How Far Should A Hitch Stick Out?

You may be wondering how far a hitch stick should stick out from your vehicle.

This is an important consideration, as the length of your hitch stick can impact the safety and stability of your towing setup. 

In this blog post, we will explore the factors that go into determining the proper length of a hitch stick and provide some guidance on how to choose the right one for your vehicle and your specific towing needs. 

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time towing enthusiast, this information will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your hitch stick is the right fit for your vehicle and your towing needs.

How far Should a Hitch Stick Out?

For the smoothest ride possible, we recommend at least 11” of clearance from the bottom of your LOADED trailer hitch ball mount to the ground.

This gives you space for small bumps, dips, and slanted driveways so you won’t scrape the bottom of your hitch.

The length that a hitch should stick out from the tow vehicle depends on several factors, including the type of hitch, the type of trailer, and the weight of the load being towed.

In general, the hitch should stick out far enough to allow the trailer to be coupled and uncoupled easily, but not so far that it causes stability or clearance issues.

For most standard hitch types, the hitch ball should be positioned so that it is about level with the top of the hitch receiver when the trailer is coupled.

This will allow for easy coupling and uncoupling and will provide enough clearance for the trailer to turn without hitting the tow vehicle.

The exact length will vary depending on the hitch and trailer, so it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations.

Importance Of Proper Hitch Length:

If you are towing a heavy load with your trailer, it is crucial that you have the right hitch length to ensure a smooth and safe ride. 

Without proper clearance between the bottom of your loaded trailer hitch ball mount and the ground, you risk scraping or dragging the hitch along uneven terrain and around sharp corners.

Let’s look at the importance of proper hitch length:

1. Proper hitch length is important because it ensures that your trailer is properly balanced.

If the hitch is too long, the trailer will be front heavy and may fishtail or jackknife.

If the hitch is too short, the trailer will be back heavy and may sway or tip over.

2. It helps to prevent wear and tear on your vehicle.

If the hitch is too long, it will put unnecessary stress on your vehicle’s suspension and frame.

If the hitch is too short, it can cause the trailer to bounce, which can damage your vehicle’s tires and wheels.

3. Proper hitch length is also important because it helps to ensure that your trailer brakes are properly engaged.

If the hitch is too long, the trailer’s brakes may not engage properly, which could lead to an accident.

If the hitch is too short, the trailer’s brakes may engage too early, which could also lead to an accident.

4. It is also important because it helps to ensure that your trailer lights are properly aligned.

If the hitch is too long, the trailer’s lights may point up into the sky instead of down at the ground, which could make them difficult for other drivers to see.

If the hitch is too short, the trailer’s lights may point down at the ground instead of up into the sky, which could make them difficult for you to see.

5. Proper hitch length is also important because it helps to ensure that your trailer tires are properly inflated.

If the hitch is too long, the trailer’s tires may rub against each other, which could cause them to deflate.

If the hitch is too short, the trailer’s tires may not have enough contact with the ground, which could also cause them to deflate

Factors That Affect Hitch Length:

Here are the factors that determine the appropriate length for a hitch, including the type of hitch, the type of trailer, and the weight of the load being towed:

Type of hitch:

The length of a hitch can vary depending on the type of hitch.

For example, a weight-distributing hitch will typically have a longer shank than a standard hitch.

It’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations when determining the appropriate length for your hitch.

Type of trailer:

The type of trailer being towed can also affect the appropriate length for a hitch.

For example, a long or heavy trailer may require a longer hitch to provide adequate clearance and stability.

Again, it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations when determining the appropriate length.

Weight of the load:

The weight of the load being towed can also affect the appropriate length for a hitch.

A heavy load may require a longer hitch to provide adequate clearance and stability.

It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations and to never exceed the hitch’s rated capacity.

What happens if the hitch is too low?

There are a number of potential consequences if you use a hitch that is too low.

For one, the ground clearance may be insufficient, which could cause scraping or drag on uneven terrain and around sharp corners. 

Additionally, the vehicle’s suspension may be overworked while towing, which could lead to early wear and tear on your car or truck.

If the hitch is too low, it can put excessive stress on your vehicle’s suspension and frame, which may lead to damage over time.

It could also cause your trailer tires and wheels to wear out prematurely from repeated impacts with the ground. 

Additionally, a low hitch may make it difficult for other drivers to see your trailer lights, increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to always use a hitch that is properly sized and rated for your vehicle and load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

Now you know the answer to the question “How far should a hitch stick out?”

It depends on the trailer length, the size of the hitch, and the size of the vehicle hauling the trailer.

We recommend at least 11” of clearance from the bottom of your loaded trailer hitch ball mount to the ground for the smoothest ride possible.

This extra space allows for small bumps, dips, and slanted driveways so you won’t scrape the bottom of your hitch.

Keep in mind that the length of your hitch should also be determined by the type of trailer and weight being towed.

Hitch safety chains should be adjusted so that the chain links do not touch the ground during any part of the trip.