Trailer hitch drop

[zambonidriver]

I've been searching for this and haven't found a definitive answer. Unfortunately don't have easy access to my trailer to measure. I have a 2012 MOJO with the boatmate dual axle trailer and I just bought a new tow vehicle, a 2016 Yukon Denali xl. Anyone know how much drop I need on my trailer hitch to level the trailer? Want to make sure I get this right before I pick it up from storage! Thanks!

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[kaneboats]

Don't know the answer but great handle. Now you need the avatar to go with it.

[onebadssv]

That answer would need much more information and could change depending tire size, exact model trailer etc.. Measure The trailer and your input hitch is the only real way to be sure. I'm going to take a wild guess and say it is a 4in drop which is what I have on my Silverado 1500 4x4 factory height with oversize tires. Love to see pics!

[sivs1]

Just as above, many variables. I use a 2 inch drop on my RAM 1500 and LSV, I also have air suspension so truck will always ride level with zero sag. My RAM 2500 I used a 6 inch drop. I am waiting until I get my SA450 before I buy a new hitch as I want to make sure that rides level. I would wait until you can have the Yukon and Mojo in the same place at the same time.

[zambonidriver]

Thanks guys, love the boat and love the Denali. With 3 kids and 2 dogs, it was time to go big or go home :) I had a durango RT which I loved, but it was just too small. Towed the mojo ok, I used a 2 inch drop with that and it was pretty level. I'm guessing I probably need 4 with the Denali but will go measure. This summer I'll likely do some significant towing and bring it with me when I visit family in the midwest so I want to get it right. Will look into weight distributing as well.

I was hoping this was a popular tow setup, but I can find some time to visit the boat, measure the drop, and stare at it for a bit until mid march when it's time to get back on the water.

[DFTR Josh]

What about measure your Durango hitch height and then the Denali. How much higher is the D and add that to drop down.

[moombadaze]

you could level the trailer, measure from ground to where the top of ball would be, thinking its something like 21", then measure the receiver and you should be able to see where it will be--figure the rear of the truck will drop 2-4", Mojo is nose heavy so it may be 4-5" when you hook up without any air assist system , im betting you don't want a drop but a riser or straight draw bar instead. As a example my 2011 Ram 1500 needed 2" riser to keep the LSV level

[dusty2221]

im betting you don't want a drop but a riser or straight draw bar instead. As a example my 2011 Ram 1500 needed 2" riser to keep the LSV level

My thoughts as well.

[mcdye]

My 08 Silverado CC LTZ 4x4 with factory 18x70X265 I needed a 2" rise to level the Mojo. Now I have a '16 GMC CC All Terrain factory 20x??? have yet to determine the needed draw bar.

[That Guy]

I'd recommend getting an adjustable hitch. I have one as I tow multiple trailers and for whatever reason they all require different height! My hitch was like $120 but is aluminum so it won't rust, can handle 10k lbs and offers +/- drop of 10". Never worry again, just adjust when you need it.

My .02

[patrick232]

I went with a adjustable also for my suburban, need to buy a second for the duramax. Currently I have 4 hitchs in it. The main issue the adjustable one helps with is when the box trailer is loaded or not, same when you load the suburban with 7 people on luggage then hook the boat up vs when empty.

[mmandley]

As all the reply's said, depends on your vehicle. To start you need the hitch ball at 21-23 on the top of it. This will give the trailer a slight downward angle at the truck.

Too low and you over stress the front axle on the trailer, too high and you stress the rear axle, also makes towing less pleasurable and you end up putting move weight on your tow hitch then needed as you are actually lifting the front of the trailer up.

Mojo is apx 500-600+ tongue weight and most normal 1/2 tons you can expect 3-4 inches of squat with no air ride systems.

[zabooda]

Get an adjustable hitch or buy some that may work and take return the hitches that didn't work. Remember to take your wrench along.

[newty]

I'm with mcdye, I think you'll need a rise before you need a drop.
A 2" flipped over would likely do it.

