Selecting a Ball Mount and Ball for a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
Question:
I have a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche with the factory installed hitch 2 opening. I was wondering what you would suggest as a ball and mount that would work for me to pull a trailer? I will not be hauling a lot during the year on a weekly/monthly basis. I will do this maybe once or twice a year if that. What do you suggest? The drive would be 15 hours. Thank you!
asked by: Kathy G
Expert Reply:
One of the most important things to do when towing is to get the trailer and vehicle level. Selecting the appropriate ball mount will allow you to keep the trailer level. We have a page that shows how to find what drop or rise ballmount is needed to keep the trailer level, I have included a link to it. Basically you will measure the height of your hitch and the height of the coupler on the trailer. If the trailer is higher, then you get a ball mount that rises however many inches. The opposite goes if the hitch is higher.
If you are towing the same trailer all the time, you can use a fixed ball mount. They are less expensive and easier to use. If you are towing a different trailer each time, then you would probably want an adjustable ball mount with multiple balls like the part you were looking at.
Selecting a ball is a fairly easy process. The trailer coupler will have stamped on it what size ball it needs, either 1-7/8 inch, 2 inch or 2-5/16 inch. The ball mount will also play a part in determining which ball you choose. The ball mount holes come in 3 different sizes, 3/4 inch, 1 inch and 1-1/4 inch and that will determine the ball shank size.
So if your trailer coupler says 2 inch ball and your ball mount has a 1 inch diameter hole, you would order a 2 inch ball with a 1 inch shank diameter. I will link you to another page that has information on selecting a ball.
If you measure your hitch height, from the ground to the top of the opening and your coupler height, from the ground to the bottom edge of the coupler, I can tell you what ball mounts and balls will work for your setup.
Rental trailers are usually about the same height, and are usually 16 to 17 inches coupler height, so the ball mount we have recommend on a hitch page should be a close fit. For a drawbar, I recommend the part # C45010 which should work with a standard height trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
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
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Flash Secure 2-Ball Mount w/ Chrome Balls - 2" Hitch - 4" Drop, 5" Rise
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Adjustable Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- 2-5/16 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Aluminum Shank - Silver
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 5 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Built-In Locks
- Fastway
more information >
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