How much of a drop hitch?

SteveinLA · **Joined:** Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:04 am **Posts:** 50

So where should a trailer sit? When it isn't connected to a tow vehicle, can we say it is in a neutral position?

How much should it be raised to get the proper tounge weight on the ball?

Originally, I towed my 190 with a 1992 Explorer. Now I am towing with an "86 F-250 (yes, it sits higher.) I bought a big Lance camper (10.6), and put SuperSprings on the truck to support the load. Now it really sits high without the camper.

Thanks again for any and all opinions.

R, Steve

p.s. I really like the SuperSprings. They support the 2500# well and eliminate the side to side sway that I found un-nerving. I highly recommend them.

rpengr · **Posted:** Mon Jun 02, 2014 12:09 pm

I like the trailer frame to be level (parallel to the road) when connected to the tow vehicle, or slightly lower in the front.

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Jun 02, 2014 12:16 pm

There is a way you can measure how much of a drop you need to get the trailer level; take a look at etrailer.com they have it somewhere on their website. When I went from my 98 Jeep to the 07 the hitch is quite a bit higher so I had to go from a 2" drop to a 6".
Then when I went to 15" rims and bigger tires on the trailer I had to go with a 4"...In any case you want it level or a bit lower in front, definitely not lower in the rear (causes sway).

SteveinLA · **Joined:** Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:04 am **Posts:** 50

Thanks!

Flying Sushi · **Posted:** Tue Jun 03, 2014 5:56 am

Trailer frame should be level (parallel to the road) when connected to the tow vehicle as well as tongue weight should be 4 to 8% of boat and trailer.
For some reason my trailer (with boat) like to be towed slightly higher (0.5 inch) at tongue than tail... Adjustable hitch worked well for my application that I could find the best position for the trailer....

SteveinLA · **Joined:** Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:04 am **Posts:** 50

Thanks for the pic Sushi.

My boat/trailer weigh approximately 3500lbs, so that would ben140-280lbs. ...so how we measure tounge weight? ...a bathroom scale?

ric · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2014 9:51 am

SteveinLA wrote:

so how we measure tounge weight? ...a bathroom scale?

yes

Flying Sushi · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2014 10:36 am

Quote:

so how we measure tounge weight? ...a bathroom scale?

or these

I have one... do not use too much but if you are around Boston area you are more than welcome to use mine...

EvilZ · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2014 10:40 am

http://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-determine-trailer-tongue-weight.aspx

Jdpber · **Posted:** Wed Jun 04, 2014 1:44 pm

i have a 10" from on my double hitch and air bags i bump the bags up or down depending on diff trailers to make them level..

SteveinLA · **Joined:** Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:04 am **Posts:** 50

Hi Sushi, that's a great offer; thanks! However, I'm in Los Angeles. I also have a bathroom scale which will get close.

Thanks to everyone.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

With a standard receiver hitch on the F 250 I would say either a 1.5 or 2 inch drop hitch. I had the 2004 F250 towing a little heavier h210 and the 1.5 was perfect. Your springs and lighter load may need the 2 inch.

Just go to trailer hitch and frame or discount hitch or the similar store there and they will hook you up. Or borrow someones receiver and see.

www.iFourWinns.com

How much of a drop hitch?

Who is online