Which is the Correct Ball Mount for a 1997 Lexus ES 300 and Draw-Tite Class II Trailer Hitch

Question:

Im trying to figure out the height of the hitch on a 97 lexus es300 so I can buy the correct ball riser to marry to an 18inch receiver on my trailer. My bumper is 13 inch from the ground. One of the photos on the website shows the hitch as riding snug to the bumper which leads me to believe the the hitch sits 13-13/16thickness of metal =12-3/16inch off the ground to the center of 1-1/4inch receiver opening. So Im looking at a riser that is 18-12-3/16+ball height to get a level trailer. right? I think I need the height the 1 7/8foot ball sits above the riser. Some people think the lexus hitch sits 17inch from the ground but Im not sure thats accurate or my car rides low by 4inch

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch # 36336 for the 1997 Lexus ES 300 is a Class II trailer hitch. This is important because with Class II trailer hitches you have to use the ball mount specified by the hitch manufacturer or it voids the hitch warranty. This is because on the lower Class hitches they are tested with a specific ball mount best suited for the vehicle.

When measuring for the rise or drop needed you do not factor in the height of the ball. I have included a link to a how-to article that explains how to measure for rise/drop.

Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 36336 will be approximately 1 inch from the bottom of the rear fascia. If you measure from the bottom of the fascia down 2-3/4 inches, this is about where the bottom of the receiver will be. I have included a picture that shows the hitch in the proper position.

The proper ball mount for this hitch and vehicle is # 36061 and it must be used in the rise position only. When in the rise position it will provide 3-1/8 inches of rise measured from the top of the receiver opening on the hitch. For a 1-7/8 inch ball use # 19256. And if you ever need a 2 inch, it is # 19258.

To complete the towing set up you will also need trailer wiring installed on the Lexus. Use # 119147KIT. This is a hardwire kit so you will need to test the vehicle tail light wires using the included circuit tester to determine the wire functions and make the proper connections to the wiring harness. I have linked the instructions for you to view.