Hitch drop

[nap61]

What would be the correct drop size for a truck with a 7" lift kit. It seems like it would need about a 10" drop. Does this sound reasonable?
Also, who would be the best vendor to but from - either a local store or on line?

Norm

 

[dstig1]

Measure the hitch height of the trailer you are going to tow, level, to the ground, then measure from the receiver down to the ground on the truck. Subtract. =Drop required. Many trailer sit at different heights, so it is hard to do one size fits all, but that will probably get you something that should work in general.

 

[PapaPerk]

You have to measure the trailer to know for sure. Make sure you account for spring compression when the trailer is attached.

As far as manufactures I would stick with Buyers. They make excellent quality hitches that are made in the USA! I would avoid the foreign stuff at Lowes and Wally World. A hitch is not the place to save a buck.

Northern Tool is one place that sells Buyers products. Also your local farm equipment store or farm truck supplier may have them. 7" drop is alot so you want a good quality solid forged hitch.

Good luck and don't forget good quality safety chains and hooks! :thumbsup:

 

[nap61]

Dave,
Thanks. That is what I did and I calculated 10". I haven't seen a hitch with that large a drop at the regular shops - O'Riley's, Auto Zone, WallyWorld, etc. I haven't tried U-Haul or a local trailer shop yet and didn't see anything close on line.

Norm

 

[nap61]

PapaPerk,
I am worried about the stress of that big of a drop. Is Buyers online or do they just sell through dealers?

Norm

 

[slowzuki]

Some WD hitches can be had with a deep drop and a reinforced shank. Most of the regular deep drops are only rated for 5000 lb or so. I've got a solid shank 2" drop class 5, the same hitch, same construction style in 8" drop is only a class 4.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Standard ball height measured from the ground to the top of the ball is 21" Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[toppop52]

Self-Locking, Adjustable, Aluminum Ball Mount - 2 Chrome Balls - 10" Drop, 11" Rise - 10K Diversi-Tech Ball Mounts DTALBM7000
10,000 lb/10" drop, plus many others at Etrailer.com.

 

[clemsonfor]

I think ive seen big drops at either Walmart or Northern tool?

Im thinking close to 10"s to unless its a huge equiptment trailer. Reason i say this is that a normal 4wd fullsize usually has about a 2-3" drop hitch already then you go lifting it 7"s which is just the suspention and dosent really account for a larger tire diameter which allows more ground clearance as well.

 

[Willl]

What Top said,,,Etrailer

Adjustable Ball Mount Ball Mounts | etrailer.com

 

[Iplayfarmer]

What would be the correct drop size for a truck with a 7" lift kit. It seems like it would need about a 10" drop. Does this sound reasonable?
Also, who would be the best vendor to but from - either a local store or on line?

Norm

Any of the major manufacturers are going to have to meet the same requirements. If you're buying a branded ball mount, it won't matter whether you buy online or local. It sounds like you've looked local, so the next step is to look online.

etrailer
r&P carriages
e-bay
amazon.com

They're all going to be about the same. Brands I've used and been happy with include Reese and Curt.

Here's an example of a 10" drop mount from Amazon... Amazon.com: Curt Manufacturing 45112 10 In X 8 In X 10 1/4 In Ball Mount: Automotive Free shipping.

 

[RobertN]

My stock Dodge Ram 3/4 ton 4x4 uses a 4" or 6" drop depending on three trailers I tow.

I see guys towing with big lift and tires, and big ole drop hitches. I personally would not do that with more than a light utility trailer. Too high of CG on the truck, too long of hitch dropping down. I have had to make a panic stop with 7000lbs of trailer behind my stock height truck. No way would i want to do that with a lifted big tire truck. Not to mention, with 7" of lift I would probably have 38" tires, which would be pushing the stock brakes on any truck even without a trailer.

I like the look of a lifted truck. But after years of hauling stuff in the bed, on lumber racks, and using trailer, no thanks...

 

[nap61]

Thanks for all the replies. I ordered the adjustable ball mount at e-trailer.

Norm

 

[Diamondpilot]

What would be the correct drop size for a truck with a 7" lift kit. It seems like it would need about a 10" drop. Does this sound reasonable?
Also, who would be the best vendor to but from - either a local store or on line?

Norm

Is this on your Titan? I have to see it if it is.

Chris

 

[deepNdirt]

Not sure what type of the actual frame hitch receiver your truck has... but they're are a couple types, #1- that is called hidden hitch that tucks away snug to the frame and only reveals the receiver hole, and #2- a drop frame hitch that actually drops by a few inches and reveals the hitch frame itself, the amount it drops varies in name or make brand of hitch,
if you have the hidden type.... you could swap over to the drop style and have it at a lower level eliminating having to use as much of a drop receiver ball,....if you already have the drop style than check to see if their might be another make that has one that drops even lower, just a thought

 

[BoFuller]

You have to measure the trailer to know for sure. 7" drop is alot so you want a good quality solid forged hitch.

Good luck and don't forget good quality safety chains and hooks! :thumbsup:

I have a Tacoma that I lifted 3 inches, but then I put the hitch inside the license plate for more clearance. Ended up needing 13 inches of drop. Had a local trailer hitch/welding place make me one. Don't skimp on a good hitch. :thumbsup:

 

[bigtiller]

Thanks for all the replies. I ordered the adjustable ball mount at e-trailer.

Norm

I read there web site and noticed that it advertised "up to 10,000 lbs." I'm just wondering if it will pull 10,000 when it is set at an 11 inch drop.

Or do you get 10,000 lbs at a 2 inch drop and only 5,000lbs at an 11 inch drop.

Let us know will you?

 

[nap61]

Chris,
No. the hitch is for my sil's 2500. My Titan is stock.

Norm

 

[Skyco]

Standard ball height measured from the ground to the top of the ball is 21" Hope this helps.

Chris

I heard years ago that was the goal or "standard"
Too bad it is ignored by almost every trailer manufacturer...sure would make life easier for those of us with multiple trailers and tow vehicles:thumbsup:
While we are at it lets ditch the 1 7/8 ball, no valid purpose to exist

 

[toppop52]

I agree on 1 7/8" balls, what's the point?