Hitch Drop Question.

[walleyes13]

I have a 3/4 ton GMC truck and and Ranger 620. I would like to drop front of boat a little during towing to tow better. Do you think that a 6 inch drop is too much off my bumper? Does anyone else use a 6 inch drop?

[Gone Again]

A 6 inch drop is not too much if that's what it takes to get the boat level. The drop is determined by heighth of truck compared to heighth of boat. You want the trailer as level as possible. This prevents sway-especially on a tandem axle trailer. Also keeps the weight evenly ditributed on all 4 tires.

[mikebertin]

Originally Posted by Gone Again

A 6 inch drop is not too much if that's what it takes to get the boat level. The drop is determined by heighth of truck compared to heighth of boat. You want the trailer as level as possible. This prevents sway-especially on a tandem axle trailer. Also keeps the weight evenly ditributed on all 4 tires.

W-- I agree with GA. Improving handling by towing nose down is a myth. Please don't fall into that. If anything, it decreases handling of the towing vehicle by increasing tongue weight, causing not only light steering but also excess metal fatigue at the drawbar through normal trailer undulation on uneven road surfaces. Someone recently posted a picture of a drawbar snapped in half at the radius. (Scary thought huh?) Trailers are designed to run level with the axles carrying the load evenly. Proper tongue weight (5-7%) will prevent sway. An extra drawbar may be needed if you're towing multiple trailers or with more than one vehicle. Do whatever is necessary to ride level.
We all get a bit apprehensive about towing an expensive piece of equipment behind us. Roads are not perfect & your "pucker factor" can get pretty high if you hit a severe bump at speed. For added peace of mind, see my ad on this site.

[Hot Runr Guy]

13,
Like a lot of things, there are good/better/best choices available with ball mounts. Here's a quick example of 6" drop units, with different class ratings.

http://www.thehitchstore.com/hitch-a...from=index&l=6

Also, I've noticed that there seems to be a fair amount of "play" in the fit of the ball mounts into the reciever. I guess 2" doesn't always mean 2". I've actually used some thin sheet metal, and created a shim that fits on 2 sides of the insert, to tighten-up the fit, and help minimize the rattle & clunk.

HRG

[Sportfisher]

I have a 3/4 ton dodge diesel with stock tires and suspension. I tow an 1850 Sportfish and use a 6" drop hitch. It tows perfectly level. Also HRG has the right idea. To tighten up the "slop" in the hitch/stinger, I use an ordinary window or door shim. Shove it in between the stinger and the receiver, break off the excess......problem solved. No more clunk.

Hope this helps.

[Jim Ordway]

I bought an adustable height hitch at fleet farm. Works great and not compromise as you can accurately level out any trailer you pull.
Take care,

[Sportfisher]

Originally Posted by Jim Ordway

I bought an adustable height hitch at fleet farm. Works great and not compromise as you can accurately level out any trailer you pull.
Take care,

I have one of those on the workbench. I got tired of the constant clunking...

[fetchwillie]

I just purchased a 2050 Reata and the tag on the trailer said the tounge should be 16 1/2 inches from the ground to the top of your tounge when the boat is hitched up

I hope that makes sense

[Phil T]

Since I tow my boat with different pickups depending if I'm fishing locally or traveling, I bought Master brand adjustable height hitch insert. It adjusts with a screw adjustment, so if I need to change only 1/4" to level the trailer, I can. I think the max adjustment is +/-
7". I found it at my local NAPA store.

[VINNYD]

I have ranger reata 1850rs and I use the 6 inch drp on Cadillac escalade found that was the best level towing