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A lot of truck owners chose trucks over cars because they can haul more stuff from one point to another. However, with society’s addiction to acquiring massive things, sometimes trucks aren’t even enough.
To answer that, trailers became a big part of hauling and towing things. Whether you are transporting your boxes of belongings to a new apartment or are simply wanting to get your boat from the garage to the nearest lake, trailers truly come in handy.
Our Top 3 Choice
- Weight Capacity: 10,000 pounds at two ⁵⁄₁₆-inch chrome balls
- Ball Diameters: 2-inch and 2 ⁵⁄₁₆-inch
- Tongue Weight (TW): 1,000 pounds
- Weight capacity: 8,000 pounds GTW with 2″ hitch ball mount / 12,000 GTW with 2-5/16″ ball
- Application: Fits 2-inch x 2-inch trailer hitch receivers
- Tongue weight (TW): 1,000 pounds
- WC: For 2 ⁵⁄₁₆-inch ball: 16,000 pounds with a maximum TW of 2,000 pounds
- WC: For 2- inch ball:12,000 pounds with a maximum TW of 1,500 pounds.
Then again, using trailers to help you with your load is not as simple as it may seem. For their utmost functionality, they need to work with other accessories to make sure your vehicle can handle the hauling. Such equipment is needed to make sure you can safely and legally drive with all your stuff in tow.
One of the important hitch accessories to get your tow gear to match the height of the trailer is the drop hitch receiver. This is essential, especially for lifted trucks as it alters the height of the hitch receiver. This lets you connect a trailer without worrying about an unbalanced vehicle and losing control (which can happen, for example, when using tow bars).
Best Drop Down Hitch for Lifted Trucks
1. Trimax Premium Aluminum Adjustable Receiver Hitch
Features and Specifications
- Ball mount that easily adjusts up and down in 1-inch increments and then locks in place
- Razor can be flipped for added rise
- 100% polish aluminum made
- Weight Capacity: 10,000 pounds at two ⁵⁄₁₆-inch chrome balls
- Ball Diameters: 2-inch and 2 ⁵⁄₁₆-inch
- Tongue Weight (TW): 1,000 pounds
Trimax Corporation has been in the locking industry since the late 1990s. For over twenty years, they have been front running this industry by providing high-quality products with innovative design. Headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, they have spanned their markets to cater to consumers with needs for trailer and towing, power sports, marine, and RVs. Combining their expertise in security and hauling, you will be guaranteed anything your transport is safe and secured.
Trimax TRZ8AL Adjustable Hitch with a Dual Ball Hitch and T3 Receiver Lock showcases an 8-inch drop with weight tested to 10,000 pounds tow capacity and 1,500-pound tongue weight. It features dual 2-inch and 2 ⁵⁄₁₆-inch chrome balls, keyed-alike mount, and a receiver lockset. Such characteristics allow this hitch to be used as a drop or rise hitch.
Manufactured with 100% polished forged aluminum, its handsome and rugged appearance will look good on any truck despite it being double the size of a 4-inch drop.
- Lightweight but sturdy aluminum construction
- Adjusting height is effortless
- Nice looking design
- Some hitch receivers can’t fit. Either too loose or too tight
- Rise and drop lock is in an awkward position
2. MaxxTow Adjustable 2-Ball Mount
Features and Specifications
- Alterable mount allows you to haul trailers with various tongue heights
- 2-Sided ball platform secures channel with included pins and clips
- Very sturdy steel ball construction
- Weight capacity: 8,000 pounds GTW with 2″ hitch ball / 12,000 GTW with 2-5/16″ hitch ball
- Application: Fits 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receivers
- Tongue weight (TW): 1,000 pounds
Conveniently tow up to 12,000 pounds of load while getting a drop of up to 6 ¼-inch tow ball mount system. MaxxTow MT70380 showcases a reversible two-sided platform with a ball with a 2-inch diameter hitch on one side and 2-⁵⁄₁₆ on the other.
