What size hitch drop is recommended?

[Mfoley312]

I have a 2003 Ford ranger 4.0L 2wd that I'm putting a frame mounted hitch on there and I'm trying to figure out what hitch drop I need.

I've read that for most bass boats a 21-22 inch length from the ground to the top of the ball is ideal. As of right now, my bumper mounter ball sits at 21 inches, so I was thinking just a straight hitch mouth (0 inch drop) would be best, but I'd love some input from you all.

Thank you!

 

[alldodge]

Want the trailer level or a tad bow down when loaded as you normally keep it

 

[Mfoley312]

I don't have a boat yet, I'm going through the process of getting my truck ready, so that when I find a good deal I can just go pick it up. I tried looking on a Ford ranger forum to see if others had the same question and couldn't find anything, so i came here realizing that it's probably not the best for a specific question like this.

 

[jbuote]

If you don't know it off hand, might want to look up the max towing capacity of your Ranger as it's set up.
Then figure out the weight of boat/trailer/gas etc... of boats you look at.

You'll want to be sure you don't get too big a boat only to find you can't tow it with the Ranger.

 

[alldodge]

I would borrow a hitch a hitch if you don't have one (anyone, doesn't matter) to get it home, once you bought the boat. Once home, set it up like you want with fuel and gear, then figure where it needs to be. Either that or get an adjustable

 

[jimmbo]

Until you know the coupler height, the height of the ball is a wild guess, Look at some trailers and you can get an idea, but it is only a ball park guess even then. You won't be able to choose the correct height until you have the actual trailer

 

[Mfoley312]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I'll just have to install the hitch and I'm pretty sure my friend has at least one spare ball mount so that I can get it home.

 

[MTboatguy]

I agree, use anything you can to get it home, then you can get the correct ball mount to fit the set up what you have.

 

[Silvertip]

Every ball mount except the straight ones can be flipped to provide two different heights. But as everyone has indicated, you can't know what you need until you know what the coupler height is for the boat and trailer combination you ultimately end up with. These things are dirt cheap so having a couple is not a budget buster. Just get one that provides anywhere from 19 - 22 inches height and you will be good to go. Replace it later if necessary.

 

[Mcaron255]

All good advice! I would like to add a couple of safety tips. First, be sure to use the correct size ball for the hitch. Many small trailers can have either a 1 7/8" or 2" hitch ball size. The 2" hitch will fit the 1 7/8" but could bounce off. Also, when closing the hitch either pin it or lock it to be sure it does not come unlatched. I have seen too many truck tailgates battered here in Florida because ppl failed to do these two things. Good luck finding your new boat! Be safe out there.