2008 Chevy Suburban Trailer hitch

I recently changed tow vehicles from a 2007 Silverado Pick-up (Z71 package w/ 17 inch rims), to a 2008 Suburban (not Z71, but with 17 inch rims). I've found that the hitch height on my Suburban is way too high for my trailer using the same ball mount assembly I had been using with the Silverado. Before I go buy a new ball mount, I am curious if anyone could suggest a proper drop length on a the ball mount when using a newer Suburban. I measured it, and it looked like I needed about 4-6 inches of drop. My boat trailer is a single axle Ranger trailer hauling a 1850 Reatta. Confounding the situation is the fact that the storage shed where I keep the boat has a slight decline in the approach area just outside the doorway, so my tow vehicle is pointing down hill when hooking/un-hooking the boat. That said, I had no issues with the Z71 Silverado, or a 2002 Yukon XL using the same ball mount assembly. The hitch height difference between the Z71 Silverado and the Suburban really surprised me, as the Z71 was quite elevated and was a PITA climbing in the truck bed!

[big_crappie]

Park the trailer on a level surface and make the trailer level using the tongue jack. Back the truck close to the hitch. Measure the drop needed to keep the trailer and boat as level as possible while it is hooked up. Allow a few inches for suspension drop from the tongue weight when attached.

[Gull Lake Guy]

I am using one with a 5.75" drop, although I have the 20" wheels / tires. If memory serves me correctly, I recall 16' - 18" from grade to the bottom of the ball as being the "ideal" height. Just measured mine, and it is 16.50", which works well for my tandem Ranger Trail. Hope this helps !

[ffishman]

I just bought a 09 Tahoe, so the height should be the same. I figured a 5" drop would be perfect, and I wanted a "Cushioned Hitch". The closest they offered was a 6" drop. With the boat on and loaded it looks level. I would go with a 6" drop, and if you need to raise it up a tad, you can change balls and get a ball with a 1" rise. If you lived near me I would let you use mine to see.

[tzonetom]

6" will do the trick.

[Bill Krejca]

This is probably obvious, but sometimes all it takes is to turn the hitch around and mount the ball on the other side.

Bill Krejca