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Introduction
A drop hitch, otherwise known as a tow ball mount, is a device used to secure a trailer to a vehicle. It consists of a towing bracket and ball, which attaches to the receiver hitch on the back of the vehicle. The bracket allows the trailer tongue height to be adjusted in order to offset any height difference between the trailer and vehicle. This is especially useful when lifting one or both vehicles, as it can prevent ding damage caused by excessive swaying.
For most applications, it is recommended that you use a drop hitch with at least 6” of drop or rise for up to 2” lift on each vehicle. For lifts greater than 2”, additional drop/rise may be necessary in order to avoid potential conflicts with trailer tongues and/or truck beds. Additionally, it is important that you consult legal requirements for maximum towed weight in your area before purchasing your drop hitch.
How to Choose the Right Drop Hitch Size
1. Determine the type of vehicle you’ll be towing with and its lift size:
Choosing the right drop hitch size for your vehicle will depend largely on your towing capacity and the lift size of your vehicle. Factors like the vehicle’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating), its trailer weight rating, and even its total engine torque will all play a role in determining which size drop hitches are compatible. If you’re experiencing difficulty determining which class or size is best suited for hauling a particular item, consult an expert.
2. Evaluate the wear & tear on your trailer:
When choosing a drop hitch, it’s important to consider how much wear-and-tear it’ll receive during use. Things like dirt, mud, or snow can cause wear on any hitch over time. If you’re planning to do off-road adventures with a heavy load, your drop hitch should ideally be able to withstand rough conditions without accruing extensive damage.
3. Measure the shank diameter of the trailer ball before purchasing:
Many different sizes of trailer balls can be used in conjunction with different sizes of drop hitches; however, depending on how high your tow lift is, an incorrect sized ball may cause issues when connecting up to trailers or other tow possessions. Generally speaking, for a 6 inch lift and higher trailers – an 8 inch by 7 inch diameter shank is best suited for hauling large loads safely and securely at highway speeds across terrain that may involve sharp curves or steep inclines and declines. Make sure you measure carefully!
What Size Drop Hitch for a 6″ Lift
It is important to choose the correct size of drop hitch for a 6″ lift. This is because there are different types of hitches that work better for higher lifts, such as 8″ or 10″ lifts. If you are using a 6-inch lift, the ideal drop hitch would be one with a 5-inch drop. However, this does not mean that you cannot use other sizes for your 6-inch lift; it just means that it won’t be as efficient or have as many advantages over longer drops. If you do decide to go with a longer drop hitch, make sure that it is rated to handle the additional weight of your trailer and tongue weight as well as any other cargo you may be hauling. Additionally, make sure that the bolts used to attach the hitch are strong enough and lightly oiled so they will not rust.
There are mainly three main types of hitches for higher lifts: Gooseneck Hitches, Bumper Mount Hitches, and Pintle Hitches. Gooseneck Hitches are designed specifically for heavy-duty lifting and can go up in height from 12” all the way up to 20”. Bumper Mount Hitches come in two styles: receiver type (which looks like a typical bumper receiver mount) and integrated type (which is built into the frame). Last but not least, Pintle Hitches are available primarily in 15” and 17” heights, though some taller varieties exist that can reach over 20” heights if needed.
Benefits of a Drop Hitch for 6″ Lift or Higher
There are several benefits to be gained from investing in a drop hitch for any vehicle with 6″ of lift or more. First, a drop hitch better distributes the weight on the tongue of the trailer, preventing swaying too much while trailering and allowing you to use a lighter-duty ball mount or tow bar. Second, when combined with certain other accessories and properly adjusted, it can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for additional aftermarket shock absorbers during towing. Third, and perhaps most importantly, by reducing the lifting height of your trailer tongue, you can obtain better clearance when maneuvering into tight spots or around corners.
The size of your drop hitch should match the rated capacity of your receiver, as well as how much weight you intend to tow safely. If you plan on frequently towing heavier loads such as boats or 5th wheels campers, consider getting a larger drop hitch with increased capacity; otherwise sticking with one that is closer in size to your original stock height will suffice. When installing a drop hitch with 6″ of lift yourself it is important to start by loosening all existing bolts surrounding the hitch before making any adjustments. It is also important to use proper caution when reattaching any hardware including bolts and nuts so that they are correctly tightened without causing any damage or strain.
Safety Considerations for Using a Drop Hitch
It is important to ensure that the drop hitch you are using is of the right size for a 6 inch lift. The weight capacity should exceed the vehicle’s capacity and trailers Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. A too small or weak drop hitch can cause damage to your tow vehicle, trailer, and cargo.
It is also important to consider other criteria when selecting a drop hitch for a 6 inch lift. Make sure it’s compatible with both your tow vehicle and trailer coupler. Some hitches have shank lengths that vary and will not fit some vehicles or trailers. Check these measurements carefully before purchasing your hitch.
The configurations for a drop hitch can also vary depending on the make and model of tow vehicle, trailer, and even configuration of lift or load leveler you may be using. You will want to confirm compatibility before buying anything, otherwise it could be harder to safely attach your trailer later on.
Lastly, keep in mind any safety precautions associated with using a drop hitch such as those mentioned above when lifting a heavy load beyond what your stock setup may recommend you do so safely and reliably. Ensure that all fasteners are properly tightened ensuring minimal side-to-side play in attachment points as well as ensuring optimal chain tension when using chains or equalizing bars between tow vehicle and trailer frames if applicable to your setup. Finally also make sure to follow maintenance schedules associated with hitches especially after use in wet weather where corrosion can occur more quickly than expected if not cared for regularly with proper lubrication application on moving parts.
Conclusion
The right drop hitch for your 6″ lift will depend on the specific application – weight capacity and towing needs that you have. If you plan to tow a heavy load, then it is important to invest in a drop hitch that is rated for higher capacities than what your vehicle currently offers. It is also important to note that every time you use your drop hitch, it should be inspected for any signs of wear or damage in order when using it for longer periods of time. To ensure longer life out of your hitch and maximize safety, regularly grease the connections as well as tighten any bolts/nuts that may become loose over time. Finally, be sure to read the instructions provided with the product if they come and research beforehand so that you are able to select the right size drop hitch and hook up correctly when towing.
