How to Find Rise/Drop of Ball Mount Needed for Towing Small Aluminum Boat with 2007 Acura TL

Question

Question:

Just ordered the Draw-Tite class I hitch and T-One wiring harness for my 2008 Acura TL to pull a small 14foot aluminum fishing boat. How do I determine which ball mount to get?

asked by: Bill S

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Expert Reply:

When we installed the Draw-Tite # 24755 Class I hitch on a 2007 Acura TL, we found that the inside top edge of the receiver tube sat 10-1/2 inches above the pavement.

To determine which ball mount would place your trailer as close to level as possible, you'll need to put the boat trailer up on it's jack so it's level, then measure from the bottom edge of the coupler to the ground. The height difference between 10-1/2 inches and the level trailer coupler height equals the amount of rise/drop you'll need. I'll link to an article that shows exactly how to do this.

In your case, you'll need a rise. The average trailer coupler height varies between around 16-18 inches with smaller trailers typically being lower. It's very likely that a 5 inch rise such as what's provided by # C45015 would get you within 1-2 inches of level which is perfect.

In addition to the hitch and a trailer wiring harness like # C56231, you'll also need a # PC2 hitch pin and a trailer ball like # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch or # 19258 for a 2 inch ball.

As a final note, you'll want to make sure that the weight of the boat doesn't exceed the 2000 lb capacity of the hitch or its 200 lb tongue weight capacity.

You can see an install video for the hitch and the trailer wiring harness.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

The Curt Class II 1-1/4 Inch Ball Mount, part #C45015 has a solid steel shank. It has a 5 inch rise and measures 11-5/8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole. The other choices I have for a 1-1/4 inch ball mount…

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Answer 2

There is a pretty significant difference when it comes to the hitches you mentioned that fit your 2018 Chevy Bolt EV, the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver #24956 and EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7359. As you mentioned, the Draw-Tite…

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Answer 3

You are probably OK but if you are anything like I am it would be too close for comfort. I wouldn't want to take a chance at potentially causing any damage to my fascia. I recommend the Curt Class II Drawbar - 5" Rise - 11-5/8" Long -…

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Answer 4

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4" #C11048 is compatible with the Curt Class II Drawbar - 5" Rise - 11-5/8" Long - 3,500 lbs #C45015 you referenced. You will also need a hitch ball like #19256 for a 1-7/8…

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Answer 5

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 6

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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Answer 7

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 8

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 9

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

Normally trailer coupler height is around 17 inches, from the ground to the bottom of the coupler, and most hitch manufacturers design their hitches to work with a ball mount that will end up very close to this measurement. I am including a link to…

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Answer 12

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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