Can I Use a Hitch Ball With a Nut Between the Ball and the Ball Mount to Raise the Towing Height

Question:

I need a rise in my hitch contact point due to the low suspension on my vehicle. Im considering a number of things, but think Ill have to do a combination of getting a rise out of the hitch, and also getting a long shank so that that ball will extend up a bit. If I utilize the long ball shank by positioning it so it extends up as high as possible above the ball mount, will that compromise the strength of the hitch, or is that the sort of thing this long shank is made for?

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

The Hitch Ball with 2" Diameter and Long Shank, item # 63849, is designed to mount into ball mounts that have a thicker ball mount location and cannot be mounted without the flat portion of the mounting surface contacting the ball mount. Mounting the ball in a raised position will compromise the strength of the ball and put undo stress on the ballmount and hitch.

You did not mention the year make and model of your vehicle, or the size of your hitch so it is hard to make a recommendation for your application. If you would like to provide the above information I would be glad to try to make a suggestion for your vehicle.

We do carry ball mounts that can be used in the rise position and that will allow you to tow with the ball in a higher position. If you have a Class 1 or Class 2 hitch then the manufacturer recommends a ball mount to use with the hitch and, for safety reasons, if you cannot tow your trailer with this ball mount you should probably tow the trailer with another vehicle.

expert reply by: Robert G