Drop Hitch question

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May 11, 2017 | 09:19 PM

ipefjk

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Drop Hitch question

I cant figure out what drop hitch I need. This is probably a no-brainer question for many of you, but despite reasonable math skills I can't seem to figure this out. Because Weigh Safe hitches and the like are as expensive as they are I really want to get this right.

My trailer requires a mounted top of ball height in the neighborhood of 17 inches from the ground. Knowing this and knowing that my future F250 has a top of hitch mount height of around 24 inches what drop hitch do I need? 6"? 8"? 10"?

Thanks in advance.

p.s. - If it'll help the truck is a Lariat short bed crew cab FX4 on 20" wheels with snow plow prep springs.

Last edited by ipefjk; May 11, 2017 at 09:26 PM. Reason: Truck info added

May 11, 2017 | 10:44 PM

Kenv

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May 12, 2017 | 07:14 AM

Superk401

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6 inch drop

May 12, 2017 | 08:00 AM

shortride

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From: 46th State

I had the same question with my Bass Tracker boat trailer. I ended up with a 6" drop hitch and the trailer is pretty close to level. The diameter of the trailer tires will have the biggest affect on how low the hitch is.

May 12, 2017 | 09:09 AM

hinsong

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From: AL

I first went with a 5" and it wasn't enough-trailers still sat nose high. I had to buy another 7" (luckily, I only had to buy the drop part) and that was good. I wouldn't recommend anything less that 6".

May 12, 2017 | 11:13 AM

bushpilot

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Tomball, Tx

Do you only (ever) tow one trailer...
If you tow more than one trailer the that could factor in to the drop / adjustable that you buy.

Measuring for Hitch Drop

May 12, 2017 | 12:24 PM

Kenv

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Quote:

Originally Posted by hinsong

Yep....same here. I bought a new 5" but two of my three trailers still sat high. So traded it in for the 7" B&W Tow and Stow. Those that say 6" above may not get "most" trailers level. This baby sits high in the back...even with the weight of a trailer

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May 12, 2017 | 02:44 PM

K A M

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2005

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On level ground you want from the ground to the top of the ball at these heights. You may not get it exact but you want close.
2 inch ball @ 18 inches
2-5/16 inch ball @ 21 inches

May 12, 2017 | 06:37 PM

#10

ipefjk

Thread Starter

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Joined: Feb 2017

Posts: 15

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bushpilot

Do you only (ever) tow one trailer...
If you tow more than one trailer the that could factor in to the drop / adjustable that you buy.

Measuring for Hitch Drop

Only one trailer. She may not be huge, but she carries the company quite nicely. Seen today on site at a clients.

Quote:

Originally Posted by K A M

On level ground you want from the ground to the top of the ball at these heights. You may not get it exact but you want close.
2 inch ball @ 18 inches
2-5/16 inch ball @ 21 inches

2" ball required for this trailer. These numbers account for a bit of squat once connected?

I was planning on getting a Weigh Safe. I'd be nice to know if I need to redistribute weight.

May 12, 2017 | 06:47 PM

#11

Screamingbear

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6 inches seems good

I purchased a 8 inch drop for my new Andersen WD No Sway hitch. After it was all set up it ended up 2 holes up from the bottom or about 6 inches drop. This is with 900 lbs tongue weight, and the truck in my signature.