I just picked up a 2012 F150 King Ranch Supercrew. With just a stock truck is there a rule of thumb for a drop hitch and how much is needed for basic trailers? Just wondering if a 2" is enough or do I need to go all the way to a 4"? I don't have a trailer to check just was wondering what others have done?
Thanks for the help!

 

2" is enough for most trailers. or you can get the adjustable, goes from 0" to 6" drop

 

I recommend adjustables if you tow alot of different trailers. The upfront costs are much higher, but it only takes dragging a trailer nose down for one day to push you to insanity by the end of it.

 

I usually have the 2" drop with the 2" ball on my truck because that's the norm. Works for my trailer perfect. But if I hook up to my old trailer its a little to high. I have to use the adjustable.

 

In my experience, camping trailers are getting taller to match the taller trucks these days. My trailer is a 1994, and with an axle flip (about 4" lift) it is perfectly level with my stock 2005 F150.
Not sure about enclosed or utility trailers.

Adjustable hitch is probably the way to go if you tow different trailers often.

 

I had a 2000 Superduty F250 diesel and my car trailer was dead level with a 2" drop stinger. My 2012 F150 crew cab with Max Tow hitch is higher off the ground and needs more ball drop than the Superduty did. With F150 the trailer was several inches higher and running nose high when empty, and trailer didn't track as stable as before. I need to put the car on the trailer to see how much droop is in the F150 suspension with the tongue weight on it and then order a new stinger.

 

One of these days I'm going to go get myself one of these. A little on the spendy side, but it has every possible ball and drop/raise combination you would ever need.

Buyers Adjustable Tri-Ball Hitch | Tri-Ball| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

Ralph -

It sounds like you got the same truck that I ordered a couple weeks ago and am now waiting for it to be delivered. (Mine's the 4x4 with the the off-road option and the 6'6" bed.)

First, I am courious -- what options did you get on you truck, including the size tires, and what is the height from the ground to the bottom of the receiver?

Now, to answer your question.

I don't know that there is such a thing as a standard trailer height. I have several trailers - a boat trailer, an ATV trailer, a car trailer, and have also owned several travel trailers, and they all had/have different coupler heights.

You should know what the trailer's coupler height is first. (Assuming your truck is capable of towing it). Then, get the appropriate hitch that is capable of towing it.

Second, measure to the distance from the ground to the bottom of your truck's receiver. Keep in mind that there will be some squat in the truck when it is loaded with things like gas, passengers, any gear loaded into the bed, and (importantly) the weight of the trailer riding on the ball (10% - 15% of the trailer's gross weight is a good rule of thumb.)

Once you know the trailer's coupler height (to the top of the coupler) and your truck's receiver height, you'll know how much hitch drop you'll need. (You want the trailer to ride as level as possible when you tow it.)

John

 

Here's a question, my F-150 did not come with a trailer hitch on it but the wiring harness is there sticking out through that small slot in the bumper. I'm looking for a nice hitch to install on it that looks like something Ford would put on at the factory.

1) How easy is it to install one yourself. Does the bumper have to come off?
2) What kind of hitch should I look for?

I've seen Reese and the others but none really look as nice as some of the factory ones I see on Fords and other pickups/SUV's.

 

Installing a receiver hitch is pretty easy, it just bolts right to the frame. The ones I have installed were all on older trucks and I had to drill holes in the frame for the bolts. Not sure if that's the case on the newer trucks or if the holes are already there. They are somewhat heavy though, so it's a good idea to have someone else help you. Reese is a good brand, and there are several others too. Make sure you get a hitch that has a weight rating high enough to cover what you plan to tow.

 

John, Thanks for the info and reply. I ordered all the options for my truck even NAV but haven't driven it much. I had an issue early on with a bug shield and now trying to get the thing touched up from a rake hitting it in the garage. Just makes a guy sick! I've got the 5'6" box then put a bunch of accessories on it: tonneau cover, mud flaps, spray in bed liner, bug shield, K & N air filter just to name a few. I think the bottom of my trailer hitch on the truck is at 17" off the ground if i remember right. I don't tow a lot and really wanted a stainless steel hitch otherwise they really take the abuse here in Wisconsin during the winter. If you have any more thoughts on the drop size which i think i'll go 2" please let me know.
thanks again for the help!

 

I guess I didn't notice this first time around. Why does it matter if you don't have a trailer?
It's got to be matched to the trailer you use.

 

I would go with an adjustable. Just my $0.02.

 

So it should be something I can accomplish on a Saturday afternoon. Cool thanks.

 

I really like my DT adjustable hitch, it's got the right drop for any trailer or truck combo I have had.....if I lift my truck I just take the key and drop the ball to make it the right height....put a lot of weight in the back and I can go up a notch just as easy