Ball Mount Hitches - Tow Trailers Of Different Coupler Heights

In the towing system, the tow vehicle is equipped with "hitch" which is either bolted or welded to the vehicle frame. Trailer hitches come in all sizes and shapes for a variety of applications like towing boats, trailer homes and heavy cargo. Trailer hitches are classified as either weight-carrying or weight-distributing. Ball mount hitches are trailer hitches that slide into a receiver, fasten with a pin and clip to allow the attachment of a ball for towing a trailer. The major hitch manufacturers like Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch manufacture ball mount hitches.

It is important to see that the trailer ball mount you select is appropriate for your particular towing application. Ball mount hitches come in various classes from I to V, indicating the maximum weight the trailer can tow. Although a stronger hitch is good, the vehicle's engine power eventually determines the maximum load limit. A lightweight Class II ball mount might be rated for a trailer up to 3000-3500 lbs and generally fit a 1 1/4" square receiver hitch. A Class III ball mount might be rated for trailer weights of about 5000 lbs and a hitch weight of about 500 lbs. Class IV and Class V ball mounts would have even higher rated capacities.

Virtually all travel trailers use ball mount hitches. Adjustable ball mounts are ideal for applications where one vehicle will be towing trailers of varying coupler heights.  Since some trailers hitch to a two-inch ball-mount while others utilize a larger mount, a draw-bar with two different-sized ball-mounts allows you to adapt your hitch to either type without having to carry two separate draw bars. The draw bar is fastened in the receiver using a metal pin and safety clip. Hitch ball mount bike racks are bike carriers that mount onto the ball hitch of your motorcycle making towing with your bike a viable proposition.