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Trucks and trailers frequently go hand-in-hand. But they don’t join together magically, without the help of certain pieces of hardware. We’re talking about a trailer hitch or ball mount. Some vehicles are not equipped or powerful enough to pull a large trailer. Most trucks don’t have that problem. That said, if the wrong ball mount or trailer hitch is used, catastrophe can ensue.
Choosing the Correct Ball Mount
To ensure safe towing connections, and pose less risk to your trailer, vehicle, other drivers, and yourself, two things must be considered when choosing the correct ball mount.
- Compared to the trailer being towed, the weight rating must be larger or equal to it.
- There must be a level connection between the trailer and the towing vehicle.
Of course, this is just the beginning where the choice of an appropriate ball mount is concerned. Let’s look at other factors that should be considered.
Determine Coupler Height
Here is where you measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the coupler. Before you measure this height, however, make sure that you level your trailer. Record the measurement on a piece of paper.
Determine Hitch Height
This is the time to measure the distance between the ground and your vehicle’s hitch receiver top. Once you’ve measured this height, record it on a piece of paper.
Take Those Two and Measure the Difference
Now it’s time for math. The measurement for your trailer coupler height should be subtracted from the receiver height. The amount of ball mount drop is determined by the difference. Here are two more pointers:
- You will need a ball mount with a rise if the height of your coupler is greater than the height of your hitch.
- You’ll need a ball mount with a drop if the height of your hitch is greater than the height of your coupler.
Adjustable Ball Mount
Lots of people tow one trailer and one trailer only. But sometimes, depending on the job at hand, you may have to tow more than one kind of trailer.
To adjust the drop and rise of your trailer ball mount, you may want to invest in an adjustable mount. This will allow you to alter the trailer ball height for the towing of multiple trailers.
Trailer Hitches on Cars
As suggested earlier, cars can tow trailers. In reality, almost any vehicle can tow a trailer, depending on the size of each. Before going to the trouble of installing a trailer hitch on a car, however, it is recommended that you see just how big of a trailer the car can tow. Check your Owner’s Manual for manufacturer recommendations. Can’t find your Owner’s Manual? Check with a trusted, experienced service technician as to whether or not your car is big enough and powerful enough to tow a trailer. Even smaller cars can tow a trailer if it’s light enough and small enough.
There’s no sense in going through all the work of installing a trailer hitch, not to mention causing unnecessary damage/alterations to your vehicle, if the trailer you can safely tow isn’t big enough for your purposes.
Need some help installing that trailer hitch or determining what kind you’ll need? Seek out the advice of the experts at Mickey Genuine Parts for your truck care needs. We have Mickey Certified Service Centers located throughout the United States for your convenience.
Contact us at Mickey today to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions you may have.
