Adjustable Drop Ball Mount - 4" vs. 6"?

PK8 · July 2, 2017

Waiting for my 2017 Sierra 1500 Denali to arrive and want to order an adjustable drop ball mount so I have it when the truck gets here. The bottom of my coupler (14' ATV trailer) sits at just over 13" when level.

I know it's impossible to tell the exact right amount of drop without loading and hooking up the tailer to the truck, but I'm debating between ordering a mount with "up to" 4" drop vs. "up to" 6" drop (again, adjustable).

On a stock 1500, I'd like to think the 4" would give me enough to work with vs. the 6", but any thoughts/insight?

Should have around 300-450 lbs tongue weight with two ATVs loaded, and I'm thinking the truck will squat an inch or so.

If 4" drop would likely work, I'd prefer to not have the extra 2" hanging below the ball mount.

Knowing the height of the hitch on the stock truck would likely be helpful, too- so please feel free to also chime in on that, if you know.

Thanks!

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HoosierZ · July 2, 2017

I have a 5-1/2" drop hitch. My friend's 6x12 trailer is slightly front-high behind my truck with 33" tires and 2" level. I would get the 6" drop to be safe.

michigan2500hd · July 3, 2017

I have a 5-1/2" drop hitch. My friend's 6x12 trailer is slightly front-high behind my truck with 33" tires and 2" level. I would get the 6" drop to be safe.

I second this. I've towed my trailer a little nose high since I bought it. It tends to high center the jack on certain driveways so i didn't want to drop it down farther. However I think that's why the trailer sways and wears the tires in the inside and outside yet not in the middle. I have a 4" drop that wasn't enough so I bought a 5" but unless I'm loaded pretty good that's still high. I would go with the 6" for sure if I were you.

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Sean Neilan · July 3, 2017

I second this. I've towed my trailer a little nose high since I bought it. It tends to high center the jack on certain driveways so i didn't want to drop it down farther. However I think that's why the trailer sways and wears the tires in the inside and outside yet not in the middle. I have a 4" drop that wasn't enough so I bought a 5" but unless I'm loaded pretty good that's still high. I would go with the 6" for sure if I were you.

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Sounds like you need to boost the psi in your trailer tires

michigan2500hd · July 3, 2017

Sounds like you need to boost the psi in your trailer tires

I've thought about that, however I run them at max recommended. I believe it's more of a axle flex pushing the bottom of the tire out and the top in. When it's tongue high it sways pretty good. ( 6x12 with a v nose, single axle.) I'm wanting a tandem axle 6x14 v nose.

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brclark82 · July 18, 2017

Any idea the drop you need on a '17 2500HD to get to the same height as a '14 1500? My boat sat perfectly on my 1500 but now the jack won't even get it over the ball on my hitch high.

elchilero53 · July 20, 2017

I would wait until you get the truck, see how the receiver is situated then buy the proper hitch. If you are dead set on getting the hitch now, get the 6". I would wait, though.

elchilero53 · July 20, 2017

Any idea the drop you need on a '17 2500HD to get to the same height as a '14 1500? My boat sat perfectly on my 1500 but now the jack won't even get it over the ball on my hitch high.

Measure it and estimate the drop. Then buy the proper shank with the correct drop. Measure twice, buy once.