Ball Mount Trailer Hitch Guide (Canada)
A hitch is only half the job. The ball mount levels the trailer, sets the ball size your coupler needs, and carries tongue weight within the hitch rating. Measure once, match the receiver opening and drop or rise, then shop a mount rated for the job.
How a ball mount pairs with a hitch
The receiver hitch is the tube on the vehicle. The ball mount slides in and gets pinned. The hitch ball sits on top. That is what the trailer coupler locks onto. Always use the lowest rating among hitch, ball mount, ball, and vehicle. A strong hitch with a light-duty mount is limited by the mount.
Drop versus rise
Use drop when the coupler sits lower than the receiver. That is common on trucks and SUVs with a high hitch. Use rise when the coupler sits higher than the receiver, or flip a reversible mount. Measure on level ground with the trailer loaded as you tow: ground to the inside top of the coupler, ground to the top inside of the receiver opening, then use the difference as your target drop or rise. Many CURT mounts are reversible. One side is drop, flip for rise.
| Situation | Typical choice |
|---|---|
| Truck or SUV, high receiver, utility or boat trailer | Drop mount (often two to six inches) |
| Car or crossover, low receiver, taller tongue | Rise mount, or flip a reversible bar |
| Coupler and receiver nearly level | Straight mount or minimal drop |
More measuring help: how to measure ball mount drop.
Ball mounts we commonly sell
These are everyday CURT mounts and related hardware. Confirm shank size, drop, and rating on the product page before you order.
Tongue weight and Canadian habits
Tongue weight is the downward force on the ball. Too little and the trailer can sway. Too much and the rear of the tow vehicle squats. Stay inside the hitch, mount, and vehicle ratings, and recheck after you load water, gear, or a generator. Road salt attacks the shank and pin. Wipe the mount after winter trips and store it dry when it is off the truck.
