Which Drop Hitch Should I Buy?

I recently inherited a pop up tent trailer, and I would like to use my Tacoma to tow it. I have never towed anything before so forgive my ignorance, but since my truck is on a 3 inch lift a standard hitch won’t work I assume. Do I need a drop hitch? And if so I’d love some recommendations.

 

Your trailer tongue sits level @ X (lets say 10"). Your trucks ball, shall we say, sits @ X (lets say 12")...

12" - 10" = (2 inch drop hitch)

 

For stock Tacomas, 2” drop is usually good for single axle trailers, while most dual axle trailers sit higher, a straight one is better, like a triball hitch

If you are 3” higher than stock in the rear, a 4” or 5” drop hitch would be good for a single axle trailers

 

aren't most of them adjustable?

 

A non adjustable is usually cheaper, and sometimes stronger. I'm running an 11 inch drop on my Taco, thanks to a high clearance bumper putting my receiver up behind my license plate.

 

love your rig. what leaf springs are you running to carry all that?

 

Deaver U402 expedition Stage 3.

 

Nah, most are fixed
If you only have one trailer, just measure and get a regular drop hitch, much cheaper

 

It's best to actually measure everything. Etrailer has a good write-up and will get you close. Depending on the tongue weight of the trailer there will be sag once you are hooked up. If you are between available sizes I would go with the shorter to account for sag. Adjustable is nice if you want to buy one and be covered for all situations but not needed if you only tow one trailer and don't plan to change.

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

Double-check the weight rating of the ball mount you are buying. They may look similar but have different weight ratings. All 2" should work for a light trailer but is good to know what you are rated for.

 

I use a 4" drop on my camper but every trailer and truck is different. Whatever makes it run level

 

Ha ha this is a 6" flipped drop on y old TDI SportWagen