I've got a '04 2500 SWB 4x4 and am tring to figure out how much drop I need in the ball mount for the factory reciever hitch. Can y'all tell me how much drop your all using? I've trying to figure out what the most suitable amount of drop I need without buying one that adjusts or needing multiple ball mounts.

Thanks!!

 

It depends. Clear enough? It depends on the trailer. The ball mount drop that works for my little util would never work for my boat trailer. Disregarding the need for a 1 7/8" vs 2 5/16" ball. I have 4 ball mounts in the truck as we speak.

If I didn't have access to a bunch of ball mounts, I'd have bought one of those 10k 3-axis; 3-ball; adustable ball mounts. Probably save a ton of weight too.

But since you asked, util has a 4" drop, but really needs a 5" or so. Boat has a straight ball mount mounted on the low side.

 

As stated the amount of drop needed will vary with the trailer your pulling....there is no standard fit all drop...I carry 3 different receivers hitches with different drops and *****

 

I have a 2" drop, a 4" drop, and a 6" drop with the Convert-A-Ball system on it. I use the 2" inverted for pulling, and the 6" for most everything else. Do not pull much over 7500lbs, though.

 

I like the rest here carry more than one reciever because of the variety of trailers.
I use my 6" drop the most. I have a flat spot in the drive where I have pulled my trailers then I put a reciever on the truck and measure to the center of the ball. I then put a level on the trailer and check the distance up to the center of the tounge and then do the math and buy the correct drop for the trailer.(keep the weight in mind and if it will squat the rear of the truck). I go through this with the trailers I pull the most which are my boats. It is even more important to keep it level if you have a torrission axle on your trailer.

 

I carry two ball mounts, 2" and a 4" drop. On the 4" drop I have a convert a ball mounted. With 4 trailers in the family the convert a ball comes in handy, three trailers uses the 4" drop, 2" and 2 5/16 ball mounts and the other trailer uses the 2" drop because of the bulldog hitch and surge brake setup on the 18' tandem axle HD pipe trailer, and the tall 15" Kelly Springfield Armor trac tires mounted on the axles.

MikeyB

 

Thanks for the info all! It looks like I will need either a 6 or 8 inch drop as I have a 4X4 and am running 315's. I guess, I'll need in invest in multiple mounts .

 

Just my 2 cents worth, using a large drop hitch is placing a lot of leverage on your trailer hitch. I have seen guys bend or break the setup towing over weight, it can get serious. Typically the longer they are the less there worth. I personally would look into raising your trailer maybe half way and using some drop for the rest. I dont how much your talkin about towing, but???. Many folks move the axle under the springs on RVs and the like with no problems and this will typically raise the trailer 3 to 4".

Good luck.
Apache.

 

Hey Joe, I'm using a 6" drop with stock tires (245X70-17) and it's just right for all my trailers. Depending on your trailer you may need to go with an 8".