Help with drop hitch
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
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.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 72
From: West Virginia
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.
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.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
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?
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 655
From: Sioux Falls Area
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.
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.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
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.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 185
Likes: 2
From: Milwauke WI
Until the level trailer tongue height is known, calculation of the new ball mount drop amount cannot be calculated, or even guessed.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 793
Likes: 29
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.
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.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
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.
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 0
From: South...
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
https://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Receive...n-y+drop+hitch
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
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.
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.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
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.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 533
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
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.
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.
Thank you! That should bring my price down even more rather than a 11 inch haha
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
johnnyreb
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Jun 9, 2005 09:53 PM