How to Select a Trailer Hitch
Match hitch class to the door sticker and the product page before you shop a heavier trailer than the vehicle can safely tow.
Watch on YouTubeBall Mount Rise versus Drop (Canada)
Towing
Most shoppers ask for a drop ball mount because the trailer coupler sits lower than the hitch. Rise is the other way around. You need rise when the hitch on the tow vehicle sits lower than the trailer coupler, or when a lifted truck and a low trailer still leave the coupler too high relative to a drop-only habit. This guide explains when to flip a reversible mount, how to measure before you order, and which CURT mounts we stock for rise, drop, or both, with free shipping anywhere in Canada.
Built for Canadian hitch shoppers. free shipping on CURT towing gear from Lots of Parts.
Related reading: hitch height and ride height, drawbar versus ball mount, and ball mount guide. Prefer the full index? Open the towing guides hub.
Related reading: hitch height and ride height, drawbar versus ball mount, and ball mount guide. Prefer the full index? Open the towing guides hub.
How we choose rise versus drop without guessing
Measure from the ground to the inside top of the receiver tube and from the ground to the bottom of the coupler on level ground with the trailer loaded as you tow. Compare those heights. If the coupler is lower, you generally need drop. If the coupler is higher, you generally need rise. Many mounts flip to offer both. Confirm the product page numbers after the flip, and remember ball height still has to clear the coupler latch.
Step 1Measure hitch height and coupler height on level ground
Loaded trailer weight changes coupler height.
Step 2Choose drop when the coupler sits lower
Most stock-height tow vehicles land here.
Step 3Choose rise when the coupler sits higher
Common after truck lifts or low receivers under high trailers.
Step 4Confirm the flipped numbers on the product page
Rise and drop swap when the mount flips.
Official CURT videos for Canadian ball-mount shoppers
These clips come from the official CURT YouTube channel (@curtmfg). Use them before you open a product page.
If an embed does not load, use the YouTube link under each video.
Trailer Hitch Installation Techniques
Confirm shank size, rise or drop, ball hole size, and capacity on the product page before you pin the mount.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Connect a Trailer Wiring Harness
A level trailer still needs working lights. Prove the plug before a night tow.
Watch on YouTubeHow to Choose a Ball Mount and Trailer Ball
Match shank size to the receiver tube, then level the trailer with drop or rise once the hitch is on.
Watch on YouTubeBrowse ball mounts with rise and drop options
Compare CURT ball mounts across one and one quarter inch and two inch shanks, with free shipping from Lots of Parts.
Shop the collectionWorth knowing. Measure twice. Flip reversible mounts only after you know which way the numbers run.
CURT gear for the job
CURT part 45014Class 1 rise ball mountFixed Class 1 style mount with rise for a one and one quarter inch receiver. Confirm the rise number on the product page.$43.94 CAD
CURT part 45021Class 1 rise mountClass 1 ball mount with a one and one quarter inch shank and rise for lighter trailers. Confirm capacity on the product page.$48.24 CAD
CURT part 45028Reversible Class 1 ball mountReversible Class 1 mount with rise or drop options on the product page for one and one quarter inch tubes.$55.73 CAD
CURT part 45040Two inch rise or drop mountTwo inch Class 3 style mount with rise or drop when flipped. Confirm ball hole and capacity.$42.38 CAD
CURT part 45250Two inch reversible mountTwo inch mount with rise or drop. Hollow shank friendly with an anti-rattle kit when you want less chatter.$69.18 CAD
CURT part 45270Two inch larger flip mountTwo inch mount with a bigger flip either way when the height gap needs more travel.$57.15 CAD
CURT part 45230Two inch dual-hole mountTwo inch mount with rise or drop and dual pin-hole length options on the product page.$66.34 CAD
CURT part 45280Heavier two inch rise or drop mountHeavier two inch mount with larger rise or drop for bigger height gaps. Confirm class and capacity.$59.76 CAD
CURT part 45340Forged two inch ball mountForged two inch mount with rise or drop and a larger ball hole on the product page.$66.54 CAD
CURT part 45036Loaded two inch drop mountLoaded two inch mount with a two inch ball and drop when measurement calls for drop.$57.03 CAD
CURT part 45056Loaded two inch larger drop mountLoaded two inch mount with a two inch ball and a larger drop for bigger drop measurements.$58.14 CAD
CURT part 45141Towing starter kitTowing starter kit with a two inch ball, drop, and a keyed hitch lock on the product page.$70.18 CAD
| Topic | What we tell shoppers |
|---|---|
| Need drop | Coupler sits lower than the hitch. Most stock-height tow vehicles land here. |
| Need rise | Coupler sits higher than the hitch. Common after lifts or low receivers. |
| Flip habit | Reversible mounts swap rise and drop. Read the product page after the flip. |
| Measure first | Level ground, loaded trailer, hitch height versus coupler height. |
Related guides worth opening
Hitch height and ride heightAfter lifts and lowers.
Drawbar versus ball mountLanguage without jargon.
Ball mount guideFull mount shopping.
Towing guides hubFull Canada hitch index.
In short: measure hitch and coupler heights, choose drop or rise from that gap, confirm flipped numbers on reversible mounts, and match shank size before you buy.
