Hitch drop size?

[rafaelsmith]

Picked up my JT this past friday. Rubicon with Tow Package. I will be towing a utility trailer often....I need to get a hitch ball mount for the receiver.....curious what size drop I need?

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[Whiplash2130]

Picked up my JT this past friday. Rubicon with Tow Package. I will be towing a utility trailer often....I need to get a hitch ball mount for the receiver.....curious what size drop I need?

I have the same question

 

[JESmith]

 

[KVJ]

If I could add this: The actual tongue weight of your trailer should be considered as well. If you know it's weight I suggest you lower your tail gate and set the equivocal amount on it and then measure the height of the receiver as shown in the video. That would get you closer to the way your rig will sit while traveling.
I have the Max Tow that allows up to 740#, my trailer has a tongue weight of 240# which barely lowers it and actually allows for a smoother ride.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Picked up my JT this past friday. Rubicon with Tow Package. I will be towing a utility trailer often....I need to get a hitch ball mount for the receiver.....curious what size drop I need?

No one can tell you that. It will vary with your specific trailer, the load/weight, etc.
For example, with my car hauler, my ball mount is straight out........... that carries the front of the trailer a tad high. With weight on the trailer, it would be level.
Every trailer will have a different height hitch on the front end. I bet my utility trailer hitch sits different than yours - so you have to base it on YOUR trailer - like others have suggested (KVJ for example)
So - no one can tell you - you'll have to measure based on your vehicle, your trailer and load.

 

[WXman]

I use the adjustable one with 3 settings I can select by pulling the pin and sliding the ball mount up or down. Got it from Lowe's. Allows me to get ANY trailer I tow level before I leave with it.

 

[TrailHiker]

I tow several small utility trailers, and found a 4-inch drop is about right for the small trailers. My TaB 400 only needs a 2-inch drop to get the trailer level. You want a drop that will allow the trailer frame to be level, for best towing results.
Cheers

 

[rafaelsmith]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up getting a adjustable one...makes life easy.

 

[Whiplash2130]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up getting a adjustable one...makes life easy.

I have the Mopar 2” Lift Kit. Do you think a 6” drop is correct?

 

[PyrPatriot]

Like any tool, use the right one for the job. I'm getting several hitches, and an adjustable one, to make sure I have the best one when needed. It's only what, 5-6 hitch options?

 

[OVERLORD]

Helpful post, thanks!

 

[Labswine]

I guess the best way to figure this out is to set your trailer on a level (well, fairly level) surface and adjust the tongue with the jack until the trailer is level fore and aft (with a bubble level) then add about an inch and a half to that height at the tongue (this will help account for a loaded trailer). Then back your truck up to it and measure the difference in height of the tongue vs. the center of the receiver. That should give you a good measurement of drop needed.

 

[OVERLORD]

I think I'm just gonna go with the adjustable, can adjust to loaded or unloaded.

 

[XJADDICTION]

Read up on towing. This is very important as a lot in play here for your particular application.

Trailer should be level to start, so use a leveling guide to get you there. A variable drop hitch is best with a built in tongue weight gauge.

Your Tongue Weight is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!

Tongue weight should be between 10%-15% of trailer weight. Don’t forget to factor in your JTs weight loaded.

Most states require trailer brakes and a break-a-way auto trailer brake lock for trailer weighing over 1500 pounds including contents. READ WHAT YOUR STATE AND YOUR TRAVEL STATES REQUIRE.

A wreck even if it’s not your fault will be your fault if you get any of this wrong.

A load leveling hitch and anti-sway Control is important.

My state says maximum tow speed is 70mph ( the speed limit) but... insurance companies can claim “too fast for conditions” in just about any situation. Just because the JT can tow better and faster than the Tacoma... ? doesn’t mean you should do it.

Lots of videos on YouTube about proper trailering.

 

[XJADDICTION]

An adjustable hitch that is only 4, 5, 6, adjustable, is not the way to go.. Usually... more often then not you will need a 6" or 8" drop.

These days especially, trailer tongues tend to be closer to the ground... and... and of course a Rubi for example sits high .... and take into consideration oversize tires...

Anyway, waste of $ going with anything less an 8" adjustable rise/drop.

Absolutely, get the one that fits your application, my example is just that.

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