It can be used alternatively as a rise or adjustable drop hitch with pins and clips included for stability and easy interchangeability. It lets the mount adjust in 1 ¼-inch increments up to a 6 ¼ inch drop and a 7 ⁷⁄₈-inch rise for putting various trailers in tow.
Manufactured with heavy-duty, all-steel construction, this solid product is designed to fit 2-inch by 2-inch trailer receivers.
One of the reputable names in the North American towing industry, Maxx Group has its product line MaxxTow keeps up with the growing needs for tow solutions of the present society. With their culture of innovation and a firm commitment to becoming the industry’s benchmark, their group of products has made their way to customers in and out of North America.
- Hitch close to vehicle; weight not leveraged
- Sturdy trailer ball mount with no wiggle room
- Excellent welding
- Does not fit trailer tongues with a lip
- Adds 30 to 40 pounds to hitch
3. Gen-Y Adjustable 2-Ball Mount w/ Stacked Receivers
Features and Specifications
- SAE J684 certified meaning they pass the standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers
- 5 Stacked receivers that can accept other hitch-mounted accessories
- Alterable height lets you mount lower or raise it higher to match your application
- Weight capacity for a 2-inch ball: 12,000 pounds with a maximum TW of 1,500 pounds
- For 2 ⁵⁄₁₆-inch ball: 16,000 pounds with maximum TW of 2,000 pounds
- Fits 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receivers
Gen-Y GH525 is a brand-new adjustable drop hitch from Gen-Y Hitches. Slide it into your 2-inch by 2-inch trailer hitch receiver to get a monstrous 16,000-pound towing capacity. Its solid shank design constructed with heavy-duty steel has a zinc primer and powder coat for corrosion resistance.
Uniquely designed, it can be easily positioned in one of its 5 stacked receivers that are positioned along the vertical shank of the unit. It allows you to tow a trailer with its 2-inch ball coupler or a 2 ⁵⁄₁₆-inch ball coupler. Insert the pintle lock directly above this ball mount for 2 to create a hitch that a trailer with a lunette ring can hook up to.
The 5 stacked receivers don’t only provide for height adjustment of your mount, it also lets you use it for other hitch-mounted gears like bike racks or cargo carriers.
Years ago, a certain Carl Borkholder was inconvenienced with not having a hitch system to help him with his involvement in commercial tree care business. That gave him an idea that led him to start Gen-Y Industries in 2011. With his too many truck incompatibilities, his crews came up with special arrangements to make sure they can get their job done without using special adapters. This was the birth of Gen-Y hitch systems.
- Special colors and custom ball sizes available
- Can turn over and tow gooseneck
- Limited movement from pintle hook receivers
- Hangs down below the bumper by over a foot
4. Channel Style Adjustable Ballmount
Features and Specifications
- Integrated anti-rattle mechanism
- Carbide powder coat finish
- Package includes hitch pin and clip
- Weight Capacity:
For 2-inch ball – 10,000 pounds
For 2 ⁵⁄₁₆-inch ball: 14,000 pounds - Application: fits 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receivers
- USA-made with a limited lifetime warranty (One-Year Finish, One-Year Parts)
This one’s maximum weight capacity of 14,000 pounds with an overall tongue weight capacity of 1,400 pounds is owing to its high-strength forged steel construction. It can rise 5 ¼ inches and drop to a maximum low of 6 inches.
This hitch is excellent for livestock haulers, flatbed, and travel trailers. With its alterable channel mounts, they can handle tough jobs while providing for a smooth and quiet tow. The anti-rattle mechanism has a rubber bumper that goes in between the shank and the attachment. This engineering significantly reduces shaking and vibrations from the coupling point.
Curt Manufacturing understands your need to haul at any given weather conditions, therefore finishing this gear with a highly durable carbide black powder coat. This protects your shank from rust and corrosion all brought by rain, dirt, and road salt, not to mention harmful UV. It also fits a variety of shank sizes.
CURT Manufacturing is one of the leading manufacturers of USA-made hitches offering the broadest selection of customized receiver hitches for almost any vehicle in the market. They take pride in quality manufacturing as proved by their ISO / TS 16949 certification.
