How Much Does Adding Curt Trailer Hitch Reduce Ground Clearance on a 2016 Volvo XC90

Question:

I am bit a worried about the amount of ground clearance we will have after installing the hitch. The XC90 has about 10inch of clearance assume that the back of the car is not the lowest part. Once I have it installed how much clearance is left? I know there was a post about this and it said He said that the trailer hitch measures approximately 10-5/16 inches from the bottom of the frame-mount bracket to the bottom of the hitch receiver. I have attached a diagram showing this measurement. inch but I am not clear on how high off the ground the frame mount bracket will be when installed on the volvo. it is an issue because we live in new Orleans lots of pot holes .

asked by: Julia L

Expert Reply:

Take a look of the picture I have included showing Curt trailer hitch # C13233 installed on a 2016 Volvo XC90. If you measure from the bottom of the piece pointed out in the picture down about 4-1/2 inches that is approximately where the bottom of the hitch will be after it is installed. That will give you a good idea of the approximate hitch location and thus the amount of ground clearance.

I have driven extensively through New Orleans and there are some rough roads due to the flooding that has occurred over the years but a pot hole would have to be at an extreme level to drop the vehicle enough for the hitch to make contact with the ground. I'm not saying it won't happen but it isn't all that likely. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C53HR would have slightly better ground clearance because the receiver is tighter to the rear fascia but then the safety chain loops stick down so there isn't much clearance gained.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring you can use T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118683. I have linked videos on the wiring and Draw-Tite hitch for you.