Any of you with a stock F450 (not lifted or larger tires) who have a 3-inch shank B&W Tow and Stow hitch... Did you go with the 4.5" or 7.5 inch drop? If you went with the 4.5", do you feel like you're not able to go low enough to tow a smaller trailer and have the trailer be leveled? I need to order the hitch before my truck arrives because I will have to tow almost immediately and was torn on which of the two drop hitch lengths to get. I'm thinking the 4.5" should get me low enough for even smaller trailers, but I figured I'd ask to see if anyone with a 450 and this hitch can comment.

Thanks in advance!

 

why not put in the factory system?

I cannot answer the question but was wondering.

 

Semi-off-topic, but I keep having that thought about putting a GN hitch on my truck. I'm probably going with the B&W BWGNRK1116 for no other reason than information. Ford's parts website is extremely spotty on "what" exactly you're ordering, and extremely lacking when it comes to install info. I've seen enough B&W videos to feel confident that I can install it.

I spent an hour yesterday just trying to figure out if a part number from Ford was a hitch, parts of a hitch, or just a ball kit. Never did find out. And when I tried finding install instructions, it led me to a page of multiple items, closest I found was for a 5r.

 

Now I understand.

Ford kit is both 5th wheel and gooseneck it one.

Etrailer would probably have instructions but I get it.

Don't want any install issues and I do the same

 

Again, this is for my 250, but the price difference is huge.

 

I have a 6" drop on my 2020 F450 and it is perfect for my small 5x10 utility trailer. It sits just abit above level but it works.
Measure bottom of hitch tube to level ground. For 19-21 inches, a 6 inch drop is recommended.

 

He’s talking about the receiver hitch.

 

I have a 6 inch drop Weigh Safe with my 450. It is perfect for all of my trailers.

 

I was going to order the same hitch for my 450 in order. I was looking at the 4.5. Let me know what ya end up doing.

 

I have the B&W 7.5 and have used it with a couple different trailers. My small 5 x 10 utility trailer is hitched lower than the 4.5 would go to, and recently rented a U-Haul enclosed trailer that I had to raise the B&W up a couple notches higher for it to ride level. If buying again I'd still buy the 7.5.

 

Your 450 is stock height? Do you ever feel that the 7.5 would scrape (example backing up to a driveway, steep incline, etc)?

 

Yes, it is stock height, stock sized tires. I haven't had any issue (yet) and I always back in when parking such as at Home Depot, usually the back of the truck is over the planter curb with no issues. Now if your truck is loaded and sits down a bit then yes it could be an issue. When I bought my B&W I installed the shorter version and decided to go with the 7.5 . It works for me, may not for others.

 

FWIW, I'm not sure the height difference is between 250/450, but I was running a 8" drop Weight Safe 2.5" hitch and never hit a curb. I did occasionally poke into some mounded mulch however. I really like the Weight Safe design, all aluminum (except pins/lock) and Made in the USA!

 

I’ve also been eyeing the Weigh Safe. I was a little disappointed that the 3” shank version does not reverse in the stow position like the 2” and 2.5” ones.

 

IDK what Weight you're towing, but my 2-5/16 ball is rated for 18,000 lbs on the 2.5".