Having trouble figuring hitch drop. Help?

[Bryansan]

My truck hitch sits 23" to the top (from the ground). Prior to the new rims, the top measured 22"(stock). I have a 2.25" drop slider which turns out is not enough of a drop. The boat is in Havasu and I won't have a chance to measure accurately until I see it, so I'm asking if there's a way to cheat. From what I've read, trailers should ride practically parallel to the ground, but how do I know how high that puts my ball? (or low if I measure from my hitch). Then I assume I need to factor in suspension sag. This may seem ****, but I want a way to measure this exactly, so I can know the appropriate drop to purchase. I thought about buying an adjustable one, but they are pretty costly. Typically, I just go out there and "wing" it, and it's never been an issue, just not officially correct.

 

[ChrisAU]

Well its going to be really hard to see how the weight of the boat will affect your suspension.

My suggestions is to buy a few variations in different drops, then when you go to the boat, hook up your old one and then see what the adjustment needs to be. Then you can pick from the few you got, and return the rest and get your money back.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Parthery]

Wal-mart has the adjustable drawbar for less than $40. I tried it, figured out that I needed a 4" drop, then bought that one.

 

[2007tahoe]

My truck hitch sits 23" to the top (from the ground). Prior to the new rims, the top measured 22"(stock). I have a 2.25" drop slider which turns out is not enough of a drop. The boat is in Havasu and I won't have a chance to measure accurately until I see it, so I'm asking if there's a way to cheat. From what I've read, trailers should ride practically parallel to the ground, but how do I know how high that puts my ball? (or low if I measure from my hitch). Then I assume I need to factor in suspension sag. This may seem ****, but I want a way to measure this exactly, so I can know the appropriate drop to purchase. I thought about buying an adjustable one, but they are pretty costly. Typically, I just go out there and "wing" it, and it's never been an issue, just not officially correct.

My tahoe is stock 2 wheel drive height. I have to go look to be sure but I think I have a 2.5 inch drop. It all depends on the height of the trailer a tongue weight. I installed a airbag kit to compensate for sag the first time I towed with the tahoe pulling a 6000 trailer 2000 miles. I have towed this trailer many more times and now don't even bother putting air in the bags b/c this truck does not sag with my trailer. The bags only help if you hit ruff spots in the road. If the road is fairly smooth you do not need them. Every trailer pulls different so there is no way to know until u pull it.