Hitch drop formula…

Revived · #1 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 01:03 PM

This may seem like a silly question for those who tow regularly but, the truth is - I don’t…. Having the tow package for me is more of a “if I ever need to” justification - because it came on the truck anyway…

With that said I would like to get a receiver hitch and ball that can cover most situations…. If that’s possible…. The measurement to the top of the receiver is 19”… I’m guessing a 4” drop…. But before I invest I thought I’d ask some of those in the know here….

Thanks in advance….

Cliffy1 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 01:07 PM

It all depends on the trailer. Its not even just the amount of drop you have to worry about. Its also the size of the ball. If you want something that is likely to handle just about any boat, get a 2" drop and a 2" ball.

If you're just looking for something to have in an emergency, get one of those 0" drop mounts with three different balls already mounted on it. More than likely, it will be a little higher than is optimal for regular towing, but at least you'll be ready for anything.

Leardriver · #3 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 01:19 PM

My 3 trailers all like the flat part of the receiver insert at around 15-16 inches from the ground. On my 4WD DC, that was a 3.5 inch drop insert.

SAM-RAI · #4 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 01:20 PM

The rule of thumb is 18"-20" from the ground with hitch height. Although, it's best to measure it and find the exact height for best result. I tow my bass boat a lot and I think 4" or 4 1/2" drop is what I got, but don't remember exactly. Remember, it's best to keep the trailer level with the hitch height and balance your tongue weight if you want best performance.

Hope this help a little!

Sam

martino4 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 02:08 PM

yeah it all depends on trailer. i'm using two different trailers Shasta travel trailer - needs 2" drop and 2" ball and for work trailblazer 14' long - same 2" drop but 2 5/16 ball.
i'm using factory ball monts rated 11k pounds, for the second trailer i bouth second mount

HOGWILD · #6 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 02:19 PM

Tips, Specs and Definitions keep your reciepts and buy what you figure will work and go from there! most place have no problem with returns as long as it has not been abused!

weverb · #7 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revived

This may seem like a silly question for those who tow regularly but, the truth is - I don’t…. Having the tow package for me is more of a “if I ever need to” justification - because it came on the truck anyway…

With that said I would like to get a receiver hitch and ball that can cover most situations…. If that’s possible…. The measurement to the top of the receiver is 19”… I’m guessing a 4” drop…. But before I invest I thought I’d ask some of those in the know here….

Thanks in advance….

I was in the same position as you. I just went to Autozone and they had a Reese 2" drop with a 2" ball set-up with a locking pin. The set-up (kit) only cost $37. Now I have something just incase I need to tow.

Billy Bob · #8 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 04:16 PM

I have towed a boat for over 30 years and I like the tongue up just a bit as it makes launching a boat easier. I have a 3.5 inch drop on my tongue that I purchased at Walmart when I first got the truck. And actually the Tundra's hitch receiver is lower than on my Ford Escape I traded in.

As said the trailer should tow level or actually lower in the front to prevent swaying in high speed traveling (usually this happens over 60 mile per hour). Also 10 -15% of your total weight should be on the ball to prevent swaying. If your tongue weight is low and it sits up high your probably going to get some sway. However, I have never experience this with my BOAT trailer but I do have the proper ball weight.

blueflash · #9 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 05:00 PM

I currently have a couple of lighter trailers to tow. One is a jet ski and the other is a utility trailer for an ATV. I found a 6" drop put the trailers at the correct level. A 2" drop, which is what I used on my old Chevy, is way too high. I borrowed a nice 6" aluminum stinger from a buddy, thinking it would be too low, but found out it was perfect. Nice bonus, my buddy said keep it!

guntech · #10 (**permalink**) 12-01-2007, 07:42 PM

As stated - it depends on the trailer. If you don't own one and just want to be prepared, I would go with Cliffy1's advice.

The Doctor · #11 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 12:35 PM

MAny manufactures make adjustable receivers, covers a very large percentage of needs for about $70.

TUNDRA786 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 12:44 PM

I have the factory ball mount with a 2 inch reese ball (rated for 6K)

asianflava · #13 (**permalink**) 12-04-2007, 12:12 AM

I used one of these formulas and the trailer still wasn't level. I ended up just buying the ones that got me in the ballpark, then returning the ones that didn't work. Wal-Mart has them for a pretty decent price. The only thing is that they are class III rated (I think). The factory one is more robust compared to those, and more expensive.

No one ball mount will work for all trailers, Murphy's Law will gurantee that. If you have one that is the right height, then it will have the wrong size ball. An adjustable height model will get you most of the way there but you still have ball size to contend with. Do not use an undersized ball! Using a 7/8 ball on a 2in coupler is a bad idea. An 1/8th of an inch may not seem like much but it is enough to pop the coupler off the ball at the worst possible time.