Correct Ball Mount and Hitch Ball for 2003 Chevy Tahoe

Question:

Hi. I want to install a trailer hitch, ball mount, and hitch ball for a stock 2003 Chevy Tahoe to two an occational lightly loaded U-Haul trailer. I think I want the etrailer e26KR hitch as it does not protrude much from the bumper and it is a higher tongue rating that the class III Curt hitch. Bigger is better, right? Which ball mount and hitch ball should I purchase to give the correct ? Quoting from the U-Haul website, The optimal ball height for towing U-Haul trailers is 18½ to 18¾ inches. This is measured from the ground to the middle of the hitch ball, prior to connecting the trailer. The bottom of my bumper is 19 1/2 inches above the ground. I am an engineer, so I appreciate seeing how you calculate the correct ball mount . Thanks!

asked by: Jon W

Expert Reply:

As long as your 2003 Tahoe does not have the canister or rear passenger side frame rail, the etrailer # e26KR would work just fine for you.

To calculate the necessary rise/drop ball mount needed, you'll need to find the height difference between the top inside edge of the receiver tube and the bottom of the trailer's coupler, as shown in the linked article.

When the # e26KR hitch is installed, the inside top of the receiver will sit about 1 inch below the underside of the bumper. To achieve a 18-1/2 inch ball height, you'll need a ball mount with a zero rise. We don't offer a ball mount with a zero rise, but you can use the # D-4 which provides a 3/4 inch rise and a Hitch Pin and Clip item # PC3. Once the trailer is hitched up, the rear of the Tahoe will settle a little bit which will put you close enough to level (as long as you're within 1-2 inches high or low of level, you'll be just fine).

U-Haul trailers typically use an adjustable coupler which is compatible with 1-7/8, 2 or 2-5/16 inch trailer balls, so the # 63845 2 inch ball you'd looked at would work perfectly.