Trailer hitches--what brand/style do you use? Post 'em up; how low should I go?

[twinmill28]

What length do I need my ball receiver to drop for stock height H2? I thought this was posted somewhere recently on a forum; I'd read somebody recommended 8" and I thought they were smoking crack until I had to buy a 3-1/4" because there were no 5" drops available and I really needed to move a trailer yesterday. When I put that 3-1/4" on I thought it must be a joke, it didn't drop the ball at all; I got to thinking 5" would probably be slightly better but not much. Sooooo, is 8" good, or do I need more?

By the way, the tongue limit rating on your front receiver is pretty low, can't remember off the top, but I can say don't swing a loaded 16 foot utility trailer around with a short drop ball mount. Mine looked like a diving board when I took the trailer off. I think it actually made that "twang" sound that diving boards do as well.

 

[Pappibri]

Recently I borrowed a 6 inch drop receiver for my H3 to pull our pop up... It was perfect for that, the front end of the trailer was just about a inch lower then the rear.. That is what I was looking for... My 2 inch ball had it tilted way back.. All depends on the height of what you are pulling...

 

[Big2dabank]

I use a Rapid Hitch Adjustable Ball Mount Kit w/ 2 Chrome Balls - 10" Drop

 

[seventwozero]

I use a Rapid Hitch Adjustable Ball Mount Kit w/ 2 Chrome Balls - 10" Drop

View attachment 5894

I use a similar 3-way version of this. It's nice because it allows some height adjustment for different trailers you might be pulling. I've always adjusted the hitch so that the trailer rides level (as level as possible) when hooked to the truck.

 

[[__--MUD--__]]

I just came across one of those expensive drop hitches...can't remember who the mfg is. They do bunch of different patterns in the webbing/support. Their like $350. I think it was half off. I'll see if I can find the ad.

I'm running a 8" drop for my boat. 37" tires w/ 6" fabtech. Its about 1.5" higher that I'd like it to be.

 

[[__--MUD--__]]

Well I was a little off, but heres the ad-

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/pts/3130170589.html

 

[twinmill28]

Thanks for all the quick replies guys. I'd really like to go with the set-up Big Bank is running, but averaging $350 for it makes me pucker up. Guess you gotta pay to play.
If anybody finds a good CL lead on one of these---let me know!

I've learned to really love that front receiver for moving the trailer in and out of my garage--just got concerned that it's not rated to really move anything substansial, my thinking is it should have been built with a MUCH higher rating.

 

[seventwozero]

Thanks for all the quick replies guys. I'd really like to go with the set-up Big Bank is running, but averaging $350 for it makes me pucker up. Guess you gotta pay to play.
If anybody finds a good CL lead on one of these---let me know!

I've learned to really love that front receiver for moving the trailer in and out of my garage--just got concerned that it's not rated to really move anything substansial, my thinking is it should have been built with a MUCH higher rating.

http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Andersen/AM3413.html $214 10" aluminum

 

[Scarsman]

I have an 8" drop that I got at Napa, and it works great. I think it was around $50.

 

[Humvee21]

Gonna measure mine tomorrow for ya. Btw, I didn't know that the front hitch wasn't rated for any real towing. That's kind if disappointing...

 

[[__--MUD--__]]

Gotta add...the one odd thing i've seen w/ drop hitches- They generally will pull alot of weight easily, but if you ever have to lock'em up and you dont have trailer brakes or your backing up pushing w/ some resistance- Those ****ers will push/bend right in under the receiver. I've seen 3 bent in about 6"...never seen one pulled straight out.