How to Increase Height of Trailer Hitch Ball to Allow Boat Trailer to be Towed Level

Question

Question:

I have a boat and trailer and a car hitch with 2x2 receiver currently rated for 5900 maximum tow 900 max tongue weight. Boat is roughly 5000 lbs. I need to increase the height of my ball to tow the trailer properly 6 to 8 inches. is there any product you recommend?

asked by: Emilio E

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Ideally a hitched trailer will be level to the ground. We often recommend starting off with the hitch ball being a bit higher - an inch or so - than the top of the coupler on the level trailer since once hitched there will be a degree of squat in the rear of the tow vehicle from the trailer tongue weight. This is perfectly acceptable.

You can select a different ball mount for your hitch that gives you additional height (rise) by using the link provided at right. For example, if you want 8-1/4-inches of rise you could use the Curt 2-inch Class III ball mount # C45112. This requires a ball with a 1-inch diameter shank such as # 63845, which has a 2-inch hitch ball.

If you find that your MDX sits too low in the rear when hitched you might consider a weight distribution system. Weight distribution systems are recommended whenever trailer weight exceeds 50-percent of the tow vehicle weight, when the tow vehicle rear sags when the trailer is hooked up, if the tow vehicle headlights point upward or if steering and braking performance are not what they should be. The linked article explains the whys and whats of weight distribution; note that your hitch must specifically be rated for use with such systems and this will be indicated on its safety sticker.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Ellie

4/14/2020

There is a ball hitch on my truck but it is to high to hitch my trailer correctly. Is there something that goes from ball hitch s down to another ball hitch

Reply

Chris R.

4/15/2020

That's really one of the downsides of using a bumper hitch ball. There's just not any adjustments you can make to create a level ride, and as you're experiencing, the ball is typically higher than the trailer coupler. For a truly level ride your only option will be to utilize the hitch (or install one if you don't have one already) and use a ball mount with the right rise or drop for the trailer. I linked a really good article on this subject below, along with our complete selection of ball mounts that you can look through.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-trailer_hitch_ball_mount.aspx

faq-ballmount.aspx

Reply

Answer 1

Hey Nick, the Trimax Trailer Wheel Chock and Lock #TMX75FR you're looking at will work with your 175/80r13 trailer tires. This lock has measures 6" wide when closed and 10 1/2" when opened all the way, so with your tires…

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Answer 2

For your 2024 Toyota RAV4, the best trailer hitch receiver that will fit is the following: - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e23ZR The #e23ZR is the best because it has completely concealed crosstube so only the receiver is showing, allowing your…

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Answer 3

Sway control is designed to be used in situations where the trailer sways under adverse conditions such as high winds or when large vehicles are passing causing the trailer to become unstable. Sway control also helps if you have to maneuver…

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Answer 4

The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part #C56434 will certainly work with the 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE Hybrid model. The Curt is designed for all models of the RAV4 so it will work well for you. The…

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Answer 5

Yes, the Tekonsha trailer wiring harness part #C56434 is a confirmed fit for your 2023 Toyota RAV4 Adventure.

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Answer 6

I took a look at the Yakima Rack and Roll #Y08106 that you're inquiring about, and it turns out you can actually stand this kayak up completely like you're wanting too. You are just going to have to remove the wheels and the tongue,…

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Answer 7

Sway controls are designed to be used in situations where sway is a direct result of some type of road condition, like high winds or large vehicles passing. If you have sway with a trailer under normal towing conditions, sway control will most…

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Answer 8

Your best option would be to either replace your trailer jack or add a second jack that comes with a drop leg. We had a trailer here at our facility that was in a similar situation and this method worked pretty well. We kept the original sidewind…

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Answer 9

Your best option would be to either replace your trailer jack or add a second jack that comes with a drop leg. We had a trailer here at our facility that was in a similar situation and this method worked pretty well. We kept the original sidewind…

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Answer 10

If the trailer is less than 1 inch off of being perfectly level either up or down then it will be perfectly fine. Having it slightly higher would be better because presumably the tongue weight of the trailer will pull it down a little. You could…

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Answer 11

For the Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer part #Y08107 the height from the ground to the top of the inside of the coupler where the ball sits is 22 inches so then from the bottom of the coupler lip to the ground measures 20 inches when the trailer sits…

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Answer 12

The two biggest differences between a Class II and Class III hitch are going to be weight capacity and receiver opening size. You are going to have a higher tow weight and tongue weight with a Class III hitch. Class II hitches generally have a…

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How to Increase Height of Trailer Hitch Ball to Allow Boat Trailer to be Towed Level

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