Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[fmiser via Mercedes]

> > Dan  wrote:
> >
> > Is there a standard height I should try to achieve with the
> > ball?

Nope.  No standard height.  But my experience is that 14 to 20
inches [35 to 50 cm] from the ground to the top of the ball is the
most likely range.  And I prefer the ball a bit high more often
than I want it low.

> Craig wrote:
> 
> Your go to resource for all things related to this is
> etrailer.com.

I like ETrailer - good info, text transcriptions of their
information videos, real information on their product - sometimes
more than the manufacturers websit, helpful people,  and if you
happen to be near St. Louis MO, the have a will-call desk.   They
don't always have what I need, but I do try to take my business to
them first.

1-7/8, 2, and 2-5/16 are the ball sizes.  U-Haul uses only 2", I'm
pretty sure.  2 inch balls can be rated for quite a range in load
capacity, so be sure to get one "big" enough for your loads.

Also make sure the ball shank/bolt diameter matches the hole in
the ball mount. There are bushings to allow mounting in a hole
that's too big.  I think shank sizes vary from 5/8" to 1.5".

Something like this can be mounted either way so it has a bit of a
of a drop or a very slight rise.
https://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/D-4.html

Here is a kit with ball, mount, pin, etc.
https://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/C45534.html

I like putting a rubber cap over the ball for storage 'cause I
always keep the ball well greased.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Tow-Ready/42250.html



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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Craig via Mercedes]

On Thu, 11 Jul 2019 14:53:51 -0400 Allan Streib 
wrote:

> > Your go to resource for all things related to this is etrailer.com.
> >
> > They have guides and product selectors to help.
> 
> Agreed, they are good.

Thank you, Allan, for the confirmation.


> They also supplied a wiring harness that plugged in to the factory
> taillight connectors, so no cutting/splicing wires, and it has an
> independent power source so the car's electronics are unaffected.

I was thinking of mentioning these after I sent my previous message.

They have a LOT of other stuff related to trailers, too.


Craig

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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Mitch Haley via Mercedes]

> On July 11, 2019 at 2:54 PM Craig via Mercedes  wrote:
> IIRC, etrailer.com has sleeves which will allow you to use an item meant
> for a less than 2" receiver in a 2" receiver.

But then you're stuck with a 3500lb ball mount in a 2" hitch. 
But you get the smooth euro ball look. 
It also hurts slightly less when you stub your knee on it.

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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Craig via Mercedes]

On Thu, 11 Jul 2019 14:47:30 -0400 (EDT) Mitch Haley via Mercedes
 wrote:

> I was going to recommend a Curt Euroball, even going to offer you one
> of mine, but Curt only makes Euroballs for 1 1/4".

That's a 1-1/4" receiver, not a 1-1/4" ball.


> Euroball, anybody want one of these for $15 plus postage?
> https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45572-Euro-Mount-Ball/dp/B003B3GX5E

IIRC, etrailer.com has sleeves which will allow you to use an item meant
for a less than 2" receiver in a 2" receiver.


Craig

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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Allan Streib via Mercedes]

> Your go to resource for all things related to this is etrailer.com.
>
> They have guides and product selectors to help.

Agreed, they are good. I bought a hitch for my Volvo from them, bolted
right up with no issues. Perfect fit. They also supplied a wiring
harness that plugged in to the factory taillight connectors, so no
cutting/splicing wires, and it has an independent power source so the
car's electronics are unaffected.

Allan

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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Mitch Haley via Mercedes]

> On July 11, 2019 at 12:43 PM Dan Penoff via Mercedes  
> wrote:

> https://www.amazon.com/DRAW-TITE-2923-Class-Mount/dp/B001O07P9E 

That works, or if you want flexibility this is a bit uglier and a bit more 
costly:
https://www.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-70067-8-Position-Adjustable-Mount/dp/B008CE06ZA

If you don't already have the ball you might as well buy a full set, mounted 
ball and hitch pin. 

This is about the cheapest I know of today:
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/automotive/towing-cargo-management/trailer-hitches-balls/towsmart-reg-class-iii-standard-ball-mount-starter-kit-w-2-ball/1228/p-147118397-c-1527167451361.htm

This is $24.47 at both Wally World and large wimmen world, and I believe it's 
made in USA.
I was going to recommend a Curt Euroball, even going to offer you one of mine, 
but Curt only makes Euroballs for 1 1/4".
https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45056-Loaded-Ball-Mount/dp/B001EOYK98

Euroball, anybody want one of these for $15 plus postage?
https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45572-Euro-Mount-Ball/dp/B003B3GX5E

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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Randy Bennell via Mercedes]

OR

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=adjustable+ball+mount&ref=nb_sb_noss_2


On 11/07/2019 12:28 PM, Jim Cathey via Mercedes wrote:

2" ball is pretty much the go-to if you don't have better information.
So far as drop goes, it totally depends on the trailer and how it's built.
If you have a most-likely trailer, go measure it and then figure out how
much drop to buy.

