At Ernie’s Inc we carry all of the cool toys and gadgets. Our selection of towing accessories is off the charts. We have all of the major brands of locks, trays, ball mounts, and much more.
Choosing the Correct Ball Mount
For safe and comfortable towing, the trailer should always be as level as possible. A level trailer will put less strain on the connection between the trailer and hitch. It will also help the trailer stay in line behind the vehicle. Because trailer and vehicle heights often differ, a ball mount with a Rise or a Drop may be needed. To determine how much of a rise or drop you need, follow the simple steps below.
Measuring for Your Ball Mount
Measure the hitch height from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the trailer hitch. With the vehicle parked on level ground, measure to the top of the 2″ hole on Class III and IV hitches and the 2-1/2″ hole on Class V hitches.
Measure the coupler height from the ground to the bottom of the trailer’s coupler. Make sure the trailer is level and on level ground.
Calculate the difference
Calculate the difference between the hitch height and the coupler height. If the hitch height is greater than the coupler height, the difference is the drop that is required. If the coupler height is greater, the difference is the rise that is required. The ball mount with the rise or drop closest to the difference should then be chosen; for example, if the hitch height is 24-3/4″ and the coupler height is 17″. Because the hitch height is greater, a ball mount with a drop of 7-3/4″ would be required for a level trailer. A ball mount with an 8″ drop is closest to the actual drop and thus is the right one to use.
If the hitch height is greater than the trailer height, then
- hitch height – trailer height = drop
If the trailer height is greater than the hitch height, then
- trailer height – hitch height = rise
Ball Mount Dimensions
Drop – This is the distance from the top of the shank to the top of the ball platform.
Rise – Rise is the distance from the top of the shank to the top of the ball platform.
Length – The length is the distance from the center of the ball hole to the center of the pin hole. The length will determine how much clearance will be available between the vehicle and the trailer and can be used to get past a spare tire or tailgate.
Ball Hole Diameter – Ball hole diameter is the size of the hole in the platform of the ball mount. This measurement will determine what diameter shank your hitch ball should have for it to properly fit in the ball mount. Typical sizes are 3/4″, 1″ and 1-1/4″.
Pictures and Resources provided by etrailer.