5. Draw-Tite Ball Mount
Features and Specifications
- Drop/rise positions can be utilized to ensure level towing
- Solid material thanks to sturdy steel construction
- Excellent rust protection with its zinc finish
- Weight Capacity: 12,000 pounds
- Application: Fits 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receivers
- Tongue weight (TW): 1,200 pounds
- Comes limited lifetime warranty
Draw-Tite’s Item 4283 is a sturdy steel constructed vehicle gear with a solid shank that measures 9 ½ inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole. It can be adjusted as a 7-inch riser or can be dropped 8 inches. Whether you use it as a rise or drop-down hitch, it can withstand up to 12,000 pounds of weight.
The steel construction looks nice with its powder coat finish. While it adds to the aesthetics of the accessory, it also helps to stand against rust, corrosion, and other weather-induced damages.
Draw-Tite started in the industry in 1946 armed only with their passion for outstanding performance. From then until now, they represent one of the best custom-fit vehicle gears in the market today. With their solid all-welded constructed products, consumers are choosing it for its strength and safety.
- Easy slide of shank into the vehicle’s hitch receiver
- Welded up to the back support at the back
- Heavy-duty
- Hitch pin and clip or hitch lock sold separately
Our Top Pick
Moving heavy trailers is a lot easier with indispensable tools like drop-down hitches. Hauling boats, trailers, and hitch cargoes can be exhausting for your truck; therefore, these gears come in handy. While all the products we reviewed possess the strength to satisfy all your hauling needs, we picked one that seems very promising.
Our top pick is Gen-Y Adjustable 2-Ball Mount w/ Stacked Receivers. If you think you can’t get any lower on the hitch, 325-GH-525 offers a 17.5-inch option. Its actual hitch limit is right around the middle – at 16,000 pounds, without exceeding the 2,000-pound tongue weight. This is perfect if your pickup truck is sitting on more than an already monstrous 10 inches. Moreover, it’s actually great for your wallet, too.
Buying Guide: What to Consider when Getting a Drop Down Hitch for Lifted Trucks?
Trucks are mostly expected for carrying, hauling, and towing gears and trailers at most. As sturdy and as masculine-looking as these trucks are, they need help too. While they can carry just as much, make sure there is enough support. Drop hitches help you go anywhere without your truck feeling like they have too much to bear. Sounds complicated? Not if you know how to pick the best hitch for your lifted truck.
Tow Weight Capacity
When towing any gear, the first to consider is the impact it might have on your truck. Remember to check your owner’s manual to have an idea about your vehicle’s tow limitations. The last thing you will want to do is overwork and wear out your engine, brakes, and suspension and extensively increase the likelihood of accidents.
Tow hitch receivers come in categories classed by the weight of their hauling capacity:
- Class 1 – 1,000 to 2,500 pounds*
- Class 2 – 3,500 pounds*
- Class 2.5 – 4,000 pounds*
- Class 3 – 6,000 pounds*
- Class 4 – 8,000 pounds*
- Class 5 – 10,000 pounds*
*Gross Trailer Weight (combo weight of trailer and contents)
Wondering if your hitch receiver needs to drop or rise to fully take the weight? Here’s a simple way to find out.
- Measure the distance from the ground to the top inside diameter of your vehicle’s receiver tube.
- Measure the distance from the ground to the base of the coupler on your tow.
The difference between these two measurements is the amount of drop or rise you will need for your drop hitch.
Durability of the Materials
Your drop-down hitches will be your sole assistant in making sure the weight is equally distributed to the truck and the trailer. Therefore, you should consider the durability of the material used in the construction of your hitch.
Typically, these gears are made of metal; thus, common issues that occur are rust and corrosion. Most manufacturers feature powder coating to make them resistant to weather and rust.
Price
You don’t have to break the bank to get a durable drop-down hitch. You also should haggle to get the cheapest or you might end up spending more if it breaks after a few uses. The best hitches cost about $100 on average. Considering what we have mentioned so far, you will have an idea whether the price tag you are looking at is just right.
Most manufacturers extend their way to help you choose the right model for your needs. After thoroughly scouring truck forums, retail, and consumer sites, we compiled a list of some of the best drop hitch for lifted trucks that you may check out.
