Getting ready to purchase my first boat. I will tow it with my Suburban. How do I determine the correct ball height so I can get the proper ball mount drop to match the trailer?

Thanks

Have the boat setting on a level surface and use the trailer jack to get the boat level. Measure the distance from the tounge to the ground. Then measure the reciever distance. The diffence will give you ball drop/raise needed. I always add about 2 inches for suspension travel due to tounge weight.

Most stock suspensions will use either a no drop or 2" drop. A Suburban will prolly use 2" drop as long as its got stock suspension.

Any height that keeps it from scraping your driveway when you back it in!!! No, seriously--I saw a guy towing an I-Series Skeeter with a Ford F-250 and his ball was on the BUMPER!!! It looked rediculous and I'm sure his skeg only has a limited life--it will be on the road somewhere before long! So, it is important to get this right--On most of today's trucks (1500 series) that have no dealer or factory installed suspension accessories, a 2 inch drop will suffice--a 4X4 will normally take a 3.25" drop. 2500 series 4x4 or up will normally take a 5" or better drop.

I will be towing with a 1999 Suburban 1500 4x4 with factory suspension and a factory trailer hitch.

Generally 16-18 inches from the ground to the middle of the ball.

I'm sure a 3.25 will work just fine. Make sure that the front of the trailer is not dipping down towards the burb too much though--may affect your surge brakes (if you have them). You can buy either at Home Depot with the ball already on them--buy them both and take the one you don't need back. I will tell you though that I carry a spare with me at all times--good thing to have the whole set up. By the way, these hitches are normally only about $20 each... Good investment to buy two.

I read the title and thought well...it's probobly just about the same as the inseam of your britches..


Seriously, with a '99 a 2" should work...no prob and not mess with your brakes.

i figured it depended on how cold it was outside, as to the ball height/drop...


Good advice above... keep the trailer level... I had to find my reciever hitch at U-Haul, as I needed 8" of drop... Dodge 4x4...

i would think a 2" drop would be fine.
you dont want the weight on the rear end of the suburban because then you take the chance of dragging chains,lights,or possibly the jack on the ground if you come across a high spot.

That is funny I don't care who you are.

LOL....ball height....2" drop....LOL

Buy the hitch that will keep your trailer level.