Ground Clearance After Installing Trailer Hitch on 2009 Dodge Journey
Question:
I want to install a Trailer Hitch to my 2009 Dodge Journey SE. The concern I have is that the trailer hitch may be too low to the ground. Looking at the Trailer Hitch Installation video you have on youtube, it shows the top of the receiver tube being 13-3/4inch from the ground. Im worried that the trailer hitch may be to low to the ground for most trailers, as well as possible ground scrapping when going over a bump/uneven terrain. Looking forward to hearing back
asked by: Anthony
Expert Reply:
Installing a trailer hitch on just about any vehicle will reduce its ground clearance, especially when the hitch installs below the bumper cover. Some hitches are designed to provide a more hidden appearance for cosmetic reasons and this type may offer more ground clearance. The linked video details the available hitches for your Journey and how they differ.
Actual ground clearance depends on several factors including passenger count, cargo weight in the vehicle and wheel/tire size and condition.
Many hitch-mount accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers have shanks (the part that goes into the hitch opening) that have an angle or rise to provide better clearance for the rack itself. Examples are the Swagman XC 2-Bike Platform Bike Rack # S64650 which has 4-inches of rise in the shank and the Curt Cargo Carrier # C18151 which has 2-inches of rise.
When there is a potential concern with ground clearance, say when entering a steep driveway with some type of carrier installed on the car, approaching the driveway at a sharper angle (not straight on) often helps.
Products Referenced in This Question
20x59 Curt Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Folding Carrier
- 20 Inch Wide
- Heavy Duty
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 60 Inch Long
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- CURT
more information >
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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