AdrianP

Probably a stupid question so forgive me...

Got my 2001 F150 Offroad 4x4 here in the UK

It has the 2" receiver hitch fitted

But... I don't have the hitch that fits it

I thought it would be easy, just look on line and order one but I got a bit confused with all the different drops available

Truck is std height so which do I need to order?

F150ken

You want the trailer you are pulling to be level, so the question is how high is the receiver on the trailer? Match the drop in the ball mount, taking into account you will have some sag due to the young weight.

Or get this adjustable one (good for 5,000 lbs) for $20 US, on Amazon.

bubbabud

Please do not be duped into a $20 adjustable hitch, total junk. If you feel the need for adjustable hitch go with quality not price.
Contact "Etrailer.com Chat with one of there rep's or view some of there many tutorial video's. but simple solution back truck up to trailer, level trailer and measure the distance from the center off the receiver to the top inside of the trailer hitch then subtract 1" for sag and buy appropriate ball mount.

AdrianP

Cheers Guys,

Don't actually have anything to tow at the moment, I just wanted to get something just in case I needed it.

Receiver hitches aren't that common over here so not something I can just get off the shelf unfortunately

I'll get a mate to measure his trailer and go from there

akdoggie

Adrian.....unless you are towing a trailer with the little 8 inch rims, a 3 inch drop is common with both my stock 4x4 F150's. I'm not sure what your common ball size is in the UK, but 1 7/8 use to be common for small trailers, but it has moved to a 2 inch ball with almost all small trailers now. Bigger, heavier ones can use up to a 2 5/8. (my mistake.....2 5/16).

I'd find what is the common ball used where you are, order the ball and the 3 inch drop for a 2 inch square insert. Good luck.

Don't forget to order the pin or lock for the insert. Measure your hole in the outer square tube the insert goes into to get the right sized pin. It should be 5/8 inch, but make sure. Some add on carriers have had the 1/2 inch pin.

AdrianP

Cheers AK,

I was already looking at a 2 or 3" drop so that has helped nicely

Most of the UK hitch ***** are the newer 50mm size but older ones used to be the same as your 1 7/8

I guess not having one does have its advantages on not being asked to help but what's the point in having something this big here in the UK if you can't help someone now and again... lol

R&TBabich

Haven't seen any 2 5/8" *****.
Our TH uses a 2 5/16" ball.
All my vehicles with hitches have had 5/8" shank hitch pins, haven't seen one with a 3/4" pin, some are 1/2" pins.
Higher rated ***** will have larger shank bolts for mounting so check the ball mount hole diameter.
The trailers I use are usually between 17"-19".
You might check Amazon for hitch *****.
The Curt forged 45341 will handle anything you can haul.

akdoggie

Damn I did a typo. It was to be 2 5/16 but my weak old mind say 5/8. I was thinking of the skinny pin. Thanks for the correction. I wasn't trying to confuse Adrian, just myself. lol

mbb

I leave hitch in my receiver

Its saved my truck on 3 different trucks over 30 yrs when hit from behind. Either no damage or minimal requiring only new bumper and receiver

etrailerTeam

To get the drawbar with the proper drop or rise so the trailer's level, just measure the height above ground of the inside top of the receiver tube and the above ground height of the trailer coupler when the trailer is level. The difference is the rise/drop you'll need.

The link below will walk you through the whole process. I'm not sure about regulations in the UK, but certain states (PA and NY, I believe) will ticket you if you leave the drawbar in when you're not towing. Obviously, this'll depend on how bored the officer is at the moment!

https://www.etrailer.com/expert-111.html