Trailer hitch question
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Trailer hitch question
I have a 2004 F150 Lariat 4X4. With the towing package.
Does anybody know what drop is needed for the ball hitch?
(I tried searching but most of what I found was F250 or F350 related)
Thanks
Mike
Does anybody know what drop is needed for the ball hitch?
(I tried searching but most of what I found was F250 or F350 related)
Thanks
Mike
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 206
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From: Midland, TX
It should depend on the trailer you are towing. The drop is the distance from the hitch itself to the ball on the ball mount. Most 2004 F-150s I've seen have a standard drop, which is two inches.
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This weekend I will be towing a 5x9 U-Haul utility trailer.
(I asked at U-haul but those clowns didn't have a clue)
I will also be towing a car hauler in the future.
I have an old ball mount from my 2WD truck but my new 4WD sits considerably higher.
Thanks for all the help
Mike
(I asked at U-haul but those clowns didn't have a clue)
I will also be towing a car hauler in the future.
I have an old ball mount from my 2WD truck but my new 4WD sits considerably higher.
Thanks for all the help
Mike
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Chesterfield, Mi
My travel trailer receiver has a 1" drop...my brother's ATV trailer requires 4" drop. I have a 4X2...the 4X4 sits higher. I'd stop by uhaul, be suer the trailer is level, and measure how far the top, inside of the ball housing is off the ground. Put your old ball in your hitch and measure how high the top the ball is off the ground. This should tell you how much lower you will need to be. You may want to subtract an inch to the offset to allow your suspension to sink. Be sure you have the right ball size too.
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Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Georgia
My car hauler needs a 4" drop. My boat uses a 2" drop. As Dr. NO stated, it all depends on what your pulling. you want the trailer to be level. They do make a insert that is adjustable, pricy, but if you only want 1 insert that might be the way to go.
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I'd say close to 4"..if you have 18" tires.My xlt has 17" and I use a 3 1/4 " drop I pull a 16 ft trailer and a 17ft bass boat.. It all depends on what size tires and wheels your trailer has, Your trailer wants to be fairly level.
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I tow my 7,000lb plus boat with a 1 inch drop turned upside down so in reality it is a 1" rise. This keeps the tow level. My vehicle is a Screw Lariat with 18 inch tires. The trailer has 14 inch tires.
Last edited by KevinM; Jan 7, 2005 at 09:51 AM.
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I went by U-haul and measured. Looks like for their little trailers I need a 5 1/4" drop. I guess I am going to have to have more than 1 ball mount. Car Hauler isn't that low and requires a bigger ball.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Mike
BTW I have the 18" wheels.
Thanks for everyone's input.
Mike
BTW I have the 18" wheels.
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 511
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From: South Jersey
http://www.hitchsolutions.com/alumistinger.html
These are nice. Alum, means no grease, no mess... A 2" drop puts the ball about even with the hitch.
These are nice. Alum, means no grease, no mess... A 2" drop puts the ball about even with the hitch.
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