Ball drop question

[fritz_monroe]

We got a new TV and there is a huge difference in height.  So, I need to get a new ballmount.  However, I need some assistance figuring out the proper drop.  I meassured to the top of the receiver hole and it's 20 3/4", measuring to the bottom of the coupler is 17" and to the top of the coupler is 19".  I've seen several different ways of determining the proper drop.

I saw that you meassure to the top of the receiver and the bottom of the coupler and just subtract.  If I do this, I get 3 3/4" or a 4 " drop.

I also saw that you should measure to the top of the coupler and then subtract the height of the ball.  Then subtract this from the height of the top of the receiver.  When I use a 3" ball, this gives me 5 3/4".

So what do I do?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[ScoobyDoo]

Make sure you load everything into the TV before you measure.

[SpeakEasy]

Make sure you load everything into the TV before you measure.

and the trailer.

If you want to be really O-C about it, load up your passengers in the TV as well. The goal is to have your camper level while travelling down the road.

[wynot]

We got a new TV and there is a huge difference in height. So, I need to get a new ballmount. However, I need some assistance figuring out the proper drop. I meassured to the top of the receiver hole and it's 20 3/4", measuring to the bottom of the coupler is 17" and to the top of the coupler is 19". I've seen several different ways of determining the proper drop.
 
I saw that you meassure to the top of the receiver and the bottom of the coupler and just subtract. If I do this, I get 3 3/4" or a 4 " drop.
 
I also saw that you should measure to the top of the coupler and then subtract the height of the ball. Then subtract this from the height of the top of the receiver. When I use a 3" ball, this gives me 5 3/4".
 
So what do I do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Another thing is whether or not you have autoleveling on the new tow vehicle.  My Tahoe loads down with the initial tongue load, but levels back out in about half a mile.

[flyfisherman]

Sometimes manufactures would supply the "hitch height" for the models of their campers. The old and tried method for finding out same was to get the camper to a level, flat surface (like maybe a supermarket parking lot) and unhitch. Then measuring from the frame to the ground, at the front and then the rear of the camper,  using the front dolly wheel jack,  to where these two measurements agree. Then measure from the top of the coupler to the ground and this would be your hitch height. Use to be any knowlegable installer understood exactly what you would be talking about.

On my particualar set-up, having a full sized pick-up with a little beefing in the rear, all I had to do was to use this measurement and then use a ball with an additional lift height (extra 1 1/4") and this compensated for the addional cargo I always tote around!


Fly