Important Checklist Before Driving with Haul
- Ensure your truck and trailer maintenance are up to date
- Ball mounts, nuts, bolts, and pins should be tightened to correct torque and checked at least every 100 miles.
- Brakes on both tow vehicle and trailer should be in good working order.
- Safety chains, hitch, coupler, drawbar, and other gears that connect the trailer to the truck must be properly secured and adjusted.
- Tire pressure on both tow trailers and trucks should be correct.
- Check for loose wirings. No wiring should touch the road but should be loose enough to make turns without causing damage.
- Running, brake, turn signals, and hazard lights should all be in working condition
- Securely fasten all items on and in the trailer
- Tongue support and stabilizers (if there’s any) should be raised and locked in place
- Keep your truck’s load distribution in mind. Ensure that truck and trailer load is properly distributed side to side and front to back.
- Allow good visibility for all mirrors
- Review restrictions and vertical clearances on bridges and tunnels.
Conclusion
We all want to keep our towing experience safe for both the truck and anything attached to our lifted truck’s rear even when you’d stow it away. To achieve that, ensure that the weight is evenly distributed so as not to stress out vital parts of the truck and the trailers. Overworking such parts can cause untoward incidents, leaving your trip memorable because it was unfortunate. And, no one wants that.
Carefully consider the points that we mentioned about picking the best drop hitch for lifted trucks. Read some motorists’ comments and reviews on popular retail pages as most of these reviews are based on personal experiences. Get all your research together, and you sure will get the right gear for your next towing adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
✅ Can I increase my tow capacity by upgrading my hitch?
Not really. Your trailer hitch’s tow capacity can and should never override the maximum vehicle assigned capacity ratings set by the manufacturer. What it can do is maximize the towing capacity of your truck.
✅ What is tongue weight and why is it important?
Tongue weight (TW)should be measured alongside all gears on a fully-loaded vehicle to be able to measure the accurate GVWR. This weight is the static force of the trailer that exerts on the hitch.
The correct tongue weight improves the tow experience by considering performance and safety. If the TWis over or under what is allowed with GVWR, it could overload the rear tires of the truck, pushing the rear end of the vehicle around due to overwork.
✅ Should I estimate the tongue weight?
Not in any circumstance.
One of the major causes of hitch failure is due to tongue weight capacity being exceeded. If you don’t know the TW of your trailer, there are several different ways you can determine it, such as a tongue weight scale, weight safe ball mount, bathrooms scale, or commercial scale. Some hitches have a built-in scale to lessen your effort in finding out your TW.
✅ Is there a standard trailer hitch height?
Trailer hitch height differs from one trailer to another. To each their own, so to speak. But, on average, hitch height ranges from 15 to 17 inches.
✅ What is a weight-distribution hitch?
This hitch is what’s commonly used for class III as well as IV (6,000-8,000 pounds). This helps distribute the weight evenly and extend the capacity of the hitch to support more trailer weight.
✅ Do I Need a Drop Hitch?
If you’re driving a lifted truck (or even with a normal-height truck) towing a trail behind you, then yes. Trailers may require different ball heights. To find out, simply measure the gap from the ground to the trailer coupler. Then, measure the distance from the ground to the top of the hitch. The difference between these two measurements is what you need.
✅ I see GVWR in most installation guidelines. What does it mean?
GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the maximum allowable weight of your fully-loaded vehicle. This rating includes all equipment, passengers, cargo, and tongue weight.
✅ What is the difference between GAWR and GVWR? Why are these important?
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is the specified maximum limit of weight that can be placed on an individual axle. The vehicle manufacturer sets this and should never be exceeded. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is a specific maximum limit of weight for your vehicle including passengers and payload. This is set by a vehicle manufacturer and should never be exceeded.
The importance of knowing these are for you to tow safely within your vehicle’s weight capacity. By doing so, you will prevent controlling issues, a decline of the vehicle’s brake system, a potential tire blowout situation, hitch failure, or loss of control due to rear suspension stress.
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