Chasx7
New member
I pull an my 8x10 snowmobile trailer with a GMC Jimmy and have have noticed that the trailer is very unlevel because of the realtively low height of the hitch on the Jimmy. I did some calculations and have determined that I need to raise the ball about 8 inches to get the trailer to tow level. What should I do in this case? Can I buy an 8" drop hitch and flip it over?
absolutly you can.hopefully you have a class3!
Chasx7
New member
The truck came with a class 3 hitch and towing package.
thanks.
thanks.
The hitch has to be the same height as the height of the frame above the axle for leafless set up & at the same height as the front leaf mount...ex; 21" at the axle then the top of the ball should be 21"...also remember that you need 10-15 % of tongue weight when loaded & cross your chains under the tongue as to cradle the front of the trailer if hitch fails...if trailer is equipped with electric brakes & also emergency lock up (with a cable lead) attach that to something other that the truck hitch so if the truck hitch somehow came loose from the vehicle the cable can then be engaged to apply the emergency brakes...Chasx7 said:
PZ 1
Member
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2005
- Messages
- 987
Your hitch probably has some drop now doesn't it? 8 inches above the receiver seems like a lot. If you have the sleds too far forward on the trailer and too much tongue weight it will be lowering the back of the vehicle and ball more than should be.
Add the sleds weight to the trailer weight or take it to a place with a drive on scale and unhook the trailer on the scale. To measure tongue weight, you can use a bathroom scale and a stand or blocks right under the coupler socket - not under the trailer jack. The coupler should be at towing height. Move the sleds on the trailer to get 10% tongue weight.
Add the sleds weight to the trailer weight or take it to a place with a drive on scale and unhook the trailer on the scale. To measure tongue weight, you can use a bathroom scale and a stand or blocks right under the coupler socket - not under the trailer jack. The coupler should be at towing height. Move the sleds on the trailer to get 10% tongue weight.
PhatboyC
New member
You can also get an adjustable hitch. This way you'll be set for any future vehicle and be able to set any trailer level. More expensive at first but in the long run could be a wash.
Cheaper solution for adjustable 6",8" or 10": Can be longer to set and only have one ball size.
Master Locks 7 3/4" drop and a 6 1/4" rise: Can also be found cheap. It is adjusted with a socket wrench that turns a big screw bolt inside. One ball.
RAPID HITCH 6",8" or 10": Expensive. This one is a tad lighter since it's made out of aluminum. Comes with two balls.
Diversity Tech 6",8" or 10" : Same price as one above but has more features. Aluminum, two balls, has an internal locking hitch pin and anti-rattle.
Only thing to watch for is if your hitch is recessed underneath your bumper. Adjustable hitch have a 90 degree bend so they can hit your bumper if their bar is not long enough. I ended up having to buy a hitch extender to make it work my '07 Santa Fe.
Cheaper solution for adjustable 6",8" or 10": Can be longer to set and only have one ball size.
Master Locks 7 3/4" drop and a 6 1/4" rise: Can also be found cheap. It is adjusted with a socket wrench that turns a big screw bolt inside. One ball.
RAPID HITCH 6",8" or 10": Expensive. This one is a tad lighter since it's made out of aluminum. Comes with two balls.
Diversity Tech 6",8" or 10" : Same price as one above but has more features. Aluminum, two balls, has an internal locking hitch pin and anti-rattle.
Only thing to watch for is if your hitch is recessed underneath your bumper. Adjustable hitch have a 90 degree bend so they can hit your bumper if their bar is not long enough. I ended up having to buy a hitch extender to make it work my '07 Santa Fe.
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