-- Jim


_



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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Craig via Mercedes]

On Thu, 11 Jul 2019 12:09:43 -0400 Dan Penoff via Mercedes
 wrote:

> I’m trying to figure out what kind of ball mount to get for the ML500’s
> hitch. It’s got a 2” receiver, but I’m not sure exactly how I should go
> about figuring out what kind of ball mount I should get, or the
> dimensions. Is there a standard height I should try to achieve with the
> ball?
> 
> I don’t have a trailer, and if I use one, it will probably be a rental
> from UHaul (gotta haul an old MG, right?)

Your go to resource for all things related to this is etrailer.com.

They have guides and product selectors to help.


Craig

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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Curt Raymond via Mercedes]

 Fred and I rented a tow dolly for my '98 Jetta that we pulled with my '03 
Ranger. It vibrated badly if we went over 65mph. Turns out the tow dolly wanted 
a 2" ball, the Ranger had a 1 7/8" (I think thats the next size down) ball.
Oops. Probably was also a problem when I was towing the '84 190D but on that 
tow the weather was bad so I never wanted to go faster than 60mph anyway...
-Curt

On Thursday, July 11, 2019, 12:40:11 PM EDT, Meade Dillon via Mercedes 
 wrote:  
 
 2 inch ball was required by all the trailers I've rented from U-haul.
-
Max
Charleston SC


On Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 12:23 PM Floyd Thursby via Mercedes <
mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:

> I have some straight (well they have a bit of drop, maybe an inch but
> the ball is pretty much in line with the receiver) mounts with 2
> different size balls I use on the trucks, can switch them depending on
> what I need.  Standard ball is 2", i have this little boat trailer I
> turned into a kayak rack trailer, it is 1 7/8" so I have one with that
> ball on it.  The ML hitch is fairly high, so this "straight" ball holder
> should work fine.  The guys with brodozer trucks might need a few inches
> drop on the ball mount.
>
> You can buy those ball holders that have 3 different sizes, you just
> rotate to get the one you need.  That might be worthwhile to get if you
> think you might ever need to pull some other kind of trailer with a
> different size cup.
>
> --FT
>
> On 7/11/19 12:09 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:
> > I’m trying to figure out what kind of ball mount to get for the ML500’s
> hitch. It’s got a 2” receiver, but I’m not sure exactly how I should go
> about figuring out what kind of ball mount I should get, or the dimensions.
> Is there a standard height I should try to achieve with the ball?
> >
> > I don’t have a trailer, and if I use one, it will probably be a rental
> from UHaul (gotta haul an old MG, right?)
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > -D
> >
> >
> >
> > ___
> > http://www.okiebenz.com
> >
> > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
> >
> > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
> >
> --
> --FT
>
>
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>
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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Floyd Thursby via Mercedes]

That's pretty much what I have, it's the kinda standard setup. Remember 
too that the back end will sag a bit with a load on it


--FT

On 7/11/19 12:43 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:

Thanks, guys. I’m pretty well set on a 2” ball, that I know. I was more 
concerned about the drop for the ball mount.

I was looking through the ML forum on BW and a couple of people have posted 
there about their hitch setups. Looks like most are using this:

https://www.amazon.com/DRAW-TITE-2923-Class-Mount/dp/B001O07P9E 


This has a 2” drop, which is probably more than enough for the ML considering 
the bumper height.

??

-D




On Jul 11, 2019, at 12:39 PM, Meade Dillon via Mercedes  
wrote:

2 inch ball was required by all the trailers I've rented from U-haul.
-
Max
Charleston SC


On Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 12:23 PM Floyd Thursby via Mercedes <
mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:


I have some straight (well they have a bit of drop, maybe an inch but
the ball is pretty much in line with the receiver) mounts with 2
different size balls I use on the trucks, can switch them depending on
what I need.  Standard ball is 2", i have this little boat trailer I
turned into a kayak rack trailer, it is 1 7/8" so I have one with that
ball on it.  The ML hitch is fairly high, so this "straight" ball holder
should work fine.  The guys with brodozer trucks might need a few inches
drop on the ball mount.

You can buy those ball holders that have 3 different sizes, you just
rotate to get the one you need.  That might be worthwhile to get if you
think you might ever need to pull some other kind of trailer with a
different size cup.

--FT

On 7/11/19 12:09 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:

I’m trying to figure out what kind of ball mount to get for the ML500’s

hitch. It’s got a 2” receiver, but I’m not sure exactly how I should go
about figuring out what kind of ball mount I should get, or the dimensions.
Is there a standard height I should try to achieve with the ball?

I don’t have a trailer, and if I use one, it will probably be a rental

from UHaul (gotta haul an old MG, right?)

Thanks,

-D



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--
--FT


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--
--FT


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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Jim Cathey via Mercedes]

2" ball is pretty much the go-to if you don't have better information.
So far as drop goes, it totally depends on the trailer and how it's built.
If you have a most-likely trailer, go measure it and then figure out how
much drop to buy.

-- Jim


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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

Thanks, guys. I’m pretty well set on a 2” ball, that I know. I was more 
concerned about the drop for the ball mount.

I was looking through the ML forum on BW and a couple of people have posted 
there about their hitch setups. Looks like most are using this:

https://www.amazon.com/DRAW-TITE-2923-Class-Mount/dp/B001O07P9E 


This has a 2” drop, which is probably more than enough for the ML considering 
the bumper height.

