Posted 2016-05-18 2:41 PM (#167082) Subject: How to measure for correct drop?
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Virginia
Hello all. We have an old bumper pull and a new, tall truck. The trailer is a stock with 4 tires. The hitch we have now makes the truck end drop, but also lifts the front wheels so they don't always touch. Obvious red flag, so now I need to find out how to measure for the correct drop for this trailer.DH doesn't think the trailer should be level, since then, the stump is only about 5-6in off the ground and the hitch end is about 10in off the ground. He thinks the stump will be beat to crap by speed bumps and such. Is there a picture article explaining where and how to measure both truck and trailer for the right dropped hitch?
Posted 2016-05-18 6:49 PM (#167085 - in reply to #167082) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
If your BP trailer is causing the rear of your trailer to drop precipitously...you need to one look at the rear springs of your truck and if the are flat level after you hook up...you need to get your tongue weight NOW...and consider purchasing a weight distribution hitch
Posted 2016-05-18 6:53 PM (#167086 - in reply to #167082) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
And if your trailer is NOT level...you'll be wearing out the rear trailer wheels quite quickly...and depending on the actual trailer load, you could find your rear trailer axle overloaded...trailer needs to be relatively level
Posted 2016-05-19 7:25 PM (#167097 - in reply to #167082) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
I have a lovely older Jackson two horse and the ball height is much less than 21". I've found a good rule of thumb to be making the trailer frame level across the tounge, grab a level and start cranking the jack up until you get the bubble just right then measure the height and done! You will need to adjust for drop as needed of course. Driving with the steering wheels not in contact with the road isn't safe!
Posted 2016-05-21 10:39 AM (#167099 - in reply to #167082) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
As was stated, a level placed on the trailer's floor will determine the level of a trailer, regardless of the present ball height. Different trailer manufacturers use different frame constructions, axles and placements, wheels and tires, which can cause a different hitch height necessary to maintain a level profile. Once the trailer is level, it's an easy matter to measure where the ball is required to be mounted. If the nose is mounted too low, it can cause the trailer to sway and wear the front tires at an abnormal rate. We run our trailers slightly nose high to allow urine drainage and good tracking.
Posted 2016-05-22 11:17 AM (#167108 - in reply to #167082) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Look at the trailer's frame and how low it is constructed to the ground. The trailer's hitch's height is determined by the frame construction. To raise it substantially would involve the work of a welder/fabricator and its reconstruction might be suspect. The easiest recourse would to install a marine type of tongue jack that swings horizontally, completely out of the way when it's not in use. Various drop hitches are available, and you can run the trailer's nose a few inches high. You cannot eliminate the trailer's frame, and will have to make due with the low ground clearance. The jack issue can be addressed.
Posted 2016-05-22 11:33 AM (#167110 - in reply to #167107) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Virginia
It abruptly stops, so doesn't seem like it's bent. But didn't know it could be changed out. Would be nice to get a shorter one so it's not skimming the ground! Only had the trailer a few months, bought used, don't have much info on it. Are there brands that are best and more trusted?For hitches, Reese and Draw-Tite seem to be well known and trusted. What about the jack, any brands better than others, are there special measurements I need to try and get to be able to replace it?Thank you!
Posted 2016-05-23 7:22 PM (#167128 - in reply to #167082) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
I would look into bigger tires. Looks like you've got space enough for larger tires on those fender wells. You can also block your axles up for more hitch height, it will however not raise your axles and you will bang them into large rocks if you are not careful.
Posted 2016-05-25 8:04 AM (#167141 - in reply to #167082) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: canada
Presumably I could place the level on the running board of the trailer to determine my reading? (instead of inside on the trailer floor)Also can I unscrew the ball from a standard "J" drop hitch and flip it over and re-attach the ball on it to give me more height?In my case I have a truck camper installed in the bed of the truck so there's already a fair amount of weight on the rear wheels - no it's not a dually. Thinking that perhaps it would be better to have the trailer slightly nose-high?
Posted 2016-05-25 3:08 PM (#167142 - in reply to #167082) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: canada
Looks like I'll need a rise of 6 3/4", this is measuring from the top of the horizontal bar of the hitch up into the inside top part of the receiver where the ball would be. Does this sound like an uncommonly large amount of rise needed? This amount of rise does give me a slight uphill stance on the trailer.
Posted 2016-05-29 8:00 PM (#167181 - in reply to #167142) Subject: RE: How to measure for correct drop?
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Virginia
Originally written by northernmom on 2016-05-25 4:08 PM
Looks like I'll need a rise of 6 3/4", this is measuring from the top of the horizontal bar of the hitch up into the inside top part of the receiver where the ball would be. Does this sound like an uncommonly large amount of rise needed? This amount of rise does give me a slight uphill stance on the trailer.
You might get more responses if you start your own thread. Just putting that out there.My trailer needs a 10in drop, I thought that was a huge amount! But there are 11in as well and then special order, so really, nothing is all that unusual. Can you do a 5" rise? Or will that "pull" down the front?
How to measure for correct drop?
