A ballmount is a removable platform that slides into the receiver opening of a trailer hitch and fastens with a pin and clip. The trailer ball is fastened to the flat part of the platform.  Also referred to as a 'drawbar' or 'stinger'.

When towing a trailer, the heights between the vehicle and trailer usually differ - so a Ballmount with a drop or rise is needed. But how do you determine what size you need? Our team has answered the most common questions when trying to find the correct ball mount below:

1. What is required to determine the correct drop or rise of the ball mount? Distance from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler A Distance from the ground to the top I.D. of the receiver tube opening B The difference between the two measurements will determine the size of drop or rise needed
2. How to determine or measure the length of the ball mount? This is the distance from the center of the ball hole to the center of the pin hole This length determines how much clearance is available between the vehicle and the trailer
3. How to determine or measure the drop required? A “drop” is required when the hitch height is greater than the trailer height A “drop” is the distance from the top of the shank to the top of the ball platform
4. How to determine or measure the rise required? A “rise” is required when the trailer height is greater than the hitch height A “rise” is the distance from the top of the shank to the top of the ball platform

Now that we have determined how to get the drop or rise needed, you need to make sure the ballmount you have is suitable for the class of hitch you've purchased. Like a trailer hitch, ballmounts come in classes.

Class I Trailer Hitches should use the ballmount that is included and recommended by the manufacturer. The trailer hitch is tested and rated to use that specific ballmount. Using a ballmount that is not recommended by the manufacturer will void the warranty. Class I Trailer Hitches have the following:

1. 1-1/4" Receiver

2. Class II ballmounts will not fit on Class I trailer hitches

3. Secured with a 1/2" pin and clip

4. Hole diameter of ballmount is 3/4"

5. Rated for 2,000 lbs gross towing weight 

Class II Trailer Hitches should use the ballmount that is included and recommended by the manufacturer. The trailer hitch is tested and rated to use that specific ballmount. Using a ballmount that is not recommended by the manufacturer will void the warranty. Class II Trailer Hitches have the following:

1. 1-1/4" Receiver

2. Class III ballmounts will not fit on Class II trailer hitches

3. Secured with a 1/2" pin and clip

4. Hole diameter of ballmount is 3/4"

5. Rated for 3,500 lbs gross towing weight 

Class III Trailer Hitches are rated to tow up to 6,000 lbs. The ballmount should match the trailer hitches gross towing capacity or higher. Class III ballmounts will work with trailer hitches that have a 2" receiver. Class III Trailer Hitches have the following:

1. 2" Receiver 

2. Secured with a 5/8" pin and clip

3. Hole diameter of ballmount is 1" or 1-1/4" 

4. Rated for 6,000 lbs gross towing weight

5. Weight Distribution System option which will allow a higher tow rating 

Class IV Trailer Hitches are rated to tow up to 12,000 lbs. The ballmount should match the trailer hitches gross towing capacity or higher. Class IV ballmounts will work with trailer hitches that have a 2" receiver. Class IV Trailer Hitches have the following:

1. 2" Receiver 

2. Secured with a 5/8" pin and clip

3. Hole diameter of ballmount is 1-1/4" 

4. Rated for up to 14,000 lbs gross towing weight

5. Weight Distribution System option which will allow a higher tow rating 

Class V Trailer Hitches are rated to tow 14,000 lbs. The ballmount should match the trailer hitches gross towing capacity or higher. Class V ballmounts will work with trailer hitches that have a 2-1/2" receiver. This type of ballmount includes pintle hooks which are considered Heavy Duty. Class V Trailer Hitches have the following:

1. 2-1/2" Receiver 

2. Secured with a 5/8" pin and clip

3. Hole diameter of ballmount is 1-1/4"

4. Rated for up to 14,000 lbs gross towing weight

5. Weight Distribution System option which will allow a higher tow rating 

Follow the link to view our selection of Ballmounts , and use our Trailer Hitch search to find a trailer hitch if you don't already have one. We hope this article could be of great help - if you need any help looking up a ball mount or trailer hitch please contact our team via Live Chat, Email, Or call 800-300-4067