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If you are an experienced person, you would know the importance of having weight balance when it comes to towing with the help of a hitch. The amount of weight that goes on the hitch plays a vital role in safe towing – and if this weight gets uneven, you will face your issue.
Many people ask: Does hitch height affect tongue weight? The answer is yes, hitch height which is too high or too surely affects the tongue weight. No matter if the hitch is too high or too low, in both cases, the uneven weight will go onto the hitch which causes issues like instability, etc.
This was the introduction, but I’ve got a lot more information to share with you. Stay connected till the end so that you don’t miss anything.
Related Article: Reasons behind the Rhino Hitch Failure
What Does Hitch Height and Tongue Weight Mean?
I will take you through small steps so that you don’t feel lost. The hitch height is actually the vertical between the ground and the hitch ball. This distance is maintained at a specific balance so that the hitch and the vehicle’s hitch receiver remain perfectly aligned.
If the hitch height is too low, and the recovery is at a higher height, then you won’t be able to connect both the hitch and hitch receiver mounted on the vehicle. This is why the balanced hitch height is important so that the hitch and receiver remain at the same level, and you can easily attach them.
Now, let’s talk about the tongue weight. It is the load, pressure, or weight that is expert by the trailer onto the hitch. Let me make it more simple, tongue weight is downward force which is usually exerted by the front of the trailer onto the hitch.
It is important to note that balanced tongue weight is important as it helps you to have a stable, and controlled towing experience. If the tongue weight is uneven or irregular, then chances are high that you won’t be able to get a comfortable towing experience. The same thing goes for the hitch height.
Balance in the height of the hitch is very important as it allows you to attach the hitch to the vehicle’s receiver at the perfect level. If the hitch height is too high or too low, it will surely cause many problems that I am going to discuss in upcoming sections.
Does Hitch Height Affect Tongue Weight?
Yes, the uneven hitch height affects the tongue weight which ultimately causes issues such as instability, sway, and uncontrolled towing.
In my previous guides, I mentioned that 10% of the fully loaded trailer weight is recommended for the tongue weight. For example, if you have a load trailer with having weight of 1000 lbs, then only 100 lbs should be the tongue weight (weight on the hitch).
But when you use the hitch height too high, it exerts more weight on the trailer’s axle which ultimately affects the tongue weight. More tongue weight simply means that you will face issues such as uneven weight distribution, and instability while towing.
On the other hand, if you use a hitch that is too low, it is still not a good thing. The reason is that when you use the hitch height too low, the whole weight of the trailer goes onto the vehicle, and overall weight distribution gets affected. Due to a lack of proper weight distribution, tongue weight gets affected.
If the hitch height is too high, it lowers the trailer’s tongue weight because it lifts the rear of the towing vehicle. Conversely, if the hitch height is too low, it increases the tongue weight because the trailer pushes down on the hitch ball.
In fact, if the hitch height is not properly adjusted, and the hitch is not aligned with the vehicle’s receiver, you won’t be able to attach the hitch to the receiver. This is why it is said before attaching the hitch with the receiver, make sure to part your trailer and vehicle at the even surface so that there remains no height difference.
What Happens If a Trailer’s Hitch Height Is Too High or Too Low?
If a trailer’s hitch height is too high or too low, it can have a significantly bad impact on the tongue weight and overall towing experience. I know that many people don’t really consider it important, but I don’t want you to be in the darkness.
If the hitch height is too high, then it will cause the trailer to sway or become unstable during travel. This can be dangerous and increase the risk of an accident. On the flipside, if the hitch height is too low, then it can overload the rear axle of the towing vehicle and cause it to sag.
In other words, the higher height of the hitch causes sway, whereas the hitch height that is too low causes sag and makes it hard for the driver to control the vehicle while driving on the road. So, it is important that you always keep the optimal hitch height that doesn’t have any bad impact on the tongue weight.
What Can I Do If My Hitch Is Too High or Too Low?
As I have mentioned earlier the hitch that is too high or too low affects the tongue weight. You won’t be able to get complete control while driving with a towed trailer. But the question is what should be done to adjust the height to its proper level. In the section below, I am going to mention some of the possible ways that will help you adjust the hitch level or height.
Also Read: Trailer Hitch is Too Low – Here is Solution!
1- Hitch Ball Mount
You can use the hitch ball mount to adjust the hitch height. I am recommending this method because of the fact that it is a very simple, and cost-effective way to adjust the height of the hitch ball. The ball mount is available in different sizes, which allows for different height adjustments.
Point to Remember: Make sure to select the correct size of the ball mount to ensure that the hitch ball is at the correct height.
2- Adjustable Hitch
This is a popular method and I am sure you will already be aware of this method to reduce or adjust the height of your hitch. The usage of an adjustable hitch allows you for more precise adjustments and can be adjusted while the trailer is attached to the vehicle.
Point to Remember: Not to forget that the adjustable hitches are very expensive and you’ll have to spend a handsome amount of money.
3- Trailer Axle Adjustment
You can increase or decrease the height of the hitch by adjusting the axle adjustment. Keep in mind that it is usually more complicated than the other methods and requires more time and effort. You will have to adjust the position of the trailer axle to change the hitch height.
4- Weight Distribution Hitch
Using the proper weight distribution hitch is probably the most effective method that allows you to keep the hitch height at the proper level and ensure a safe towing experience. The use of this hitch distributes the weight of the trailer evenly across the vehicle, which can help to reduce the tongue weight.
Keep in mind that the hitch height actually affects the tongue weight. The reduction or increase in the tongue weight causes issues. But when you use weight distribution hitch, then all the weight gets distributed even, and you don’t face any issue at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the hitch is too low, the tongue weight will increase, which can cause the trailer to sway and if the hitch is too high, the tongue weight will decrease, making it difficult to control the trailer. Both too high or too low hitch heights are not good for safe towing.
Yes, using a hitch riser can affect tongue weight. A hitch riser is designed to raise the height of the hitch, which will decrease the tongue weight. Keep in mind that if the tongue weight is already too low, using a hitch riser can make it worse.
No, it is not safe to tow a trailer with a hitch ball that is too high. This can cause the trailer to sway and you find it hard to control the truck while driving.
Wrapping Up
Balanced hitch height is crucial in maintaining the proper towing experience. No matter if the hitch is too high or too low, in both cases, you are going to suffer as the tongue weight will be affected. Due to improper hitch height, the tongue weight will be affected, and ultimately, more burden will come to the hitch.
Due to the uneven burden that goes on the hitch, it can break and you can face severe accidents. I hope that this guide removes all of your confusion and gives you detailed insight. If you still have any questions, ask in the comment section.
I’m Ahmad – the owner of this website and the writer of this post. I’ve spent 15 years in the automotive industry, especially among the hitches. What you’re reading is the experience of my 15 years.