How to Pick Out the Correct Rise Ball Mount for a 2007 Volvo XC90 towing a Boat Trailer

Question:

Hi, I have a 2007 Volvo XC90 which just had a hitch installed. It is a Thule V5, Class III with 5,000 GTW. In hitching up my 1987 Four Winns boat trailer, I noticed that it leans inward towards the vehicle. Upon measuring, it seems my hitch height is 14inch to top of hitch hollow, while the coupler is 17inch to bottom. It would appear I need a 3inch rise hitch mount, but I am having troubles finding something that would work because the hitch says that the length should not be more than 6.22inch inches. Do you have a recommendation? Also, would you rather the hitch height be lower or higher than the level trailer, if erring on one or the other in measuring rise? I ask because its difficult to be precise on what the trailer coupler height exactly is upon measurement the level Im using shows different measures depending on where I lay it on the trailer...the front arm shows its too high a bit, the trailer under hull shows a tiny bit too high, while the trailer right before the tire shows perfectly level, if that makes sense. Thanks!

asked by: Shawn P

Expert Reply:

I attached an FAQ on determining the correct rise/drop ball mount for you to check out, but it sounds like you have determined that you need a ball mount with a 3 inch rise. Check out the Draw-Tite Ball Mount # 4281, when used in the rise position this ball mount will give you 3 inches of rise.

What hitch do you have? Thule does not make hitches for vehicles so I am wondering if you meant to type Valley. The reason I ask is that because all of the hitches we offer for your vehicle recommend a ball mount that has a distance of 8-1/2 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the ball mount hole. Which the # 4281 that I recommended has that same distance.

If you have to pick between a little high or low I would recommend high since once the weight of the trailer is on the hitch the rear suspension of the tow vehicle will compress slightly.

expert reply by: Jameson C