Choosing The Correct Lock N Roll Adjustable Channel Hitch To Match Your Trailer

Question:

I will soon be driving 1000 miles to pick up a trailer so I want to get this right. The trailer builder will install a lock n roll on trailer side. I will purchase vehicle side. My ford ranger measures 21.5 inches to top of receiver. Builder measured trailer height at 15.5 inches from ground to center of ball loc n roll not installed yet. I am not sure if I can get by with a 3 position channel bracket or if I need to bet a 5 position bracket that for ground clearance off road I would prefer not to get. Help please. Thanks

asked by: Tim G

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Lock N Roll Articulating Hitch w/ 3-Position Channel # 336VS503505 is capable of lowering your receiver height 4-1/4" This will move the hitch height from 21-1/2" to 17-1/4" on your Ford Ranger. It gives you a distance of 1-3/4" difference to the 15-1/2" of the trailer tongue. When you connect to the trailer, the suspension on your Ranger will lower with the extra weight.

How much lower is unknown but this may be something that you can verify with the manufacturer of the trailer. If he can tell you how much tongue weight the trailer will have you can load roughly the same amount of weight in the rear of your bed and measure how much the rear suspension sags(A few friends standing in the rear of the truck not on the tailgate as the straps could break, should be a close way to determine how much it will squat).

The Lock N Roll Articulating Hitch w/ 5-Position Channel # 336VS503515 provides up to 8-1/4" drop. It is adjustable in 2" increments vertically. This would put you at the same 4-1/4" of drop or 6-1/4" of drop. The 6-1/4" drop would put you at 15-1/4" before the added weight provides any sag to your Ranger.

expert reply by: Bud M