Raised Hitch

[vrybel]

New to the RV scene. Have a new 23BKS that sits rather tall with 16-inch tires.
The ball on my 1997 3500 RAM seems to be about 8-9 inches too low to tow the trailer in a horizontal position.
Can anyone recommend a device for raising the ball?
My receiver is 2-inch.
Any/all suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks.-VR

[Frontier]

Do you intend to use a weight distributing hitch? Given your rig, you probably don't need to, but would still benefit by using one. An adjustable shank is what you need, something to overcome that much rise.
I considered the 23bks, but the higher overall height detracts a bit from road efficiency. Nice to have the greater clearance though, nice trailer.

[Frontier]

Something like this:
CURT 17124 Weight Distribution Shank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GMTKUW..._iIxZAbMMCETDG

Or this:
CURT 45900 Adjustable Channel Mount https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SMGAJ6..._gKxZAbX1H40MD

I have one of the latter, but my TV isn't stout enough to use it with my trailer

[Freqz]

You just need a WDH shank with more rise...

I have 8" of rise for my combo.

Even if you don't need WD, a hitch with some sway control would be beneficial.

[PTricky]

I had the same issue when I picked up my new trailer.

Try the calculator on the Equalizer site.
https://www.equalizerhitch.com/find-your-shank-size

I used it to figure out what parts to order, it worked perfectly.

[Red_5]

Originally Posted by PTricky

I had the same issue when I picked up my new trailer.

Try the calculator on the Equalizer site.
https://www.equalizerhitch.com/find-your-shank-size

I used it to figure out what parts to order, it worked perfectly.

I also have an adjustable shank from Equalizer. Keep in mind that unless you get the extended version you likely wont be able to open your tailgate when hitched.

[PTricky]

Originally Posted by Red_5

I also have an adjustable shank from Equalizer. Keep in mind that unless you get the extended version you likely wont be able to open your tailgate when hitched.

That is true, I cannot open my tailgate fully or it will contact the top of the hitch. But my trailer rides level.

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by Red_5

I also have an adjustable shank from Equalizer. Keep in mind that unless you get the extended version you likely wont be able to open your tailgate when hitched.

No tailgate problem here. Either with hitch height or distance to the tongue jack.

Surprised that PTricky with a 3/4 ton has a height problem?

I got a Curt 2.5" shank (#17128) for my Equal-I-Zer, but didn't need to flip it to level the trailer. The trailer is nose down by about an inch but that's no problem ...

(A 2" receiver or a 2.5" with 2" insert just wears out too fast with all the towing we do and our ~1300# TW)

[PTricky]

Originally Posted by brulaz

No tailgate problem here. Either with hitch height or distance to the tongue jack.

Surprised that PTricky with a 3/4 ton has a height problem?

With the 16 inch tires and the x4 suspension, and the fact the A frame that has no drop, the ball height is at 31 inches when level.
It creates a interference with the tailgate only when coupled up. My truck is a 3/4 ton, but it has the smaller stock size tires than some others, making it sit about 3/4 of an inch lower.


This is a picture of our setup on the way home from the dealer. I tried to crop the picture to show the hitch, hope it's not blurry.

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by PTricky

With the 16 inch tires and the x4 suspension,
...

Yes, I can see it in your picture.

Compared to my older trailer without the big tires and Mor-Ryde suspension, the body of yours seems to ride much more above the wheels.

Do you even have wheel wells in the floor?

[PTricky]

Originally Posted by brulaz

Yes, I can see it in your picture.

Compared to my older trailer without the big tires and Mor-Ryde suspension, the body of yours seems to ride much more above the wheels.

Do you even have wheel wells in the floor?

I don't think so. I'm pretty sure the floor is completely flat across the wheel wells.

[Superslif]

Originally Posted by PTricky

That is true, I cannot open my tailgate fully or it will contact the top of the hitch. But my trailer rides level.

I have the same issue on my Tundra. I did just install air bags, so it would be nice if I can loose a inch of hitch height and not have to worry about banging my tailgate.

I'm trying to figure a way to remind myself, after un-hooking the trailer, I need to pull the hitch before I lower the tailgate to unload bikes and firewood. Any ideas?

[brulaz]

Bigger wheels/tires on the truck (with a lift?) and run the trailer nose down by 1-2"?

[Oldwolf]

Originally Posted by PTricky

With the 16 inch tires and the x4 suspension, and the fact the A frame that has no drop, the ball height is at 31 inches when level.
It creates a interference with the tailgate only when coupled up. My truck is a 3/4 ton, but it has the smaller stock size tires than some others, making it sit about 3/4 of an inch lower.
Attachment 198733 Attachment 198735

This is a picture of our setup on the way home from the dealer. I tried to crop the picture to show the hitch, hope it's not blurry.

Looks fairly similar to my setup with the Equalizer. I have a 3” lift and 35’s with no tailgate interference.