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Old 06-21-2011, 06:16 AM   #1
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1978 28' Ambassador
mcconnelsville , Ohio
Join Date: May 2011
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Ball hitch hight

I am towing a 28 foot ambassador with a 2002 Ford excursion and need to lower the ball position to get to level. The manual states the top of the ball should be 19.5 inches from the ground when vehicle is loaded. I am at 22 inches. The local RV shop can get me an adjustable hitch for $200.00.
Any money saving thoughts or ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, This is a great site!

Dave
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Old 06-21-2011, 06:38 AM   #2
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2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense , Texas
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Dave,

The only thing I would advise is don't go totally on the ball height specs on a trailer of that age. The suspension tends to sag over the years, which would lower the ball height.

The best way is to measure the hitch height above ground when level on level ground.
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Old 06-21-2011, 07:29 AM   #3
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1991 34' Excella
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As Steve mentioned check your trailer ball height while the trailer in sitting on a flat surface and parallel to that surface. Find a flat surface and measure the front and rear of the frame to ground and then measure the ball height.

The important thing is you want the trailer to ride parallel to the ground because the Airstream suspension can not correct for not riding this way because of the type of axle used.

If you are using a weight distributing hitch the hitch will most likely bring the ball back up to that height once the hitch is loaded.

Just make sure the front fender of the TV does not raise when hitched. If it does you will have to reset the angle of the hitch rearward to correct this.

If you head and ball are in good shape I would look on E Bay for a used shank before dropping the $200.00
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Old 06-21-2011, 07:53 AM   #4
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Morrill , Nebraska
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I assume you have a receiver hitch. There are numerous shanks (with different offsets) available at auto parts and trailer supply stores that you can purchase for a lot less than $200.00. Just make sure what ever you get is rated for the load you are pulling. If what your dealer is quoting is for a specific equalizer hitch, you may be stuck with the high price.
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Old 06-21-2011, 09:28 AM   #5
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South of the river , Minnesota
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Dave

With a trailer of that size you will need a weight distribution, sway control hitch.

The drop will be determined by the head of the hitch. Most are adjustable. If you have an older weight distribution setup that is not you may have to replace the head. If you don't have a weight distribution setup you will need to get one.

Etrailer.com is a good place to check prices for stuff like this. $200 for a replacement head is a little high but they are expensive.
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