QA

Quick Answer: How To Measure Hitch Drop

How do you measure a trailer hitch drop?

Measure the distance from the ground to the top of the inside of your hitch receiver (A), and subtract it from the distance from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler (B). B minus A equals C, the drop.

How much drop do I need on my hitch?

We receive many questions when it comes to determining what size draw bar/drop length would work best with customer’s tow vehicles. We recommend at least 11” of clearance from the bottom of your LOADED trailer hitch ball to the ground.

How do you determine the height of a hitch?

To find the proper hitch height for your travel trailer, follow these steps: Measure from the ground to the top edge of the hitch receiver. Then measure from the ground to the bottom edge of the trailer’s coupler. Next, subtract the height of the receiver from the height of the coupler.

What size drop hitch do I need for a 6 inch lift?

When a truck has a 6 inch lift, you will need a drop hitch like the 180 Hitch 2-Ball Mount w/ Stainless Steel Balls – 2″ Hitch – 10″ Drop # LTB10-2 you referenced.

Can you use a 1 7 8 ball on a 2 inch hitch?

No, it is not safe to use a 1-7/8 inch ball with a trailer that has a 2 inch ball coupler. Most couplers have an adjustment for the latching mechanism that may solve your issue.

Should my trailer be level when towing?

When towing, trailers should be level to improve stability, braking performance, and ground clearance. A level trailer will prevent poor towing characteristics, like sway, and uneven tire wear. Adjusting the trailer to be level is important for safety.

What size drawbar do I need?

Drawbars need to be at least as long as half the tow vehicles width. Most cars and SUVs’ range between 1.6m to 1.9m so the minimum length of drawbar needs to be half of this plus a little bit more (say 200-300mm) to gain a margin of clearance when turning and to add stability to the trailer.

How far should a hitch stick out?

There are two laws requiring a red flag or light on the end of any load sticking out 4 feet or more from the back of a vehicle, and another that says no part of the vehicle’s structure or load shall protrude more than 15 feet behind the last axle, which is meaningless in addressing trailer hitches.

What is normal trailer hitch height?

Normally trailer coupler height is around 17 inches, from the ground to the bottom of the coupler, and most hitch manufacturers design their hitches to work with a ball mount that will end up very close to this measurement.

Can you use a drop hitch upside down?

Or if you put it in upside down, the ball would be 6″ above the receiver. You want this hitch if you have a truck that is high up. If you turn the hitch upside down it will give you a 6 inch rise. It may be written backwards because you would think that you would get more rise than drop.

Is it better to have the trailer tongue higher or lower?

If a trailer is nose up too much, the tongue weight is low enough that the trailer may begin to sway. So in short, level is best. If level is not possible, then try to go slightly nose down. Slightly nose up can be fine, but keep an eye out for trailer sway.

What causes fishtailing when towing a trailer?

Wind is the most common cause of trailer sway. When there is a strong force pushing your trailer from one side or the other, it can cause it to sway from side to side. This is usually the result of strong gusts of wind or passing a high-profile vehicle such as an 18 wheeler who is traveling at high speeds.

Do I need a drop hitch if my truck is lifted?

When towing with a lifted truck, a drop hitch will be required to make sure the hitch ball sits at a height comparable to the height of the trailer coupler. Most companies do not offer drop hitches that exceed the tow rating of new diesel trucks and that is where BulletProof Hitches comes in to play.

Can you use a weight distribution hitch on a lifted truck?

You can certainly use a weight distribution system on your lifted truck. The key will be to find a weight distribution shank that offers you enough drop to be able to tow your trailer level. Weight distribution systems are available without a shank so that you can choose the one that works best for you.

What is the most common trailer hitch size?

The Most Common Ball Hitch Size A 2-inch trailer ball is the most common hitch ball size. The 2-inch tow ball is the best fit for most class 3 receiver hitches – which are the most popular trailer hitches.

How do I know what size ball I need for my trailer?

To determine the proper size of ball that you need, look at the coupler on the tongue of your trailer. Most couplers have the proper ball size and towing capacity stamped into them. The most common sizes of trailer balls are 1 7/8″, 2″ and 2 5/16″.

Are trailer couplers interchangeable?

If your coupler currently uses a 1-7/8 inch ball and your towing vehicle has a hitch and ball mount with a 2 inch ball, you can use an interchangeable hitch ball system. You will want a 2 inch ball coupler with the same mounting hole spacing, as well as the same bolt hole diameter.