Recommended Trailer Hitch for Towing Small Kayak Trailer With 2012 Chevy Volt
Question:
I am in the process of purchasing a Sylvansport Go Easy Kayak Trailer to be towed by a 2012 Chevy Volt. The specs on the trailer are as follows: Trailer Weight: 305 lb. Total Carrying Capacity: 495 lb GVWR: 800 lb. I have been told by Sylvansport that the 2 ball of the trailer should measure 15 to the ground to be level and the Tongue is 75 Long. My question is which hitch is a better option the ECO HITCH# 306-X7186 or the ECO HITCH# 306-7180 and why? I am leaning more to the ECO HITCH# 306-X7186 due to ground clearance concerns. Thank you for tour assistance!
asked by: William R
Expert Reply:
From a convenience standpoint, the # 306-X7186 EcoHitch would probably be easier to live with, as you wouldn't need to remove the receiver when it's not being used but because there'd be a 10 inch height difference between the hitch and the coupler height, and because none of the ball mounts we offer that have the appropriate drop would be long enough to clear the rear bumper, you'll be better off going with the removable receiver model, part # 306-X7180.
To figure out the ride that the ball mount you choose would need, measure the height above the ground of lowest point of the rear bumper cover, just under the reverse lamp. Subtract 1/2 inch from that measurement. The difference between that height and 15 inches would be the rise of the ball mount you're wanting. Most likely # C45010 (3/4 inch rise) or # 2753 (2-3/4 inch rise) would put you within 1-1/2 inches of the required height, which would be more than close enough.
To wire your vehicle for towing, you'll need # C59236 as well as a # 19260 for a 1-7/8 or # 63845 for a 2 inch trailer ball, and a pin and clip # PC3.
Products Referenced in This Question
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
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Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2-3/4" Rise, 4" Drop - 9" Long - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
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EcoHitch Invisi Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Completely Hidden
- EcoHitch
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
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Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
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Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
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Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 300 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Completely Hidden
- EcoHitch
more information >
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