New TV - suggestions on adjusting ball height

[mjp1056]

I picked up our new TV a week ago and need to adjust the ball height.
I got a RAM 2500 and this thing sits much higher than the F-150 I was using. I measured the ball height on the F150 and estimate I need to drop the ball height about 8inches.
What is the best way to adjust this. Adjust to what the ball height of the old truck was or use a measurement from the trailer when it is leveled?


I have the Reese pro series WDH.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Mike

[bob caldwell]

Might need a different stinger with more drop....if set level before, then your measurement should work if the Ram's springs aren't real spongy...

[Psykokustomz]

I would suggest an adjustable drop hitch. That way it is adjustable to your needs and changes in nose pitch or cargo in the bed. I currently have an Anderson which is rated to 14k lbs if I remember correctly and is has been sufficient for all the bumper pulls if how pulled to date.

[dustman_stx]

The only way I can see there would be an 8" difference is if the F150 was lowered substantially or the Ram is lifted substantially-which is definitely possible. Did you measure the height of the receiver opening on each truck? On stock trucks I've never seen more than a 1-2" difference even between 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks. Like others have stated, if it actually needs to be 8" lower you'll likely need a different stinger.

[BBQGUY]

Best guessiment is to lower the hitch to the lowest point on the adjustable shank you presently have; then hook up the trailer and see how level it is. Adjust up if need. If lower is required, time to get a new shank.

[Too Tall]

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-ballmount.aspx

My 2500 4 x 4 which I assume you have is about 25 inches high. I got by barely with a 6" drop (/ 10" rise} shank. My trailer ball sits about 19" off the ground. I would have liked about another inch but now that I've got 860 lbs of tongue weight, it's perfect. Level your trailer and measure your ball height.

The idea is level your trailer with the shank drop or rise (drop in your case).

[CaptnJohn]

My 2015 F150 from ground to bottom of receiver is 17" the same as on my 2016 F250

[davidx2000]

I had issues with my 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 and my 2004 Coachmen SOA. I could not get the trailer level, it was nose-high.

I was about 6" off and had to by a different shank to accommodate my level trailer. I bought a 6" drop shank for another $115 from a local RV store, on top of the price of my e2 hitch.

The truck is stock, with only Monroe coil-over rear shocks on it, and factory sized tires and rims.

Here's a before photo as to how off I was. When I called around no one believed me that I was that far off.

[mjp1056]

First of all thanks to all that replied your insight has been helpful. I was only able to get within 2" of the height the ball was with the F150. So like suggested here I am looking at a hitch bar that has more drop. The new truck has a Class V receiver with the factory adapter down to Class IV. There is a lot of slop in this, not the adapter as much as the hitch bar in the adapter. I was thinking of just getting a Class V hitch bar with enough drop.

Any thoughts or suggestions on the 2 1/2" hitch bar.

Thanks,
Mike

[dustman_stx]

I drilled 3 holes in my spacer and used 3 set screws to lock it down onto the 2" stinger. I placed the set screws on the bottom rear because the WD hitch is putting force upward at the rear and therefore won't be placing pressure into the set screws. not sure this all makes sense- will try to get a pic later.

[thebrakeman]

Couple things:
1. Standard practice for receiver height is to measure from the ground to the top of the square opening. Be sure you are all comparing apples to apples. Measuring to the bottom of the hitch could give inconsistency due to metal thicknesses.

2. Anyone needing a replacement shank, definitely check etrailer.com. They have a lot to choose from, including 2.5". I needed more drop than was provided with my Equal-I-zer, and found what I needed for only $75.