Ball mounts are not a one-size-fits-all part; they're highly specific to your towing setup. Choosing the right one can be daunting due to the variety of brand options, styles, and the necessity for precise measurements.
The good news is that, while it requires a bit of homework, selecting the correct ball mount is straightforward with the right guidance. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, so you can confidently choose the best one for your trailer.
In this guide, we'll explain what a ball mount is, how to select the right size based on your vehicle's hitch receiver, and what you need to know about weight capacity to ensure an informed decision and a safe towing experience. Let's dive in and simplify the process of choosing the perfect ball mount for your towing needs.
The Basics of Ball Mounts
The ball mount is a simple but crucial piece of towing equipment. It consists of a square shank on one end and a trailer ball platform on the other. The shank side slides into the open receiver on your vehicle’s hitch and is held firmly in place by a hitch pin. The platform side is where the hitch ball attaches, serving as the mounting point when you connect your trailer or camper. The trailer hitch coupler then sits snugly over the hitch ball, creating a secure and level connection.
Obviously, it’s extremely important that the ball mount you choose correctly fits both the truck and trailer. Otherwise, the connection will be insecure, making towing very dangerous. To help you pick the right one, we've included a list of key details and measurements you’ll need when shopping. Grab a tape measure, a simple bubble level, and some pencil and paper to get started.
Measuring For Ball Mounts
First, verify that your vehicle can actually tow the trailer you're trying to pull. This is absolutely critical, as no product can help you tow more weight than your vehicle is rated for.
Assuming your rig is up to the task, the next thing to determine is if the vehicle’s receiver hitch can handle all that weight. You can typically find this information on a sticker on the hitch or by confirming the parts number online or with the manufacturer. If the trailer you're pulling is heavier than the hitch's tow rating, you will need to upgrade to a hitch that can handle the trailer.
Once you verify that the vehicle, hitch, and trailer can all work together, you’ll need to jot down three important measurements:
Receiver Hitch Size: This is simply a measurement of the receiver opening. This number will help you ensure that the ball mount shank matches the receiver exactly. This information may be available on a sticker or found with a parts lookup, but using a tape measure is the quickest and easiest method.
Receiver Hitch Height: Next, we need the vehicle’s hitch height. With the vehicle parked on level ground, measure the distance from the ground to the top of the receiver hitch's shank opening and record the measurement.
Trailer Coupler Height: Lastly, measure the trailer coupler With the trailer parked on solid, even ground and the coupler sitting level, measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. Record this measurement.
Picking the Right Ball Mount
If you followed the steps above, you now have almost everything necessary to pick the right trailer ball mount. All that’s left is to compare the difference in height between the receiver and the trailer, and then we'll know what ball mount will work for your combination.
Calculating the height difference between these two measurements will determine the required drop or rise for the ball mount. Drop and rise refer to the vertical adjustment needed to align the trailer coupler with the hitch receiver on your vehicle. This adjustment ensures that your trailer is level when hitched to your vehicle, which is key for safe and stable towing.
Drop: If the hitch receiver on your vehicle sits higher than the trailer coupler, you need a ball mount with a drop. The drop lowers the hitch ball to match the height of the trailer coupler.
Rise: Conversely, if the hitch receiver sits lower than the trailer coupler, you need a ball mount with a rise. The rise lifts the hitch ball to match the height of the trailer coupler.
To determine the correct drop or rise, subtract the hitch receiver height from the trailer coupler height:
If the result is negative, you need a ball mount with a drop.
If the result is positive, you need a ball mount with a rise.
For example, if your hitch receiver sits 22 inches from the ground and your coupler sits 16 inches from the ground, you would subtract 22 from 16. This leaves you with -6, indicating that you need a ball mount with a 6-inch drop.
Another example would be a receiver hitch measuring 12 inches off the ground, with a coupler sitting up 14 inches. In this case, subtracting 12 from 14 indicates you would need a mount that raises the ball 2 inches.
A pro tip to be aware of is that many ball mounts can simply be flipped to provide rise or drop. For instance, a ball mount advertised to provide a 6-inch drop can be flipped over to raise the ball 6 inches instead.
Common Ball Mount Types
You officially have everything you need to pick the right ball mount! All that's left is to decide on the style and brand that’s best for you. Ball mounts come in various types, each designed for specific towing needs:
Fixed: These are the most common type of ball mount and, as their name suggests, provide a fixed height and drop. They are ideal for general towing needs.
Adjustable: This style offers flexibility by allowing you to adjust the height to match different trailers, making it perfect for those who tow multiple trailers with varying tongue heights.
Weight Distribution: These hitches build upon the traditional ball mount design by adding spring arms that help lift and level out the rear of the vehicle. This distributes tongue weight evenly across both axles, helping to restore balance and eliminate trailer sway.
Keep in mind that many manufacturers have added innovative features to their ball mounts as well. For example, Weigh Safe offers a unique, adjustable drop hitch that uses a built-in gauge to measure tongue weight—so you never have to worry about an unbalanced load. It even comes with two different hitch ball sizes for more versatility.
Other clever models include the B&W Tow & Stow, an adjustable ball mount that conveniently stows behind the bumper when not in use, and the Gen-Y GLYDER Torsion-Flex Ball Mount, which features built-in shock absorption for a smoother ride.
There’s no shortage of quality brands innovating in this space, and many are available right here on Parts Via, including B&W, Blue Ox, Bulletproof Hitches, Curt, Draw Tite, Gen-Y, Husky Towing, Reese, Weigh Safe, and more.
Remember, choosing the right ball mount is essential for safe and efficient towing. With the right setup, you’ll ensure a secure connection between your vehicle and trailer, providing peace of mind on the road. For all your towing needs, trust Parts Via to offer high-quality products and expert advice!