How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Rise & Drop

[@akpoindexter1982]

Most efficient and articulate training video ever! TY !

[@etrailer]

Thanks! We're glad you liked it!!

[@miken2823]

Thank you. Simple explanation that is a lot better than the uhaul video

[@etrailer]

Well yeah! That's kind of our thing... We're glad you liked the video!

[@johnstratton5637]

we just bought a 5 x 8 trailer today i am sure what drop i need to level it out

[@curtismiller8165]

That was on the spot.i gotta raise my hitch,and you just answered and my question.great job guy

[@etrailer]

Awesome, we're glad the video helped!

[@johnstefanick2167]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks

[@etrailer]

Awesome, we're glad it was helpful!

[@silverlining1934]

Excellent , we are getting a new TT and it's been years since I've towed. So helpful Thank you .

[@etrailer]

We're glad it was helpful!

[@idiggplants]

This is great and all, but your process doesn't account for the tongue weight making the tow vehicle squat.

[@Parmis_Dax]

Very cool, thank you

[@williamrodriquez1433]

Good rounding up but thats not exactly factoring in tongue weight ..

[@wayno454]

I agree. My truck sags about 2 inches due to tongue weight

[@claudiotorres3078]

Nice thank, do we have to considerate how much the truck will lower with the weight of the trailer?

[@etrailer]

Although it's not an exact science, you'll typically want to allow about 1 to 1-1/2 inches for squat caused by the trailer's tongue weight. Hope that helps!

[@chrismeyer622]

So wouldn't we want to adjust the bumper by 1 to 1.5? You said messure here to here and subtract, which i understand, but now your saying 1 to 1.5 ?????

[@Jmamelia]

Looking to tow a lightweight (3500#) TT behind Acura MDX. Need 8 1/2" RISE on ball mount....opposite of your scenario. Does this TALL shank in RISE position with a LIGHT trailer add risk to towing? Thank you

[@etrailer]

It will not, as long as the trailer is towed so it's within 1-1/2 or 2 inches +/- of level. Because the rear suspension of your MDX will compress a bit from the trailer's tongue weight, I'd recommend going with a 7-inch rise ball mount like # C45338. That would put you pretty close to where you need to be. www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Mount/CURT/C45338.html

[@patrickjohnson2886]

Great video. Thank you.

[@etrailer]

You're welcome, we're happy to hear you liked it!

[@johnroberts1002]

Great video.... that is how to do an instruction video!

[@etrailer]

Thank you, we're glad you liked it!

[@markdecker9605]

How much do you factor for squat? I recently bought a Ford Escape SUV with factory tow package. Max towing 3500lb. I have access to a 5x5 x10 utility trailer that is my dad's. Gross trailer capacity is 2990lb. About perfectly matched to the SUV If were loaded to near maximum capacity of the trailer I would expect significant sag in the rear of the Escape. With the trailer level and vehicle level with no load I need about a 3" drop. Should a person factor in some sag to maintain a level trailer rode?

[@zachls1997]

What size lift is on that Cummins? I have a 3 inch on my 06 and want to get adjustable design but don't wanna get something realistic for my 3 trailers

[@etrailer]

Unfortunately, we didn't make note of that at that time.

[@zachls1997]

No worries thought I'd ask, looks 3-4 but maybe 8 inch drop max should be about right, thank you.

[@etrailer]

No problem. We get lots of vehicles through here monthly, so unless a detail like that is directly related to the product (like air bags or other suspension components) we typically don't make note of that.

[@Derwoody]

After watching several videos from different companies, you all are supposing that the ground under the trailer is perfectly level. Measure the trailer frame and match front to back to get tongue height. Unless you are parked on uneven surface, at which point you need to move somewhere else. You can be on a 20 degree angle and still measure it properly if it’s all on the same plane.

[@Physics072]

Why don't many companies sell a 0 drop bar? There are some but they are steel, I've yet to see a simple straight bar in aluminum , they are always 2" drop minimum yet many combos of trails/cars require a 0 drop. Makes no sense why they are not offered there has to be a reason.

[@etrailer]

The 2" drop versions effectively place the trailer ball at the height of the hitch receiver, so 0" drop in effect. You'll also want to keep in mind that the trailer doesn't need to be 100% level. You'll want to get it as close as possible, but if you're 1-2 inches off you'll still be fine.

[@Physics072]

​@@etrailer I have a 2" drop one and its actually a 1" rise or 2 " drop not 0", which would be a square bar with a hole for a ball. So im either 1.5" high or 1.5" too low yes doable but a 0" would be right on the money and safer.

[@2hands_and_a_brain917]

you put the pin in wrong! The straight part goes through the pinhole and the bend goes over the pin's side!

[@etrailer]

There are two instances in the video where a hitch pin and clip is shown. At the 2:10 mark, Jake installs the pin and clip to hold the ball mount in the receiver. The pin doesn't have a hole in it, it has a groove. The pin is indeed installed correctly. At the 2:45 mark, we show an adjustable ball mount with retaining pins installed. The pins that attach the ball/platform on the shank DO have pin holes in them, and the pins are installed as you describe (correctly).