[parrothd]

Homedepot and buy several sizes, return the ones you don't need, you can also flip them over and move the ball.. ;)

[dusty2221]

A common solution I have had to use when we had our 24 and I had to use a 2 wheel drive expedition to tow was a 4" drop hitch flipped over with the ball in the top to get enough rise.

If you are trying to get this set before going to the boat I would take a few hitches and some large crescent wrenches to try different hitch and ball positions. Best bet, level the trailer, measure the receiver height on the tongue, then figure out which of your hitch and ball combos ends up being a good 3 to 5" higher. Hook it up and see how it looks.

[mikenehrkorn]

I went the adjustable route as well since I tow a few different things (boat, jet ski, camper) and they all seem to have a different drop/rise needed to keep them level. I stumbled into a great deal on this one and the swivel action makes hitching up more of a one-man operation since I'm usually doing that task by myself.

http://inventiveproductsinc.com/FW_ITD9110.php

23383

[viking]

I have a rapid hitch and have to flip it over and use a riser for my 05 Denali. Haven't measured but guessing it's pretty close to 2"
Haven't pulled the boat with the 11 Escalade ESV yet but imagine it'll be close to the same and both have air suspension.
Adjustable is the way to go for me cause I tow different trailers with several rigs and like options.

[patrick232]

I have a rapid hitch and have to flip it over and use a riser for my 05 Denali. Haven't measured but guessing it's pretty close to 2"
Haven't pulled the boat with the 11 Escalade ESV yet but imagine it'll be close to the same and both have air suspension.
Adjustable is the way to go for me cause I tow different trailers with several rigs and like options. You will be surprised at the difference in hitch points. I have never understood why GM went so high for the 07-14 model SUV

[kaneboats]

Yup, went from a rise on the '01 Sub to a drop on the '08 Sub. I think I just flipped it over cuz it was only about a 2" drop hitch I was running upside down.

That swivel hitch above is very cool. I was looking at the pic thinking you could probably just pull forward and it will engage. Sure enough-- right in the description. Of course I back up to my trailer perfectly every time so I don't need it. :rolleyes:

[sivs1]

So Let me ask the question of what brand you guys use. I have a Curt I used when I had my Diesel and now am using a Reece Walmart special. Looking at Curt, Anderson, maybe Trimax. I want something that has 10k towing and a decent tongue weight.

[patrick232]

I have the Curt 3 ball adjustable, #45799 goes to 10k for the. 2 5/16 size and 7500 for the 2". It's heavy and solid.

[yearround]

I had the inventive swivel hitch, was all too often that it would never engage when pulling forward. I still use the adjustable height but a fixed ball. change the height for trailers, and loading in the truck, boat, etc. I don't recall the load rating.

[sivs1]

I have the Curt 3 ball adjustable, #45799 goes to 10k for the. 2 5/16 size and 7500 for the 2". It's heavy and solid.

I was looking at that one and also this one
http://www.amazon.com/CURT-45900-Channel-Style-Adjuastable-Mount/dp/B004SMGAJ6/ref=pd_sbs_263_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41TxVTCtVDL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=15XBY8TGT2HD1TVRVVRW

not much more money and seems even more heavy duty.

[bluice311]

My Andersen Rapid Hitch has worked great! I used it on a lowered Tundra and now on a lifted F250. I went with Andersen because it gave the greatest range of drop/rise options (as compared to B&W Tow&Stow). One benefit of the B&W is that it can rotate out of the way when not in use; saves some length on vehicle and your shins lol

[zambonidriver]

I just bought the Rapid Hitch, if I can't find the right height with that thing, then I'm doing it wrong :) Thanks for the advice.

[bluice311]

I just bought the Rapid Hitch, if I can't find the right height with that thing, then I'm doing it wrong :) Thanks for the advice.

Good choice! One suggestion, don't forget to buy their lock set! They make a matching lock kit for the receiver pin and the adjustment pin. I'd hate for someone to walk off with your new investment.