lot of the bounce from the trailer…

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Answer 9

It looks like you want to add the torsion mounted ball mount to your 2018 Silverado and yet want to be able to keep you Equal-I-zer weight distribution system. The Gen-Y Torsion 2-Ball Mount w/ Stacked Receivers - 2" Hitch - 5" Drop/Rise -…

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Answer 10

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 11

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 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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