When towing a trailer, you have to make sure that your trailer hitch ball is at the correct height.
If it’s not, you could damage your car or truck and even cause an accident.
So, how high should your trailer hitch ball be?
And how do you adjust it if it’s not right?
Keep reading to find out.
How High Should My Trailer Hitch Ball Be?
The height should be 17″-21″ from the ground.
This is so that you can properly connect the trailer to your vehicle.
Besides the height, you also have to make sure that the trailer hitch ball is level.
This is important because if it’s not, your trailer will not be level and could cause problems when you’re driving.
How to Adjust the Height of Your Trailer Hitch Ball?
If your trailer hitch ball is too high or too low, you can adjust it by using a trailer hitch ball mount.
To adjust the height you need to follow the below steps:
Step 1: Park Your Car on a Level Surface
It’s important that you park your car on a level surface before you start adjusting the height of your trailer hitch ball.
If you don’t, it will be difficult to get an accurate measurement.
Step 2: Measure the Height of Your Trailer Hitch Ball
Once you have parked your car on a level surface, you can now measure the height of your trailer hitch ball.
The best way to do this is with a tape measure.
To measure the height, start at the top of the trailer hitch ball and measure down to the ground.
Step 3: Adjust the Height of Your Trailer Hitch Ball
If your trailer hitch ball is too high or too low, you can adjust it by using a trailer hitch ball mount.
To do this, simply loosen the bolts on the trailer hitch ball mount and adjust it up or down as needed.
Once you have it at the desired height, tighten the bolts back down.
And that’s it!
Now you know how to properly adjust the height of your trailer hitch ball.
Just remember, the goal is to have it be 17″-21″ from the ground.
This will ensure that you have a safe and level connection between your car and trailer.
Is It Better To Have The Trailer Hitch High Or Low?
Some people think that it’s better to have the trailer hitch ball high, while others think it’s better to have the trailer hitch ball low.
Having the trailer hitch higher than the level is not recommended as it shifts the weight distribution backward and pitches the trailer.
On the other hand, having the trailer hitch lower than level is not recommended either as it can put stress on the trailer tongue and may cause the trailer to fishtail.
So, what’s the best setting?
The best setting is to have the trailer hitch ball at the same level as your car’s receiver hitch.
This will ensure that the weight is evenly distributed and that the trailer is not too high or too low.
What Happens if My Trailer Hitch Ball is Too High?
There are some dangers of having your trailer hitch ball too high.
First, it can cause the trailer to fishtail.
This is because the trailer will be sitting too high and the weight will not be evenly distributed.
Second, it can damage your car or truck. If the trailer is too high, it could hit the back of your car or truck when you’re driving.
This could cause a serious accident.
Lastly, it can damage the trailer itself.
If the trailer is too high, it could put stress on the tongue and cause the trailer to tip over.
As you can see, it’s very important to make sure that your trailer hitch ball is not too high.
If it is, you could be putting yourself and others in danger.
What Happens If My Trailer Hitch Ball Is Too Low?
Just like having the trailer hitch ball too high, there are also some dangers of having it too low.
If the trailer tongue doesn’t have enough weight, the trailer may sway from side to side and become difficult to control.
In addition, if the trailer is too low it could bottom out when going over bumps or potholes.
This could damage the bottom of the trailer and make it difficult to tow.
Lastly, if the trailer is too low it could put stress on the hitch itself and cause it to break.
Also, the trailer could detach from the hitch while you’re driving, which would be very dangerous.
Does Hitch Height Affect Tongue Weight?
Yes, the height of your trailer hitch ball can affect tongue weight.
Having your hitch too high will overload the trailer’s axles.
This could cause the trailer to fishtail and become difficult to control.
On the other hand, having your hitch too low could damage the tongue or coupler.
The tongue is what connects the trailer to the tow vehicle.
If it’s damaged, it could cause the trailer to detach from the hitch while you’re driving.
This would be very dangerous.
So, it’s important to make sure that your trailer hitch ball is at the proper height.
This will ensure that your trailer tongue has the correct amount of weight and that your trailer is safe to tow.
FAQs on How High Should Trailer Hitch Ball Be!
Does Your Trailer Hitch Ball Need To Be Greased?
Yes, your trailer hitch ball does need to be greased.
However, it’s a good idea to keep it clean and free of dirt and debris.
What Might Happen If The Trailer Is Too High When You Are Coupling To It?
If you attach your Fifth Wheel at an incorrect kingpin height, it could damage the trailer and/or truck.
When the trailer is too high, the Fifth Wheel will not be hit, and could potentially cause an accident.
Can I Adjust My Trailer Hitch Ball Up Or Down?
Yes, you can adjust your trailer hitch ball up or down.
However, it’s important to make sure that you do it correctly.
Conclusion
Now that you know how important it is to have the right hitch height, you can be sure that your trailer will be safe to tow.
Also know how to adjust the height of your trailer hitch ball, if needed.
Just be sure to do it correctly, so that you don’t damage your trailer or truck.