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Help with drop hitch

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Old Dec 27, 2016 | 12:30 PM
  #1  
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Help with drop hitch

So, lifted my truck a while back. Currently on a 4 inch with 35s. So sitting about 9 inches higher than stock. So do I need a 9 inch drop hitch? I dont own a trailer currently, but Im sure I will end up pulling something with this truck in the future. Cuz Ive seen that certain trailers will need more or less height than others.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2016 | 06:59 AM
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Most stock applications use a 2 or 3 inch drop, so you would need a shank with 11 or 12 inch drop, most likely.
Curt makes a shank with maximum 13 3/4" drop (trunion WDH) or 15 3/4" (round bar) rated for 1,500 lb. tongue weight and 15,000 pull weight.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2016 | 11:01 AM
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OK thanks. Where would you recommend getting one? Do they make one where I can adjust the height of the actual ball hitch part? The tongue? Where I could raise and lower it maybe an inch at a time?
 
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Old Dec 28, 2016 | 11:34 AM
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they sure do!
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Bal...all_Mount.aspx


pick your price point


the fixed drop ball mounts are considerably cheaper, if you know what you need
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Bal...~_10_Inch.aspx


etrailer's prices are usually very competitive.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2016 | 07:55 AM
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Couldn't have said it better!
 
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Old Dec 29, 2016 | 08:20 AM
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THANK YOU MUCH!

I was worried, I saw some hitches that wanted close to $800. But I knew the boys at FTE could help me
 
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Old Dec 29, 2016 | 09:22 AM
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Before you spend your money, break out the tape measure first. Your description of a 4" lift and 35" tires doesn't add up to 9" of additional hitch height. Maybe more about 6"-ish over stock.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2016 | 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by WE3ZS
Before you spend your money, break out the tape measure first. Your description of a 4" lift and 35" tires doesn't add up to 9" of additional hitch height. Maybe more about 6"-ish over stock.
That's right. I doubt that stock tires were 25" diameter.

Until the level trailer tongue height is known, calculation of the new ball mount drop amount cannot be calculated, or even guessed.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2016 | 06:35 AM
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And prior to investing . . .

First consider finding the trailer that you want as they tend to have different desirable ball heights. Especially in the RV market.

Point is, if you are not ready to tow anything, consider keeping the money in your pocket until you are ready to start towing. When ready to tow, get the specs of what you will *actually* need versus pure guesses at this point.
 
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Old Jan 1, 2017 | 11:45 AM
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Yeah I will measure. But here is how I figured approx 9 inches. Was sitting on stock suspension and had 30 inch tires. add 4. something for the 35 inch tires. And 3.5 for the lift. You really get something like 7-9 inches.

Like I said. Currently do not own a trailer. I do know people who own trailers that would let me use them if I needed to. But yes at this point Im just trying to get a price range and whatnot which I have. Was not planning on buying anytime soon.
 
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Old Jan 1, 2017 | 12:31 PM
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my wife got me this one for Christmas...haven't used it yet, but the top of the receiver hole on my hitch is 24" off the ground (stock 2017 F250 FX4), so I thought this one would do nicely, and offer plenty of adjustability.

https://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Receive...n-y+drop+hitch
 
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Old Jan 1, 2017 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by JayTheCPA
And prior to investing . . .

First consider finding the trailer that you want as they tend to have different desirable ball heights. Especially in the RV market.

Point is, if you are not ready to tow anything, consider keeping the money in your pocket until you are ready to start towing. When ready to tow, get the specs of what you will *actually* need versus pure guesses at this point.

/\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ I agree with this. I was towing a 22' Gearbox toy hauler with a stock height 2010 F150 and had my weight distribution hitch angled up at maximum height. That was WITH air bags to get the right ride height.

Bought an F250 WITH airbags, front leveler only, and 315's. I now have the same WDH STILL angled up, but at the lowest setting for proper ride height.

Went to pull a buddy's trailer just to move it for him and had to use a different hitch because trailers are not just a typical height.

A lot of variables to consider and definitely consider airbags too.

I do have just a standard REESE 6" drop that I use on most "typical" flatbed type multi-purpose trailers.
 
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Old Jan 1, 2017 | 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by P4IN COMM4NDO
Yeah I will measure. But here is how I figured approx 9 inches. Was sitting on stock suspension and had 30 inch tires. add 4. something for the 35 inch tires. And 3.5 for the lift. You really get something like 7-9 inches.
Ummmm no, that's not exactly how it works.
Your truck should of had 31.5" or so stock tires(265/75R16s), so going with true 35"s will only increase the ride height by 1 3/4" because only half of the extra tire height goes below the axle to add to the ride height, the other half of the extra tire size is on top. Add that 1.75" to the 4" lift and it's just under 6" instead of 7" to 9". A 3.25" difference is fairly large when setting up a hitch properly.
 
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Old Jan 2, 2017 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by WE3ZS
Ummmm no, that's not exactly how it works.
Your truck should of had 31.5" or so stock tires(265/75R16s), so going with true 35"s will only increase the ride height by 1 3/4" because only half of the extra tire height goes below the axle to add to the ride height, the other half of the extra tire size is on top. Add that 1.75" to the 4" lift and it's just under 6" instead of 7" to 9". A 3.25" difference is fairly large when setting up a hitch properly.
Ya it had the 265s. Put 315s on. That does make sense tho. Not sure what I was thinking. . . Thank you! That should bring my price down even more rather than a 11 inch haha
 
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