Is there an easy way to raise the trailer hitch??

[Hoffer]

I have a dodge van that I tow my boat with. I just have a 16 foot lund rebel - so it tows just fine. the problem is that the hitch is so low - that sometimes I cant get my tongue jack to come down -i have to lift the tongue of the trailer up with one hand and then try to force the tongue jack down. The wheel on the jack is wheeled up as tight as it will go. Plus, the boat rides with the front end pointed down -which really isnt a problem - but it would be nice to have it more level. is there an easy way to raise the hitch/ball up?? Do they make an "extension" or something?? Would it be Ok to take the part that holds the ball out of the receiver and then just turn it 180 degrees?? this way the ball would sit up higher )of course, I would remove the ball and put it back on top) - I just didnt know if that would work or if it is a "weaker" way to do things...Also, if you have something that works and I can purchase it - knowing where to purchase and what it is called would be appreciated!!

[Paul Waldowski]

Quote:

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Would it be Ok to take the part that holds the ball out of the receiver and then just turn it 180 degrees?? this way the ball would sit up higher )of course, I would remove the ball and put it back on top)

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Absolutely, turn it around, re-install the ball and you will be good to go

[hanson]

Yeppers...

If you still need more, buy a hitch with a bigger drop and flip it around.

Somewhere along the line, you'll need to recognize when the balance isn't right. You still want some weight on the back of your vehicle so don't go overboard.

[Hoffer]

I should have checked this out first - but I went outside and looked at the hitch and it is already turned around where the high part is facing up - so that idea wont work....I guess I need to buy a different hitch with a bigger drop - but was hoping to avoid that...any other ideas??

[RobertELee]

I think you need to get a lift kit for the van. Or make the trailer a low rider

[Valv]

Not much else to do, get another bar with a 5" drop and use that upside down, they are not very expensive, approx $ 20.00

Other alternative is modify suspension on van or get another towing vehicle.

[musky hunter]

I've been towing with Caravan's for years. Mine is fitted with a 2000# hitch, and it has a goosneck to get the ball up higher and a 2" square receiver. But you probably have a 1000 or 1500# hitch, they have the small 1" square receiver. I haven't seen too many goosenecks that size but that's what your looking for. If you can't find one, it's about $230 to have a whole new hitch installed that will put the ball up where you want it. Good luck, because with the small boat your hitch should work just fine.

[Guest]

Spend the $20 and get a different drop.. there is no other reasonable solution.

I am guessing your trying to avoid changing the reciever because it has rusted in? If that is the case you might be able to find someone with a torch to heat it up enough to get it out.. if the gas tank isnt 3" away. Or, I got one out that was badly rusted by hooking a tow chain to the ball and around a big tree.. I had someone sit in the passenger seat and give it some gas(not spinning tires), and I proceded to hit the side of the trailer ball reciever with a sledge hammer and that only took a couple minutes to get out. Break out the old wire brush and file before you go to put another one in.. a little grease helps too.

[BLACKJACK]

I had the problem similar to what you describe on my fish house jack, I had to lift it to get the jack down. Looking at the jack, which was attached using two U bolts, there was another set of holes, I was able to move the jack up an inch which gave me the room I needed. Check that out.

[Hoffer]

Once again - great feedbck guys - thanks!

I do have the nice 2 inch receiver. i am going to hit fleetfram today and see if I can find a new gooseneck that has a lower drop - 5 inches should do it i would think - and then turn it upside down - I think that should work!! Just want to reaffirm that putting this on upside down - so the gooseneck is facing up - is OK??

Thanks again

[Jeremy airjer W]

You are correct! There is no problem doing this. In fact it is pretty common if you look around. I do the same with our town & country it works great!! Some of the bigger drops will have an extra reinforcement welded to them. I think they also make a specific hitch for "high low" mounting. Its been a while since I worked at Northern tool and I don't remember for sure.

[musky hunter]

I can tell you from an engineering standpoint that I see no safety issues at all with going upside down. That is exactly what I have on my Dodge Caravan, and I pull a 17-1/2' Smokercraft Ultima, considerably bigger than your rig.

[Finns]

If you haven't done so allready, measure the distance from the ground to your boat trailer hitch, measure the distance from the ground to your reciever hitch (w/van loaded). The difference in distace will give you an idea what drop/rise you will need. Watch opening the back doors on the van as they might hit the ball (as mine did).

Finns.