Preparing Your Vehicle to Tow

Before you hit the road, make sure your tow vehicle is set up properly. Timberleaf trailers need a 7-way plug, a 2-inch receiver, and a hitch height that keeps the trailer level.

✅ 7-Way Connector

Your vehicle must have a working 7-way socket. If it only has a 4-way, have a mechanic upgrade it before pickup.

7-way socket — required for Timberleaf trailers.

✅ 2-Inch Receiver

All Timberleaf trailers need a 2-inch Class 3 (or stronger) hitch receiver. Smaller 1-1/4” receivers won’t fit our couplers.

2-inch receiver (top) vs. 1-1/4-inch (bottom).

✅ Verify Towing Capacity

Don’t exceed your vehicle’s tow rating. Check your owner’s manual or ask your dealer for the true limit.

📏 Hitch Height Calculator

🧮 How to Calculate Drop or Rise

You only need two measurements:

• A: Vehicle Receiver Height – Measure from the ground to the top of your vehicle’s hitch receiver tube.

• B: Trailer Coupler Height – Measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler (where the ball or Max-Coupler attaches), while the trailer is parked level.

Then subtract: A – B = C

• If C is positive, you need a drop hitch.

• If C is negative, you need a rise hitch.

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🔢 Timberleaf Coupler Heights

Use these numbers for B, depending on your trailer’s suspension:

• Standard Package (all trailers): 13¼”

• All-Road Package (all trailers): 15½”

• Off-Road Package (Kestrel & Pika): 19″

• Off-Road Package (Classic): 21″

Note: If you requested custom tires, your trailer height may differ slightly.

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✍️ Examples

Example 1:
You have a Subaru Outback (receiver height: 14¾”)
You’re picking up a trailer with the All-Road Package (coupler height: 15½”)
14.75″ – 15.5″ = -0.75″ → You need a ¾” rise hitch

Example 2:
You have a Toyota Tacoma (receiver height: 18″)
You’re picking up a Classic with Off-Road Package (coupler height: 21″)
18″ – 21″ = -3″ → You need a 3″ rise hitch

Example 3:
You have a crossover SUV (receiver height: 16″)
You’re picking up a Standard Package trailer (coupler height: 13¼”)
16″ – 13.25″ = 2.75″ → You need a 2¾” drop hitch

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⚙️ What Hitch Do You Need?

All Timberleaf trailers come with the coupler hardware already installed. You’ll just need the right ball mount for your tow vehicle.

Not sure what you need? Send us your vehicle height and trailer model — we’re happy to double-check it for you.

Example of ball mount for level towing.

Important Note

Timberleaf doesn’t install or service tow vehicle equipment. Work with your mechanic to ensure your vehicle is fully equipped and safe to tow.