How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
What are Rise and Drop?
How Do I Measure for Rise and Drop?
What If I Tow Multiple Trailers?
How Do I Choose an Adjustable Ball Mount?
Gene
8/4/2024
I have a Ram 2500 with a class 5 hitch with a 2 1/2 receiver. The inside of the receiver on top measures 24". My enclosed car hauler measures 16" to the coupler similar to the video. I would like to purchase a drop hitch with a weight distribution system for this application. I already purchased a Blue Ox system and had to return it. The vendor said the drop would be fine. They don't take in consideration their system does not measure from the bottom hole but it raises the top of the ball to 23" due to the sway control rod holders and the rise of the ball. The drop hitch had 9 holes. The rise was about 6 holes. Do you have a suggestion to which drop hitch and distribution system would work for my situation? Jake has the same situation in the video, but he is not using a weight distribution system.
Jon G.
8/5/2024
@Gene I recommend combining the 12K Reese Dual Cam II # RP75FR with the Curt Shank # C17132 for the amount of drop you're needing. I'm not entirely sure what weight capacity weight distribution you're needing, but if you can let me know the GVWR of your trailer I'd be more than happy to make a different recommendation if needed!
Phil A.
11/29/2023
What effect if any do you get if tow ball is above top of hitch height. I’m currently having trouble with set up of my new car with van. I can get van level behind vehicle but rear of vehicle has about 80mm sag (too much) with WDH I put on 4 links but it only raises rear minimal. People recommend air bags but not convinced as sole way of solving problem. Sorry for more than one question. Thanks
Jenny N.
11/29/2023
@PhilA Congratulations on the new vehicle! If you have too much of a rise on the ball mount it can cause the trailer to be off balance enough to cause uneven wear on the tires over time as the trailer front end will be up higher then it needs to be. With your vehicle sag, I would be happy to give options for you. Air bags can help however there are other options that may be better suited. How often do you tow? What is the year, make, and model of your new vehicle.
Jenny N.
11/30/2023
@Phil Yep, you are correct in that using airbags will not shift weight however it will help with vehicle sag. You can use air bags and the WDH in conjuction with each other. The air bags PSI would be set first and then you would set the WDH. The draw back with air bags is that it takes a compressor which you can use a manual one or add a onboard compressor to your vehicle. That being said, for your vehicle I do not have an air bag system to offer through the manufacturers we carry except an universal kit rated for 1,000 pounds that would install in the rear coil spring suspension, such as part # AL60920. On the product page it explains how to measure to make sure you select the right kit if it is something you want to go with.
David K.
10/24/2023
What is the point on a towed vehicle do you measure? To figure rise or drop to correct offset.
Mike L.
11/11/2023
@DavidK What's the year/make/model vehicle? Which base plate are you planning on using?
Mike L.
11/12/2023
@DavidK Assuming your GC is at stock ride height, the mounting arm tabs of the # BX1128 will sit at 17-1/2 inches above the ground. If this represents more than a 3 +/- height difference compared to the receiver hitch on the tow vehicle, you'll need the appropriate high/low adapter to bring it within that range. I'll link you to our selection of adapters below.
Helpful Links
Terry Y.
9/29/2023
Great article! I may be over thinking this, but if I take my measurements and adjust the ball hitch accordingly to have them level, won’t the weight of the trailer push the bumper height down when the trailer weight is applied? It seems that if they line up level when not attached, they are both going to dive down (the front of the trailer and rear of the truck) once connected. I am new to this and may not be looking at it correctly. Thanks in advance!
Mike L.
9/30/2023
@TerryY When choosing the height of your trailer ball, you'll want to allow 1-2 inches for the rear suspension squat caused by the trailer's tongue weight. You're definitely on the right track!
Mike L.
2/15/2024
@RobertD I'd go with the 5 inch drop. You'll sag an inch or two, but as long as you're within an inch or two of level, you'll be good to go!
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Backroad B.
8/18/2024
I have a 2020 Toyota forerunner trd off road, I just bought a 10 x 12 enclosed trailer and haven't picked it up yet. I have a 2 inch ball that goes into the receiver with hardly any drop. Will I be OK or wait to go pick it up and have to purchase a new ball with a bigger drop at the dealership?