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Old 01-26-2016, 08:23 AM   #1
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Extra rise needed on the ball mount?

My tow vehicle hitch receiver sits 18 inches off the ground (measured at the bottom of the receiver). This trailer, sitting level, measures 21 inches to the bottom of the trailer's ball hitch mechanism.

(1) Does this mean I need a three inch rise or do I really need a four inch rise to accommodate the ball itself?

(2) I assume there may be a bit of squatting so do I need to add another inch or two to this rise? (TV does have a class 4 hitch and towing package.)

Thanks!
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Old 01-26-2016, 08:50 AM   #2
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Hope this helps. On the first video click on the web address
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Old 01-26-2016, 08:56 AM   #3
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EDIT: Never mind. Got the information that I needed from a local towing center.
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Old 01-26-2016, 09:40 AM   #4
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Yes you want the ball to be an inch higher then the coupler. If you click on the web address at the top of the first video and not the arrow on the video it will play. Go to the 1.30 minute mark where it shows them measuring it
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Old 01-26-2016, 12:07 PM   #5
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Just take the 2 bolts for the head off the adjustable 't' shank (with the 6 or 8 holes) and turn the shank around and rebolt the head so the ball sits in a higher position. re tighten the 2 bolts.
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Old 01-26-2016, 12:19 PM   #6
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Guys, I've never owned or used a weight distribution hitch so I'm not very familiar with them.

But, somehow, I think we're talking apples and oranges.

I'm looking at towing this trailer with a good old Class IV Reese receiver and a Class III/IV 2x2 inch ball mount with a 10K Class IV 2 5/16 inch ball.

It looks like I'll need a five inch rise on that Class III/IV ball mount to keep the truck and trailer level with each other.

The trailer should be about 8,000 pounds max but it's Gross Trailer Weight can go up to 9,500 pounds.

Do you see any issues with that combination?

And I apologize for any confusion my initial posts might have created. I do realize now that I should have stated the information in THIS post as part of the OP. I'm new to towing anything larger than a Class III capacity.
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Old 01-26-2016, 12:50 PM   #7
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Quote:

The trailer should be about 8,000 pounds max but it's GVT can go up to 9,500 pounds.

Do you see any issues with that combination?
Yes. You do not state what your Tow vehicle is or what its capable payload is, but you will have approx. 1200lbs or more on the hitch. I looked up Reese hitches. 700lbs max is allowed for pin weight unless you use a weight distribution hitch. You should be using a weight distribution hitch with sway control for safety.
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Old 01-26-2016, 01:22 PM   #8
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Hitch weight is 694 pounds max with this trailer.

Reese Weight Carrying Hitch on my truck is rated at rated at 1,000 hitch weight / 10K tow weight. I also know that I have some additional weight limitations due to the rear differential rating on the truck plus the CGWR, actual trailer weight, additional cargo in the tow vehicle, etc.

I think I got the info I posted in #1. I was just trying to determine the actual rise I needed for the Class 4 ball mount.

Thanks, all.
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Old 01-27-2016, 06:00 AM   #9
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I won't debate the choice of using a WD hitch or not with that weight but as someone that's towed lots of different trailers with different vehicles over the years I have had to buy more ball mounts of varying drops then I care to think about. I would recommend buying an adjustable mount and it will probably save you money in the long run.

Adjustable Ball Mount Ball Mounts | etrailer.com
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Old 01-27-2016, 08:57 AM   #10
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Just an FYI but that hitch weight of 694lbs is unloaded. An 8000lb trailer needs at least a tongue Wt of 1000lbs.
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Old 01-27-2016, 10:30 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hondavalk View Post
Just an FYI but that hitch weight of 694lbs is unloaded. An 8000lb trailer needs at least a tongue Wt of 1000lbs.
My thoughts exactly. I had a 7200lb trailer with a 1000lb hitch weight. I do not believe the OP wants to hear the facts.
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Old 01-27-2016, 12:05 PM   #12
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Thumbs down

In my opinion, I think you are making a mistake not using a WD hitch. I believe that size rv needs one.

Is there a reason you don't want to use one?
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Old 01-27-2016, 04:20 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by cw3jason View Post
My thoughts exactly. I had a 7200lb trailer with a 1000lb hitch weight. I do not believe the OP wants to hear the facts.
This is a ridiculous comment and this type of personal attack totally uncalled for.

And I expect much better from a CW3. Much better.

And since it appears we have again lost the bubble on the original question, it was about rise on a ball mount, not about the diagnosis of any potential towing ailments.

My truck isn't hauling this empty trailer anywhere but in my acreage around my house. So it's doesn't need a fancy hitch to do that -- just the correct rise to keep it on level when hitched.

I already have access to a nice RAM 2500 with huge towing capacity, a huge receiver with multi-ball hitch, and a WDH.

Why is it do hard for folks to just answer the freaking original question without extensive elaboration?
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Old 01-27-2016, 04:48 PM   #14
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I think that they are just looking out for you. Your explanation of what you do with your rv is important to answering your original question. Maybe if you included that info in your initial question you wouldn't have gotten the answers you got.

Now that that info is posted, I'm sure you will get the appropriate answers.
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Old 01-27-2016, 05:15 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TxCowboy View Post
This is a ridiculous comment and this type of personal attack totally uncalled for.

And I expect much better from a CW3. Much better.

And since it appears we have again lost the bubble on the original question, it was about rise on a ball mount, not about the diagnosis of any potential towing ailments.

My truck isn't hauling this empty trailer anywhere but in my acreage around my house. So it's doesn't need a fancy hitch to do that -- just the correct rise to keep it on level when hitched.

I already have access to a nice RAM 2500 with huge towing capacity, a huge receiver with multi-ball hitch, and a WDH.

Why is it do hard for folks to just answer the freaking original question without extensive elaboration?
My apologies. It was not meant to be a personal attack, I was more concerned for your safety and those you share the road with. As I re-read my post I can see how it can be taken as a personal attack. My comments are never used to attack, but to educate.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
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Old 01-27-2016, 05:18 PM   #16
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Hondavalk, I want to thank you for your direct answers to my direct questions. Much appreciated.

Your response in Post #4 matched exactly the information provided by my towing center.
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Old 01-27-2016, 05:26 PM   #17
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Since you are satisfied you got your answer TxCowboy, I'm closing the thread.
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