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What size drop for towing?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by Kenobe, Jul 10, 2009.

  1. Jul 10, 2009 at 2:11 PM
    #1
    Kenobe

    Kenobe [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hey guys, I want to get a receiver and 2" ball to tow a pop-up camper in a couple weekends.

    Question is, anyone know off-hand what reciever I should get, as in how much of a drop? I've got the '09 4x4 Sport.

    I called the dealer and he told me to back up to the trailer first and measure. Fine, but I haven't got access to the f'ing trailer yet, and I don't want to drive all around the place to do this.

    Anyone got the info at hand? Or should I just go get a measuring tape...?

    Kenobe
     
  2. Jul 10, 2009 at 3:30 PM
    #2
    Isthatahemi

    Isthatahemi Well-Known Member

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    It depends entirely on the height of the tongue on the trailer.....That being said, if it's not an offroad type camper, a 3.5"drop will get you close.
     
  3. Jul 10, 2009 at 3:40 PM
    #3
    Brunes

    Brunes abides.

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    Yeah...Height of the trailer matters the most. Are you buying or borrowing the trailer?? Cause backing up to the trailer- that's the safest way to get it right.
     
  4. Jul 10, 2009 at 3:44 PM
    #4
    MJonaGS32

    MJonaGS32 MJ on a GS

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    find out the hitch height of your trailer.

    measure your hitch from the ground. find the difference b/t that and the trailer hitch height, then subtract 2" for the ball height.
     
  5. Jul 10, 2009 at 4:46 PM
    #5
    JoeSchmuck

    JoeSchmuck Well-Known Member

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    If you don't know what to buy, there is an alternative but it's not cheap. Buy an adjustable ball and hitch. I'm not promoting this specific one, it was just the first one that popped up in a search engine. The price is a bit high in my opinion too ($195.95). This one has a drop that is adjustable from 0 to 6 inches, not bad. It comes with the standard 2 inch and 2 5/8 inch balls and is rated to pull 10,000 pounds.

    This is an option but I'd shop around for a less expensive one.

    [​IMG]

    Hope this give you an idea...

    -Joe
     
  6. Jul 11, 2009 at 7:10 PM
    #6
    Incognito

    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    ^^ :eek: That's EXPENSIVE!
     
  7. Jul 11, 2009 at 7:51 PM
    #7
    JoeSchmuck

    JoeSchmuck Well-Known Member

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    Yes, it is and rest assured I won't be buying one but it would solve not knowing before hand. If I were Kenobe, I'd call the place he was renting the camper from and ask them for the ball height, they should know that, or go there and measure it himself. That's the best way for now.

    -Joe
     
  8. Jul 11, 2009 at 7:54 PM
    #8
    Incognito

    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    Yeah, that would be best. ;)
     
  9. Jul 12, 2009 at 4:08 AM
    #9
    JDCPA

    JDCPA Well-Known Member

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    If you don't know where the trailer is going to line up I'd get a standard drawbar with the 2" drop. If it turns out you need more drop a new drawbar of the correct size is only about $20.
     
  10. Jul 12, 2009 at 7:27 PM
    #10
    Isthatahemi

    Isthatahemi Well-Known Member

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    BFG AT's, Weathertechs, Hoppy's brake controller.
    Keep in mind the truck will drop a little with tongue weight.
     
  11. Jul 13, 2009 at 12:47 PM
    #11
    salsataco

    salsataco Well-Known Member

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    I got a reese adjustable from advance auto for 50 bucks...
     
  12. Jul 13, 2009 at 2:29 PM
    #12
    JoeSchmuck

    JoeSchmuck Well-Known Member

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    I'll have to check that out myself.
     
  13. Jul 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM
    #13
    salsataco

    salsataco Well-Known Member

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