A Plain-Spoken Guide to Drop, Rise, Shank Size and Level Towing
An adjustable drop hitch lets you move the ball up or down so your trailer rides level behind your truck. If your truck is lifted or you tow more than one trailer, it's the simplest way to make one hitch fit them all.
Quick Answer: Do You Need an Adjustable Drop Hitch?
- Lifted or leveled truck? Your receiver likely sits above the trailer coupler, so you need drop.
- More than one trailer? One adjustable hitch covers different coupler heights.
- Stock truck, one trailer? A fixed ball mount may be enough.
- Not sure? Measure first (steps below).
What Is an Adjustable Drop Hitch?
A drop hitch slides into your truck's receiver tube and holds the hitch ball. A standard ball mount has one fixed height. An adjustable ball mount has a tall vertical shank with a row of holes, so you pin the ball head higher or lower.
Most can be set for rise and drop, and many have a dual ball mount: two ball sizes on one head that you rotate to match your trailer.
Why a Level Trailer Matters
When the tongue points up or down, weight shifts between the trailer's axles and your truck's rear axle. A trailer that isn't level can:
- Wear tires unevenly
- Change how the trailer brakes and tracks
- Make sway more likely, especially if the nose sits high
Aim for the trailer frame to sit level, or very close, when hitched and loaded, per your trailer's manual.
How to Measure for an Adjustable Drop Hitch
Park on level ground with the trailer level (check with a bubble level on the frame).
- Measure receiver height. From the ground to the top inside edge of your truck's receiver opening.
- Measure coupler height. From the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler, with the trailer level.
- Subtract. Receiver height minus coupler height = the drop you need. If the answer is negative, you need rise.
| Your measurement | What you need | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Receiver higher than coupler | Drop | Receiver 24 in, coupler 18 in = 6 in drop |
| Receiver lower than coupler | Rise | Receiver 18 in, coupler 20 in = 2 in rise |
| Roughly the same | Little or no drop | A fixed ball mount may work |
Measure the way you'll tow
The rear squats under bed cargo and tongue weight, which lowers the receiver. Measure loaded the way you tow, or plan on a middle hole so you can adjust. For heavy squat, see our truck helper springs guide.
Choosing an Adjustable Drop Hitch for a Lifted Truck
A lift or leveling kit raises your receiver too, so an adjustable drop hitch for a lifted truck is a common add-on after a lift. Still choosing a height? Our leveling kit vs lift kit guide explains the difference.
On lifted trucks, watch:
- Drop range. Cover your measured drop with spare holes.
- Ground clearance. An overly long shank can drag on steep driveways or boat ramps.
- Leverage. A long drop puts the ball further from the receiver. Check the maker's ratings at each setting.
What Size Drop Hitch Do I Need?
"Size" means three different things. Get all three right.
1. Shank size
The shank must match your receiver opening. Common sizes are 2 in, 2-1/2 in and 3 in, with larger receivers on many heavy-duty trucks. Skip adapters unless the hitch maker approves them.
2. Drop range
Pick the shortest drop range that still covers your measurement for every trailer.
3. Weight rating
Hitches are rated for gross trailer weight and tongue weight. Your limit is the lowest rating in the setup: truck, receiver, hitch, ball, coupler and trailer. Check your owner's manual and the hitch label.
Drop Hitch vs Standard Ball Mount
| Fixed ball mount | Adjustable drop hitch | Shock-absorbing adjustable hitch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | One fixed drop or rise | Pin to several heights | Pin to several heights |
| Best for | One truck, one trailer | Lifted trucks, multiple trailers | Frequent towing, rough roads |
| Ball | Usually one size | Often dual ball | Often dual ball |
| Trade-off | New mount for each height | Heavier, more parts to pin | Heavier, more parts to pin |
A fixed mount is simple and light. An adjustable drop hitch saves buying a new mount whenever your trailer or truck height changes.
Shock-Absorbing Hitches: The Gen-Y Approach
Some adjustable hitches add a flexing section between the receiver shank and the vertical shank. Gen-Y says its Torsion-Flex design is built to soak up some of the jolts between truck and trailer.
We carry the Gen-Y BOSS Torsion-Flex drop hitch and the non-torsion Gen-Y MEGA-DUTY drop hitch. See the full lineup in our Gen-Y Hitch collection.
7 Things to Check Before You Buy an Adjustable Drop Hitch
- Your measured drop or rise, taken on level ground with the truck loaded the way you tow.
- Receiver size on your truck, so the shank fits with no adapter.
- Drop range that covers every trailer you tow, with a hole to spare.
- Weight ratings for gross trailer weight and tongue weight, compared against your truck, receiver and trailer.
- Ball sizes your trailers use, and whether a dual ball head covers them.
- Pins and locks. A locking hitch pin helps deter theft when the hitch stays in the receiver.
- Weight distribution needs. If your truck or trailer maker calls for a weight distribution hitch, a drop hitch doesn't replace it.
Not towing? Pull the hitch and use the receiver for a hitch cargo carrier.
Adjustable Drop Hitch FAQ
How do I measure for a drop hitch?
Park on level ground with the trailer level. Measure from the ground to the top inside of your truck's receiver, then from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler. Subtract the coupler height from the receiver height. A positive number is the drop you need, and a negative number means you need rise.
Do I need a drop hitch for a lifted truck?
Usually, yes. A lift or leveling kit raises your receiver, so most trailers will sit nose-down without some drop. Measure your receiver and coupler heights to know how much. An adjustable drop hitch is popular on lifted trucks because one hitch can cover several trailers and later height changes.
Can you flip a drop hitch to get rise?
Many adjustable hitches can be set for rise by mounting the ball head higher on the shank, and some are designed to be flipped. Not every model allows it, though. Check the hitch maker's instructions and ratings for the rise position before you tow, and never use a setup the maker doesn't approve.
Should I measure with the truck loaded?
Yes, if you can. A loaded bed and the trailer's tongue weight make the rear of the truck squat, which lowers the receiver. Measuring empty can leave the trailer nose-low once you're hitched. Measure the way you normally tow, or pick a drop that leaves room to adjust a hole either way.
Can a drop hitch be too long?
Yes. A hitch with far more drop than you need can hang low enough to scrape on driveways, ramps and dips. A longer shank also puts the ball further from the receiver, which adds leverage. Pick the shortest drop range that covers your trailers, and check the maker's ratings for your setting.
Build Your Truck Your Way With Love-Truck.com
The right adjustable drop hitch starts with a tape measure. Know your drop or rise, match the shank to your receiver, and stay inside the lowest weight rating in your setup.
Love-Truck.com is an authorized Keystone Automotive dealer. Before you buy, confirm receiver size, drop range and ratings against your truck's and the hitch maker's specs.
Ready to tow level?
Shop Gen-Y adjustable drop hitches at Love-Truck.com, or call (806) 621-1226 for a fitment check by phone.
Love-Truck.com — Built for the way you use your truck.
