How to Determine Drop of Adjustable Ball Mount Needed

Question:

Hi, I have a 2021 F250 XLT Super Duty Crew Cab 6.2L. It is a 4x4 with 6 3/4 bed. It has a stock suspension. I need a adjustable hitch and need some help determining what amount of drop i need to pull a pontoon trailer where from the ground to the top of the ball will be 19 . Thank you!

asked by: Douglas L

Expert Reply:

To determine the amount of rise/drop you'll need, take a measurement from the inside top edge of the hitch receiver tube to the ground. Then, measure from the bottom of the trailer coupler to the ground. The difference between the two numbers will be the rise of drop you need. If the hitch sits taller than the trailer coupler, you'll need a drop. If the coupler sits taller, you'll need a ball mount with a rise. I'll link to a help article that shows exactly how to do this.

Here's a couple of other things to consider:

• When determining the rise or drop, you'll also want to take into account the 'sag' experienced when the trailer is hitched.

• You'll want to get the trailer within about 1 to 2 inches of level, but it's not always possible to get things exactly level. If you have to choose between above or below level, being a bit under is preferable.

A product like the B&W Tow & Stow # BWTS20037B you looked at would work well in a 2-1/2 inch receiver and would provide up to a 5 inch drop. For up to a 7-1/2 inch drop, use # BWTS20040B.

I've linked to a product description video for the B&W Tow & Stow ball mount you'd looked at.