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Ball mount

Towing

Drawbar, ball mount drawbar, hitch ball mount, removable shank, rise/drop ball mount

A ball mount is the removable steel shank that slides into a tow vehicle's receiver (1¼″ or 2″) and carries the hitch ball. Swapping mounts lets the same vehicle pull trailers with different ball sizes and coupler heights.

Available as straight (no rise or drop) or with a rise/drop of 1–8″ to level the trailer. Adjustable models (Andersen, Curt Adjustable, Weigh Safe) change height without uncoupling. Standard ball diameters: 1⅞″ (≤2,000 lb), 2″ (≤8,000 lb), 2⁵⁄₁₆″ (≤14,000 lb). Remove between trips to avoid shin injuries and curb damage.

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Van Life Glossary

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