Measuring for the Right Amount of Drop to Tow a Trailer Level with a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question

Question:

I really appreciate your site and the information shared. So here is my question. I have a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, stock tires, no lift with a tow package. Ive measure the top of the mount to be about 24inch from the ground. Got a small trailer which I measured the top of the tongue mount to be around 12inch so that leaves a foot difference. Keep in mind both measurements are on a sloped driveway-it is not possible for mev to move the trailer to a flat surface ATM,as I have to move it by hand since I am vision impaired and have not gotten the wife trained on backing trailers. Yet. So with that in mind I have looked at hitches with a 8inch leaving me with approx a 4inch difference. Are there other options beside getting a different trailer? [[Being on Disability it took me months to get the fund together for this trailer.]] The trailer was towed about 150M empty from pickup to here with only a couple of bottom outs going into and out of a gas station but on the road it travelled nicely. Adding that 8inch of clearance to the rear should resolve that I suspect but will the 4inch difference cause issues towing a load? The trailer is going to be used to move anything from wood for repurposing to cement bricks, fill dirt and furniture in order to start something to get off or, at least supplement the disability [[Dont get disabled if you can avoid it-Kids, stay in school, get an education and get a JOB and invest.]] Never exceeding recommended weights for tongue and trailer. Safety is my first concern. Options and suggestions would be appreciated.

asked by: Mark H

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Expert Reply:

First we need to make sure that you are measuring correctly to determine the amount of drop needed to tow the trailer level. Since your 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee and trailer are not on level ground you would just have to make sure the vertical measurement is perpendicular to the ground (see illustration). Although technically as long as you are measuring the same way on both the Jeep and trailer it would be fine.

On the vehicle you are measuring up to the top of the hitch receiver opening. On the trailer with it level (relative to the ground) measure to the bottom of the trailer coupler.

If that still leaves a different of 12 inches then you will want to look at ball mounts that can reach that much drop. Regular fixed ball mounts might not be made in a 12 inch drop but there are adjustable ball mounts that can get pretty low.

Ball mount # TK5007 has a maximum drop of 10 inches. The tongue weight of the trailer will pull down on the hitch a little so it will only be off level a little bit while towing. You want the trailer to be as close to level as possible when towing so it has the proper tongue weight on the hitch and the proper weight on the axle(s). This ball mount is rated for 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight.

If you end up needed a different amount of drop or the trailer weighs over 5,000 pounds let me know and I can make other recommendations.

expert reply by: Michael H

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