SELECTING THE RIGHT BALL MOUNT:

Length: Distance from the center of the ball hole to the center of the pin hole
Rise: Distance from the top of the shank to the top of the ball platform
Drop: Distance from the top of the shank to the top of the ball platform

THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO MEASUREMENTS IS THE AMOUNT OF BALL MOUNT "RISE" OR "DROP" REQUIRED.

Notice in the CORRECT image above, the Tow vehicle and trailer are level as opposed to the INCORRECT image, the trailer is not level.

MEASURING FOR THE PROPER BALL MOUNT

1. Measure from the ground to the top of the hitch
2. Measure from the ground to the (inside) top of the trailer coupler, when level.
3. Subtract the height of the hitch ball (most are 2-1/2 inches - 3 inches high) from coupler measurement.
4. An 8 inch drop is needed to make the trailer level.

MEASURING FOR THE PROPER BALL MOUNT

Selecting the right hitch ball is must for trouble-free towing.

Always use the properly rated hitch ball for your towing system.

• Your towing system's maximum weight rating is always equal to the lowest rated item in the sytem.
• Your hitching system cannot be upgraded to a rating higher than the maximum rating of your hitch.
  

For example: a 3,500 lbs ball on a 2,000 lbs max trailer weight-rated hitch does not increase your towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Your hitching system is still rated at 2,000 lbs.

Conversely, a 2,000 lbs ball on a 3,500 lbs max trailer weight-rated hitch decreases your maximum towing capacity to 2,000 lbs.

The hitch ball diameter (A) must be the same diameter as the trailer coupler (1-7/8 inch, 2 inch, or 2-5/16 inch).

The shank diameter (B) of the hitch ball should be the same as the hole diameter in the (correct) ball mount you selected.

The shank lenght (C) should be long enough to allow at least two threads to be visible when the hitch ball is installed and the nut completely tightened.