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Old 02-11-2015, 10:31 PM   #1
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Hitch Height vs. Ball Height

Just bought a Bambi Sport 16'. Says hitch height is 18". The measurement to the top of my ball is 23". Can I tow like that or do I need to get a drop?
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Old 02-11-2015, 11:00 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by adamwright View Post
Just bought a Bambi Sport 16'. Says hitch height is 18". The measurement to the top of my ball is 23". Can I tow like that or do I need to get a drop?
Hi, when connected you want your trailer to be level or very slightly down in front. You also want your tow vehicle to be pretty much level too. Your 5" difference is too much. [this is the short version]
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Old 02-11-2015, 11:09 PM   #3
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I made a mistake in titling this thred. I meant to refer to the trailer tongue height vs the hitch height. I just realized through research that I measured my hitch height wrong. I measured from ground to top of the ball not the top of the receiver opening. It turns out my hitch height is 19 and the trailer height is 18. Is just the one inch difference OK?
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Old 02-11-2015, 11:17 PM   #4
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Hitch Height vs. Ball Height

You may find that the weight of the trailer on the ball will bring it basically level... As Robert pointed out, your goal is to achieve a level tow vehicle and a level trailer. Hitch it up and take some measurements. Assuming your ball height is 19" and your coupler is 18" as measured from the ground to the top of the socket, you're in the ball park. Depending on your tongue weight, truck spring rates and a weight distributing hitch if used, will all determine how level everything sits. From there you can decided if you need to get a mount that raises or lowers the ball.
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Old 02-12-2015, 11:39 AM   #5
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Not sure the rule of thumb anymore but back in the day when I welded up Class 3 hitches we always set the ball height 1" higher than needed and let the weight of the trailer bring the everything back to level.

I just purchased a 23FB with hardly any hitch weight and my Ram 2500 didn't even budge when the full weight of the trailer was applied. So it really would depend on your tow vehicles suspension IMHO.
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Old 02-12-2015, 03:24 PM   #6
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If it is greater than 3" +/-, I would recommend a drop/raise hitch. You'll have to see how much you need when you get it connected and the rear suspension loaded. You should be very close to optimum. I have to use a 10" drop w/ my Big Ford to get it to a 19" ride height.
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