Help needed (trailer ball height)

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EugeneFlorida
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Help needed (trailer ball height)

I can only find that the 13 foot Scamp is about 16 to 18 inches,another place it said 18 inches.

I need to know the height when the trailer is level... from the ground to the bottom of the receiver.

I don't want to get at Backus and have the wrong rise on the ball.

I'm using https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgmo5w7ddVw to determine the correct ball height.

Thanks for the help

Eugene

Greg A
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Ball Height

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EugeneFlorida
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Thanks for your reply...I

Thanks for your reply...I read that and don't know what they mean (ball height about 18 inches)

is that at the bottom or in the middle or is that the top of the ball???

How do they measure the About 18 inches.

Thanks

Greg A
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Measuring

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EugeneFlorida
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you are sure this is the way

you are sure this is the way scamp is doing the ball height http://www.reese-hitches.com/learning_center/general-towing-mounts

 and not  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgmo5w7ddVw

one I need a 2 inch rise and the other I need a six inch rise.

thanks

Greg A
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Hitch

All of my 13's have been close to 18" when measured from the ground to the top of the coupler as shown in the Reese instructions. But it would be simplest to call your SCAMP Salesman and verify that is how they are measuring the 18" setup recommendation.

I always used Adjustable RV Hitches for the Scamps so I could fine tune to what I was towing and didn't have to worry about it. I've used the adjustable with all kinds of trailers over the years, but I've never needed a rise to tow a 13 Scamp.  What are you going to tow with?

Just looked at the YouTube video and it is the same as the Reese instructions so not sure how you got the difference. I think you may have forgotten to subtract the ball height in the Reese instructions, and in the YouTube they measure to the bottom of the coupler. Just call Scamp to verify where they take the measurement and you're good to go.

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EugeneFlorida
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2015 Ford Transit Connect

2015 Ford Transit Connect Mini Van.. the top inside of the receiver from the ground is 121/8 inches.

I ask Scamp and was told what you said!. from the top. I come out with 2-3/4 rise

 

Thanks for putting up with me

Greg A
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Hitch

Not a problem Eugene. I was pretty sure they were measuring to the top of the coupler, but good to confirm it. 

When are you due to pickup your Trailer?? Exciting trip coming up for you.

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EugeneFlorida
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I'm trying not to get caught

I'm trying not to get caught in snow and ice, so I ask for the end of March.

Coming from Florida it will take me 2 days up and 3 days back ...I'm thinking.

26 h (1,752 miles)  to Backus I get to change my oil before I leave and then again when I get back :-)

Thanks again

Eugene

keweenawbob
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Just went out and measured

Just went out and measured mine and it is 16" to the TOP of the ball.

gummy
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Alas, another newbie needs help....

I'm a trailer towing newbie. Our scamp 13' is on order and due to be delivered in January '16. 
I understand that the tongue weight of this trailer to be about 140# and the tongue height to be about 18 inches. 

Now for my (probably stupid) question: When setting up the hitch insert and ball do I include the tongue weight when measuring for the hitch?
Let me explain further. I'll be towing this tiny Scamp with a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 pickup truck. 
I can imagine that if I set my ball height at 18" with no weight in the back end, then hook up the Scamp which weighs ~140 pounds there will be some sag in the rear of the truck and the front of the trailer too. It probably won't sag a lot, but it probably won't be level for towing. 

So, what say you towing pros? Measure with ~140 or measure with 0 pounds?

Thanks for any input you have. 

P.S.
I've watched a lot of towing videos, and I've watched the videos posted in this thread. I realize that they don't measure with weight, but I'd like to be able to buy one insert and ball and be done rather than make a mistake and buy multiple inserts and balls. ;)

Edit: My Toyota Tacoma already has a CURT class III hitch that I installed to carry our bicycles. I never dreamed I'd be towing a trailer with it, but life is funny that way. 

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