Hitch height question

North of 49° · 03-30-2015, 06:34 PM

While we're waiting to take delivery of our new 24FBS, I decided to assemble the new WDH hitch. According to Jayco Customer Service, the coupler height of the trailer is 31.25". With this in mind, I assembled the WDH on its highest setting, and...

...No where near close. I understand that the trailer should be as level as possible, and the ball height should be a little higher than the coupler before it's hooked up. But it looks like the ball is going to be quite a bit shorter than the coupler height, which will result in the trailer being nose-down once it's all hooked up with the weight distribution bars.

I've never had to deal with this situation before; all of the other trailer's I've towed had couplers low enough to the ground where this wasn't an issue. Would towing the trailer with the nose this low be okay, or should I look for another solution? Any suggestions?

DuckHunterJon · 03-30-2015, 06:41 PM

What brand/model hitch do you have? Can the shank be flipped over for more height?

North of 49° · 03-30-2015, 06:46 PM

It's a Curt 800/8000 lb round bar WHD, model #17001, and the shank is already pointing up on its highest setting.

Tim L · 03-30-2015, 06:57 PM

I would say"I do not believe the Jayco #" I have a 26RKS on order, called and got a 27" number. Went to my dealer, measured a 26RKS on the lot, came up with 24.5" When we ordered, we were debating the 26RKS vs the 24FBS. I do not belive the 24 is 4" taller than the 26, and like I said, their 26 Measurement, does not match up to the model on the lot. My .02 worth. Doesn't answer your question, but it's all I've got!

Paintinfool3 · 03-30-2015, 07:05 PM

I agree it sounds awfully high to me ... I know the hitch is mounted high on mine but that seems really high

North of 49° · 03-30-2015, 07:08 PM

No, it doesn't answer my question, but does give me some hope!

I'm just doing this right now to make sure I have everything I need when we pick up the trailer, but I'll also be bringing all of the necessary tools with me when we do because I'll be doing the final adjustments at the dealer -- it's a 3.5 hour drive each way, so I want the setup done acceptably well for the drive home.

North of 49° · 03-30-2015, 07:11 PM

Yeah, it does seem quite high to me; it kind of makes me wonder if they're using the same reference points as everyone else. My truck isn't exactly a tail-dragger either; it's a 2004 Chev Silverado Z71 with stock suspension and tires. So I was quite surprised when even at the highest setting, the hitch still didn't come near the 31" Jayco had quoted me.

Scoutr2 · 03-30-2015, 07:21 PM

You will ultimately need to level your trailer on a level surface and measure the top of the coupler to be sure. The back of your tow vehicle will sag some when you hook up the trailer, even with a WDH. The trailer should wind up level, or a little bit nose down. You absolutely do not want the trailer to be tongue high when hitched up, in order for the WDH system to work properly - and to allow gravity to keep the coupler down on the ball.

And you will get a lot of trailer wiggle if the tongue is higher than the rear of the trailer and won't like how your rig handles.

dennis b · 03-30-2015, 07:23 PM

Interesting...as my height is about 15 inches

Hitch Pin · 03-30-2015, 07:29 PM

31.25" don't sound right. call Jayco they can tell you what it is for sure.

North of 49° · 03-30-2015, 07:40 PM

I didn't pay too much attention to it when we looked at the display model. 31.25" is about crotch height on me, and I don't seem to recall the coupler on the trailer to be that high! I'm hoping that number is incorrect since I have no problem with lowering the ball height, but without purchasing additional equipment, I can't go any higher.

Murff · 03-30-2015, 09:50 PM

This same issue is of a concern to me right now. We pick up our Whitehawk 20MRB tomorrow. The Jayco literature states a ball height of 26 1/4 inches. My Andersen WDH is a bit shy of that altitude. So, I am hoping it has a height of something that Tim L mentions above.

wags999 · 03-30-2015, 11:05 PM

When I checked I was told 23.5" to bottom of ball. I bet your right on the money. 31 1/4" is way to high.

Paintinfool3 · 03-31-2015, 05:19 AM

Well also the height measurement should be as scout said with the trailer level and to the bottom of the hitch ball, that's the easiest way to measure. Mine when I pull it off of my hitch to clear the ball might be getting close to 30 inches or so but that's with about an inch of Clearence to get out from under it.

Seann45 · 03-31-2015, 07:12 AM

The dealer should be setting the hitch up for you as part of the after sales service...

Hi Manitoba.. how are the mosquitoes there this year?

North of 49° · 03-31-2015, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

The dealer should be setting the hitch up for you as part of the after sales service...

Hi Manitoba.. how are the mosquitoes there this year?

The dealer wanted $75 to set up the hitch. I don't believe in paying someone to do something I'm quite capable of doing myself. Setting up a WDH isn't difficult with an understanding of how they work. The only problem I'm having is with the 31 inches.

No mosquitoes yet, but tomorrow's another day!

Hitch Pin · 03-31-2015, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintinfool3

Well also the height measurement should be as scout said with the trailer level and to the bottom of the hitch ball, that's the easiest way to measure. Mine when I pull it off of my hitch to clear the ball might be getting close to 30 inches or so but that's with about an inch of Clearence to get out from under it.

Why do you say the height measurement is to the bottom of the ball? When I called Jayco to ask them for the hitch height of my trailer, they told me what it was, and said that was to the top of the ball.

Thanks.

dennis b · 03-31-2015, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitch Pin

Why do you say the height measurement is to the bottom of the ball? When I called Jayco to ask them for the hitch height of my trailer, they told me what it was, and said that was to the top of the ball.

Thanks.

Do you tow with trailer on top of ball or bottom?

Hitch Pin · 03-31-2015, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennis b

Do you tow with trailer on top of ball or bottom?

Man, you have lost me now. The Coupler sits on top of the ball on my trailer, so I would have to say on top. I'm not being smart, I just don't get it about the bottom of the ball thing when it comes to the hitch height measurement.

dennis b · 03-31-2015, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitch Pin

Man, you have lost me now. The Coupler sits on top of the ball on my trailer, so I would have to say on top. I'm not being smart, I just don't get it about the bottom of the ball thing when it comes to the hitch height measurement.

LOL! Coupler sits on top of ball...now lower all the way so its on...now at bottom...right

You may also like: