Ball Mount And 2 Inch Hitch Ball With no Rise or Drop

Question:

I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander Limited and just had the OEM factory hitch installed. It has a 2 inch receiver opening and is 15-3/8 inches from the bottom opening to the ground 17-3/8 inches from the top to the ground with no load. My Ranger boat trailer instructions say With the trailer attached to the tow vehicle, the base of the ball should be 16” to 18” from the ground loaded. I need a 2 inch ball. Is the base of the ball the bottom of the ball itself, or the bottom of where the flat ball base meets the shank? Should I use a no lift receiver? Like your Buyers Products Tri-Ball Hitch - Tubular Shank with Chrome Balls Item # 3371802207?

asked by: Kurt H

Expert Reply:

That's a good question because they didn't do a very good job of explaining that; what they are referring to is the bottom of the ball platform, since that is where the bottom of the coupler will be. And since the top of your hitch measures 17-3/8 inches, the best option is going to be a ball mount with no rise or drop, which is the Buyers Produts Tri-Ball mount you mentioned:

- Buyers Products Tri-Ball Hitch - Tubular Shank with Chrome Balls # 3371802207

This has three hitch balls, including a 2 inch hitch ball like you need, and the 2 inch ball has a 7,500 lb towing capacity, which is going to be plenty for your boat trailer.

The only other thing you will need is something to secure the ball mount to your hitch, either the Pin and Clip # C21500, or receiver lock for more security, which I do recommend; for that you can use the Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches # e98881.

expert reply by: Kyle S