What drop do I need on my hitch? 3" lift on my truck.

So my 2014 tacoma will be getting a 3" lift and my tires are 265-75-16. How much drop do i need on my hitch?

Im guessing someone else is already towing with a similar set up. I know it will depend on the trailer too but looking for an average for just general towing.

 

So... if you know it depends on the trailer, then you should know that asking what is 'generally' working for others may not work for you and the trailer you'll be towing. The tongue height of the trailer you'll be towing will dictate the amount of drop you need.

 

It depends.

Different trailers require differing ball heights. You can always buy an adjustable hitch - for lighter loads that would be ideal.

Most loads you want a nice even "level" sit to the trailer. Some trailers may be alright leaning downwards a little more in the front. What you don't want is the trailer leaning up in the front. That will be dangerous.

I have a 3" lift and for my tent trailer I use a 7" drop hitch with 2" ball. But for my Yakima boat trailer I only need a 3-4" drop hitch.

But everyone is going to have a slightly different towing and lift setup.

 

I hate to disagree, but you're completely wrong. Trailer should never be nose down. Level or slightly nose up only! Nose down will cause the trailer to want to whip.

 

Just get an adjustable hitch. This is the one I use in a 6" version.

http://www.andersenhitches.com/Catalog/rapid-hitch.aspx

 

I'd disagree with you whole heartedly. Trailer should be level or slightly nose down. Nose up can cause the trailer to 'wag'.

 

The trailer I'm currently using to move sits slightly nose up when im towing it....hasn't caused any problems yet

 

Every trailer is different. How it's loaded plays a large role in how the trailer behaves also.

 

Yeah...I'm about to upload a pic but it had all of my house hold goods in there strapped down

 

As you see it wasn't too bad....but had a heavy load in there

 

Grab an adjustable hitch, throw 2000lbs on a flatbed trailer and try it each way...You will find that nose down responds in the least desirable manner

 

Level or nose down is preferred, a trailer sitting an inch nose up may not matter though.

Most people with a 3" lift and 32" tires have a ~4" drop dependant on the trailer.

 

Did some googling and must admit, it appears I'm completely wrong..

Level is best, but apparently nose slightly down is better than up. I've been towing my flat bed quad trailer for years and have found the slightly nose up responds better with my setup. The few times it was nose down it wanted to "wag" so I will continue with level or slightly up. BUT...

 

wow someone who can admit their mistakes, am I still on Tacomaworld?? good on you

 

My experience has been that level or close to is ok.

BUT the bigger issue is enough tongue weight to stop the wagging. Shift the load forward if at all possible. For most trailers, except boats, tongue weight should be 10-15% of total trailer plus load - 500 # trailer + 750# 4-wheeler should have at least 125 # tongue weight. Most boats with axle way toward the back (due to weight of motor) generally do fine with 8-10%.

 

I've heard it mentioned when loading you want a 55/45 (or 60/40) weight ratio in front of the wheels. yes or no?

and like someone said there has to be enough on the tongue to keep it from wanting to "tip up" causing problems

 

I am running stock TRD O/R tires and oddly enough I have to use a straight hitch to have my snowmobile and boat trailer to be level. My '04 I used a 2" drop for almost everything. Not easy to find a zero rise/drop hitch. Had to buy one with a solid mounted ball on one side and a recovery hook on the other but it works perfect.

 

I try to load at least 60% of the load in front of the trailer's tires. If it's a light load, I'll put it all in front of the tires.

 

guess you not the only one towing wrong. we have a 7’x12' tandem axle trailer rated for 3k pounds no trailer brakes. every time i have had it nose down it wags/whips sways what every you want to call it. level and nose slightly high(like 2” or so higher than level) it never sways or anything. have had more than one load in with nose low(atvs and rhino dirt and other stuff) no matter what it tows better with the nose higher instead of lower maybe it’s just our trailer but i’ll never let it be low again if i can help it.

i have a 2” drop hitch flipped over for a rise hitch(and yes it is one that can be flipped, i know not all hitches can be flipped)

 

^^^This

My enclosed trailer needs a big drop (like 10"). Most other ones I use a 6" drop. My 16' flatbed tandem uses a 2-3" drop. I'm running 285's though. Best thing is to get the trailer and see what it needs.