Trailer Hitch is Too Low: Understand the Problem and Fix it NOW!

When it comes to towing a trailer, one of the most important factors to consider is the height of your trailer hitch. Have you ever felt low while driving with low ground clearance?  This is because the height of your hitch is too low that needs to be fixed. 

Keep in mind that a hitch that is too low can lead to dangerous situations on the road, as well as damage to both your vehicle and the hitch itself. But unfortunately, many people underestimate it either deliberately or unknowingly. Whichever the case is, improper hitch height can cause serious problems.

If you’re also one of those who face the hitch height problem, then don’t worry as I have got your back. In this blog post, I will discuss the problems that can arise when the trailer hitch is too low and provide you with some helpful tips on how to fix it.

Related Article: How to Measure Trailer Hitch Drop or Rise?

What are the Causes of a Low Trailer Hitch?

There are several factors that can contribute to a low trailer hitch. One of the most common causes is improper installation. When you don’t install the height at the correct height then it will cause issues with towing and maneuvering. 

Important Point: Improper installation is the most prominent reason that leads you toward the low trailer height problem. In case you don’t know how to install the hitch, make sure to ask the help from a professional.

Another common cause of a low trailer hitch is using the wrong size of the hitch. Many people actually don’t know what size of hitch they need for towing trailers. If the hitch is too small, then it will sit too low, which can cause problems when towing. Make sure that you use the right size of the hitch for your vehicle and the load that you are towing.

Wrong hitch drop or rise is another possible reason that can cause the hitch to get too low. In case you don’t know: Hitch drop or rise refers to the distance between the hitch and the ball mount. If the drop or rise is incorrect, the hitch height will be affected and you will suffer from the hitch getting too low.  Make sure that you use a ball mount with the right drop or rise for your vehicle and the load that you are towing.

Towing heavy loads or overloading the trailer can also cause the hitch to sag, as the weight of the trailer puts stress on the hitch and the vehicle. Any of these reasons can cause the hitch height to be too low. So, it is very important that you take it seriously and adjust the hitch to a proper height to avoid any problems.

Also Read: Where and How to Attach Safety Chains?

Dangers of a Low Trailer Hitch

A low trailer hitch can lead to several dangerous situations on the road. In the below section, I will be talking about the possible consequences that you can meet when towing with a hitch that is too low. 

• A low trailer hitch can scrape against the ground, which can cause damage to the hitch itself.
• When you tow a trailer and the hitch remains too low, then the control and handling of the driving will not be smooth. In fact, you will face uncontrolled sway.
• When you tow the trailer with a low hitch, then you will face a severe accident while turning.
• A low trailer hitch can cause the load to drag on the ground, which can damage the load and make it harder to tow. This can be especially problematic when towing delicate or fragile items, such as furniture or electronics.
• When a low trailer hitch is combined with a heavy load, then it will cause the vehicle to have decreased braking ability.

How to Fix the Problem of Hitch that is Too Low?

If you find that your trailer hitch is too low, there are several solutions for raising it. The first step is to measure the current height of the hitch. This will give you a baseline for what needs to be done. 

I suggest you purchase a hitch riser. These are specially designed to raise the hitch and can be found at almost all auto parts stores. Once you have the riser, you’ll need to install it. This process will vary depending on the type of hitch you have, I recommend you take the help of a professional to install the hitch riser.

Once you’ve successfully installed the hitch riser, then you’ll need to adjust the ball mount. This is part of the hitch that the trailer attaches to. The ball mount should be adjusted so that it is at the same height as the hitch riser. This will ensure that the trailer is level and will help to prevent fishtailing.

Another way to avoid this problem is to use a height-adjustable hitch.  If your trailer hitch has an adjustable height, you can raise it to the appropriate level for towing. You will need to remove the hitch and reinstall it with proper care and mindfulness and adjust the height according to your needs. Make sure that trailer and hitch height levels are perfect.

As said earlier, hitch rise or drop can also contribute to the negative height of the hitch. So, I recommend you choose the hitch that has the right amount of drop or rise for your vehicle and the load you will be towing.

How do You know if your trailer hitch is too low?

There are a few signs that your trailer hitch is too low. The question is understood and it is common sense that will make you aware that the height of your hitch is too low. However, I feel it is my responsibility to guide you about some signs. 

• One of the most obvious signs is if the trailer is scraping the ground or if the hitch is visibly lower than it should be. 
• If the trailer is fishtailing or swaying while you are towing, this could be a sign that the hitch is too low. 
• Another indication is if you experience difficulty while making turns or if you hear unusual noises while towing.

If you’re seeing any of these signs, then chances are high that you are towing the trailer with a low hitch. I hope that you will easily be able to identify that your hitch is too high.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that a low-hitch trailer can be very dangerous for you and other people on the road. You should always check the height before towing each time. In this guide, I have given you possible causes and the solution to this problem to ensure that you don’t suffer. I hope that my efforts will be helpful to you.