6” vs. 8” Drop

rjgors

When we first bought the T@B, we had a 2013 Escape 2.0 as a TV. Everything was level with a 4” ball drop. This past summer we traded the Escape for a 2019 3.5L V6. XTL (with lots of extras.) the 4” drop wasn’t enough and I went with a 6” drop. I’m thinking an 8” drop is what’s needed. Any opinions on this?

Homebodyatheart

Here's what I did: Measure from the ground up to the top of the receiver on your TV. From the top of the 2" ball on your drop hitch to the ground needs to be at or close to 16". The difference is the drop hitch length you will need. At one point we had two TV's. One took a 2" drop hitch. Using this method I figured out that the new TV needed a 10" drop hitch as there was an 8" difference between the two vehicles. I hope this makes sense, and your magic number is the 16" from the ground to the top of the 2" ball at the end of the drop hitch when attached to your TV. Good luck!

MuttonChops

Picture of @Homebodyatheart text for finding Drop/Rise

RollingBnB

I would load the tv with everything you will carry on a trip. I thought I might need a 8in drop also but once I loaded the truck it dropped down to a 6in hight.

rjgors

Homebodyatheart said:

Here's what I did: Measure from the ground up to the top of the receiver on your TV. From the top of the 2" ball on your drop hitch to the ground needs to be at or close to 16". The difference is the drop hitch length you will need. At one point we had two TV's. One took a 2" drop hitch. Using this method I figured out that the new TV needed a 10" drop hitch as there was an 8" difference between the two vehicles. I hope this makes sense, and your magic number is the 16" from the ground to the top of the 2" ball at the end of the drop hitch when attached to your TV. Good luck!

Thanks for the response. I measured as noted and I have about 17.5”. So with another 2” drop will take us to about 15.5”. Should I assume a slight drop is better that than a rise of 1.5”? Just concerned about fish tailing.

MuttonChops

It is best if you do the measurements with the Tow Vehicle loaded for a camping trip as some rear sag will occur.

dragonsdofly

@rjgors, to answer your last question, yes, it is better to tow with the nose of the trailer down than the nose up but the best position is level. We did all that measuring, before we purchased also and still ended with the trailer nose up after loading and towing our new trailer home. We needed another inch of drop. From the photo alone I'd say yes, but other contributors have given you the best advice as I will, load that tow vehicle with your take along camping gear to verify if you'll need another inch or 2 drop.