Nose high or low

[Bonder]

I just got a new 5 x 10 single axle utility trailer for my ATV, taking some measurements, I would need around a 7" drop hitch to have the trailer level. I have an adjustable hitch that can do that height, but I find it very loose and it extends a long way from the back of the truck, overall I don't like how it attaches.

I have been unable to find a 7" drop hitch, only 6 and 8 inch options. Some of the adjustable ones I found also won't do 7, but will do 6.5 or 7.5". So I am trying to determine if I can do a 6 or 8 inch drop instead. If so, what would be the better option?

Secondly, the safety chains are too long, either almost or touching the ground once connected. What is the best way to shorten them? Move the clevis hook to a shorter position or just gather and tie off the excess chain?

Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[ctechbob]

You'd want it to be nose-down if at all possible, but it isn't super critical with a single-axle trailer. Just take care to load the heavier items ahead of the axle and try not to put a ton of weight behind it.

As far as taking up slack in the chains, just twist them up a little and they will shorten.

Like so:

 

[subquark]

I use a B&W Tow and Stow and they do make a 7" and 9" drop.

Mine's just a 5" drop and I'd be nervous with a 9 inch, seems like it would be easy to hang up.

Edit: Let me know if you'd like me to measure mine on it's lowest for my 2WD XL.

 

[rozebud]

I just got a new 5 x 10 single axle utility trailer for my ATV, taking some measurements, I would need around a 7" drop hitch to have the trailer level. I have an adjustable hitch that can do that height, but I find it very loose and it extends a long way from the back of the truck, overall I don't like how it attaches.

I have been unable to find a 7" drop hitch, only 6 and 8 inch options. Some of the adjustable ones I found also won't do 7, but will do 6.5 or 7.5". So I am trying to determine if I can do a 6 or 8 inch drop instead. If so, what would be the better option?

Secondly, the safety chains are too long, either almost or touching the ground once connected. What is the best way to shorten them? