tsduke03
Iowa
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Joined: 04/10/2012
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I've learned over the first few weeks of ownership that my dealer did a terrible job with my WD hitch install. It was too high and you could see it just standing to the side that the rear was low and hitch was high.
I have a Reese round bar with a 2" drop shank. I moved the ballmount from the top hole down 2 holes. This dropped it down 2.5" as it looks like each hole would be 1.25" change. So currently the ball sits and 20" and according to Jayco my tt has a 20" coupler height. According to Reese I should start out at 3/4-1" above the coupler, but it looks like my only choices are same height or go 1.25" above the coupler. I've also read through the "Travel Trailer Hitch Set-up Procedure" post and saw one part of it recommend starting hitch ball height below the coupler 1/2-1".
Where should I start out at? I didn't see any reason behind the argument for starting ball height below the coupler. I know I'll most likely have to change something but trying to get an initial start at home before next time I go to my trailer.
Hope my ramble makes sense. Thanks!
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dupreet
High Point, NC
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Joined: 08/03/2007
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Hi,
Here's what I would do. Rough it in your driveway. Next time you head out, stop in a level parking lot, eyeball your trailer for "levelness", and adjust the coupler/stinger at the campsite.
You can spend lots of time cyphering and measuring - your goal is to tow as level as you can!
Todd
Todd
1993 Ford E-350 pushed by a 1988 Wilderness 24' TT
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Start out by leveling the trailer and measureing from the inside of the coupling to the ground.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All 
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tsduke03
Iowa
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My camper isn't at home so I was trying to set it up before next use. I guess the real question is do I error on the side of low or high with the top of the ball because I don't see that my current equipment will get me within Reese's 3/4-1" higher at the ball recommendation.
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goducks10
Keizer OR
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Joined: 02/22/2010
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I would have the front of the TT lower rather than higher. They are all a little different. My TT is 2" lower in the front. More than I would like and more than I have had before. I bought a used Hensley that came with a 2" drop hitch. Unfortunatley I need a straight so thats what I'm working with right now. Back to the OP's question, even with it being 2" lower the axles wt's are identicle. So even if your are an inch lower you should be fine. Better low than high.
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Ron Gratz
full time RVer
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Joined: 12/27/2003
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tsduke03 wrote:---According to Reese I should start out at 3/4-1" above the coupler, but it looks like my only choices are same height or go 1.25" above the coupler.--- Are you going to be using a weight distribution hitch?
If so, I recommend you set the ball mount so the ball and coupler are the same height.
If you end up with, say 1/2" of rear end squat, the front of the TT will be slightly below level.
If you are not using a weight distribution hitch, I recommend you set the ball mount so the ball is 1.25" above the coupler.
If you end up with, say 1-1/2" of rear end squat, the front of the TT also will be slightly below level.
In short, you'll have to use trial and error to get the best height when hitched.
Ron
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tsduke03
Iowa
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Yes it's a weight distribution hitch. It's a Reese round bar WD hitch with 800# bars. It's the style bar that I could install dual cam on it I chose to.
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fla-gypsy
North Florida
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Joined: 04/19/2005
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I would opt for starting the same height. You may end up a little nose low but that is better than nose high any day.
09 SuperDuty Crew Cab 6.8L/4.10(The Black Pearl)
06 Keystone Hornet 29 RLS/(The Cracker Cabana)
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APT
SE Michigan
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Joined: 06/09/2010
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Start at same height. Then as find a flat (does not need to be level, just flat for length of TV+TT) parking lot. Measure the height of the TT frame front and rear. You want that to be level to slightly nose down. I've never measured my coupler and ball height.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2012 VW Passat TDI
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tsduke03
Iowa
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The reason I measured them, is all the directions show measuring coupler height and setting ball height 3/4 - 1" above coupler. Like a starting point. Plus my TT isn't at home.
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