??

-D



> On Jul 11, 2019, at 12:39 PM, Meade Dillon via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> 2 inch ball was required by all the trailers I've rented from U-haul.
> -
> Max
> Charleston SC
> 
> 
> On Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 12:23 PM Floyd Thursby via Mercedes <
> mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
> 
>> I have some straight (well they have a bit of drop, maybe an inch but
>> the ball is pretty much in line with the receiver) mounts with 2
>> different size balls I use on the trucks, can switch them depending on
>> what I need.  Standard ball is 2", i have this little boat trailer I
>> turned into a kayak rack trailer, it is 1 7/8" so I have one with that
>> ball on it.  The ML hitch is fairly high, so this "straight" ball holder
>> should work fine.  The guys with brodozer trucks might need a few inches
>> drop on the ball mount.
>> 
>> You can buy those ball holders that have 3 different sizes, you just
>> rotate to get the one you need.  That might be worthwhile to get if you
>> think you might ever need to pull some other kind of trailer with a
>> different size cup.
>> 
>> --FT
>> 
>> On 7/11/19 12:09 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:
>>> I’m trying to figure out what kind of ball mount to get for the ML500’s
>> hitch. It’s got a 2” receiver, but I’m not sure exactly how I should go
>> about figuring out what kind of ball mount I should get, or the dimensions.
>> Is there a standard height I should try to achieve with the ball?
>>> 
>>> I don’t have a trailer, and if I use one, it will probably be a rental
>> from UHaul (gotta haul an old MG, right?)
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> 
>>> -D
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ___
>>> http://www.okiebenz.com
>>> 
>>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>>> 
>>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
>>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>>> 
>> --
>> --FT
>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> http://www.okiebenz.com
>> 
>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>> 
>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>> 
>> 
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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Meade Dillon via Mercedes]

2 inch ball was required by all the trailers I've rented from U-haul.
-
Max
Charleston SC


On Thu, Jul 11, 2019 at 12:23 PM Floyd Thursby via Mercedes <
mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:

> I have some straight (well they have a bit of drop, maybe an inch but
> the ball is pretty much in line with the receiver) mounts with 2
> different size balls I use on the trucks, can switch them depending on
> what I need.  Standard ball is 2", i have this little boat trailer I
> turned into a kayak rack trailer, it is 1 7/8" so I have one with that
> ball on it.  The ML hitch is fairly high, so this "straight" ball holder
> should work fine.  The guys with brodozer trucks might need a few inches
> drop on the ball mount.
>
> You can buy those ball holders that have 3 different sizes, you just
> rotate to get the one you need.  That might be worthwhile to get if you
> think you might ever need to pull some other kind of trailer with a
> different size cup.
>
> --FT
>
> On 7/11/19 12:09 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:
> > I’m trying to figure out what kind of ball mount to get for the ML500’s
> hitch. It’s got a 2” receiver, but I’m not sure exactly how I should go
> about figuring out what kind of ball mount I should get, or the dimensions.
> Is there a standard height I should try to achieve with the ball?
> >
> > I don’t have a trailer, and if I use one, it will probably be a rental
> from UHaul (gotta haul an old MG, right?)
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > -D
> >
> >
> >
> > ___
> > http://www.okiebenz.com
> >
> > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
> >
> > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
> >
> --
> --FT
>
>
> ___
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>
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>
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
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>
>
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Re: [MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Floyd Thursby via Mercedes]

I have some straight (well they have a bit of drop, maybe an inch but 
the ball is pretty much in line with the receiver) mounts with 2 
different size balls I use on the trucks, can switch them depending on 
what I need.  Standard ball is 2", i have this little boat trailer I 
turned into a kayak rack trailer, it is 1 7/8" so I have one with that 
ball on it.  The ML hitch is fairly high, so this "straight" ball holder 
should work fine.  The guys with brodozer trucks might need a few inches 
drop on the ball mount.


You can buy those ball holders that have 3 different sizes, you just 
rotate to get the one you need.  That might be worthwhile to get if you 
think you might ever need to pull some other kind of trailer with a 
different size cup.


--FT

On 7/11/19 12:09 PM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:

I’m trying to figure out what kind of ball mount to get for the ML500’s hitch. 
It’s got a 2” receiver, but I’m not sure exactly how I should go about figuring 
out what kind of ball mount I should get, or the dimensions. Is there a 
standard height I should try to achieve with the ball?

I don’t have a trailer, and if I use one, it will probably be a rental from 
UHaul (gotta haul an old MG, right?)

Thanks,

-D



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--
--FT


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[MBZ] Trailer Hitch Ball Mount

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

I’m trying to figure out what kind of ball mount to get for the ML500’s hitch. 
It’s got a 2” receiver, but I’m not sure exactly how I should go about figuring 
out what kind of ball mount I should get, or the dimensions. Is there a 
standard height I should try to achieve with the ball?

I don’t have a trailer, and if I use one, it will probably be a rental from 
UHaul (gotta haul an old MG, right?)

Thanks,

-D



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