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Introduction
A drop hitch is a type of towing accessory used to adjust the height of a vehicle’s trailer connection when used with a ball mount. It is comprised of two plates that create a downward angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer being towed. This downward angle helps keep trailers level and keeps the load from impacting the rear suspension of the tow vehicle. The size or “drop” of the hitch is determined by how much lower angle you need between your tow vehicle and trailer. Identifying what size drop hitch you need will depend on several factors such as your tow vehicle, trailer, weight and height differences, as well as how level you would like the setup to be.
Benefits of a Drop Hitch
Having a drop hitch can be incredibly beneficial and handy when transporting recreational vehicles, trailers, and other towed items. A drop hitch allows trailers to be positioned at a lower angle of attack, which effectively reduces force on the tow vehicle’s rear axle. This lowering angle also improves the trailer’s driving stability and resistance toward damaging shudders or ‘porpoising’ if it is driven over bumps or uneven surfaces. Additionally, with increased resistance to damage caused by poor road conditions, this means improved safety for both you and your towed item.
In order to find out what size drop hitch you need, it’s important to evaluate some factors such as the size of your tow vehicle as well as the weight of the loaded trailer itself. You’ll also want to consider any distances from which you may be traveling since longer hauls with heavier loads could benefit from larger drops than shorter trips with lighter items. Finally, if you plan on carrying items like cargo boxes or boats that extend beyond what your tow vehicle can already accommodate in length and width, then those items should also be taken into consideration when looking at drop sizes.
Size Considerations
When determining what size drop hitch you need, it’s important to consider the weight of your trailer and any equipment that you will be carrying in the trailer. For example, if your trailer weighs up to 3000 pounds, then a Class 1 or Class 2 hitch might be appropriate. However, if you’re carrying equipment such as a riding lawn mower in the trailer, then a larger hitch size may be needed. Similarly, when working with heavier loads – up to 10,000 pounds – then it’s best to opt for at least a Class 3 or Class 4 drop hitch. Additionally, if you have an especially large trailer carrying a high center of gravity – such as one with a 5th wheel or horse trailer setup – then higher weight capacity drop hitching systems are available. Ultimately, when selecting the proper size drop hitch for your needs, carefully consider weights and heights of all items that need to be securely transported.
Vehicle Weight
2 inch drop hitches can typically handle up to 8,000 lbs of gross trailer weight (GTW) and 800 lbs of tongue weight (TW).
3 inch drop hitches can handle up to 12,000 lbs of GTW and 1,200 lbs of TW.
4 inch drop hitches can typically handle up to14,000 lbs of GTW and 1,400 lbs of TW.
5 inch drop hitches are typically rated to 20,000 lbs of GTW and 2,000 lbs of TW.
6 inch drop hitches can support up to 25,000 lbs of GTW and 2,500 lbs of TW.
Tongue Weight
When determining the size of drop hitch you need, one of the most important factors to consider is your vehicle’s tongue weight. Tongue weight refers to the amount of downward force applied to the trailer’s hitch ball. When pulling a trailer with a drop hitch, it is important to make sure that your vehicle has enough tongue weight capacity to handle the load. The size of drop hitch you need depends entirely on how much tongue weight (or downward force) your trailer will be applying to the hitch ball. If you do not pay close attention to your vehicle’s tongue weight capacity when shopping for a drop hitch, you may end up buying one that is too large or small for your application.
Types of Drop Hitches
The most common types of drop hitches are typically classified by their length and the amount of drop they can provide.
A standard 6-inch drop hitch is the most common type used for general towing applications, such as towing a small trailer or utility vehicle. If a longer reach is needed, an 8” and sometimes 10” drop hitch may be available. These models may also provide a higher weight capacity than the 6-inch models, allowing them to support large trailers or multiple vehicles.
For those that need even more control over how far they can lower their trailer, adjustable drop hitches may be the best option. These hitches usually feature two different lengths and allow you to adjust your trailer’s height from 6 inches to 10 inches depending on what your needs are. This kind of flexibility provides great freedom of movement when connecting up different size trailers or multiple vehicles.
Maintenance
When it comes to selecting the right size drop hitch for your vehicle, you should start by considering the amount of weight that you intend to tow. Different drop hitches are designed to be able to handle different weights. For example, small or lightweight trailers are usually towed with Class I or Class II drop hitches while those employing large boat or camper trailers use much larger and stronger Class III, IV or V models. After you have determined which size of trailer you plan on hauling, you will then be able to select the correct sized drop hitch for your particular application. It is also important to note that most trailer trailer manufacturer’s list the Recommended Front Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (F-GVRW) for any given hitch. That being said, always follow the recommendations from the trailer’s manual when determining which size of drop hitch will best suit your load.
In addition to selecting the proper sized hitch for your vehicle and payload, there are several other factors that need to be considered when it comes to maintaining and using a drop hitch properly. To ensure safety and longevity of your equipment, be sure the ball can freely rotate in its socket without binding, use grease sparingly on all moving parts, inspect all hardware closely before each use and maintain a minimum ground clearance between the trailer tongue and road surface at all times. Finally, if possible ensure that your available tongue weight exceeds 10% of loaded trailer/vehicle gross weight combination at all times.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the right drop hitch, it is important to first determine the size and weight capacity you need. The size of your hitch must fit the make, model, and year of your vehicle as well as the design of your trailer. It is also important to consider what types of vehicles you are likely to be hauling with your trailer. Will they be heavier or lighter than average? Knowing this information will help you select a hitch that can handle heavier loads when necessary. Additionally, look for hitches that have a minimum safety rating for pull weight and tongue weight. Finally, make sure to choose a hitch that is compatible with your ball mount and its intended use. Knowing all these factors will ensure that you find the most suitable drop hitch for you.
