How much drop do I need on the trailer hitch ball to tow a boat with my 06 Ford Explorer?

Question

Need to get the hitch ball thing, and there are different "drop" amounts (like 2 inches, for example) and I don't know what I should get for it.

Answer 1

standard is 2" drop

you want trailer level as possible when hitch to your truck.

Answer 2

Measure the distance from the center of the tongue on the boat trailer when the trailer frame is level.  

Measure the center of the hitch mount on your Ford Explorer.    Subtract the difference and the number in inches is the amount of "drop" you'll need.    

It can be off as much as an inch or so and be fine.   So get the least amount of drop these measurements give you rounded to the inch.  

The bigger the drop the more expensive they are.    Check out Harbor Freight for these since they are Much Much cheaper that U-Haul or other places.

Good luck

RoyG

KC

Answer 3

yours might vary, but I tow my boat on the bumper of my Explorer (it's a light boat), the height is close enough -- if I had a receiver under the bumper, I'd use 0" drop.

Answer 4

When all loaded with the gear you are to haul make the Ex sit level or down a little with about 150 lbs on the tongue so it trails well>

Answer 5

Set the trailer's jack so the trailer is more or less level.  Measure the height to the top of the hitch cup.  Now measure the height to the top of your hitch receiver tube.  The difference between the two is how much drop you need, but subtract a couple of inches to allow for the rear end of your truck sagging while loaded.

NOTE: if you have a self-leveling rear suspension or adjustable suspension helper springs, don't subtract anything from the difference - you can make it up with the adjustment.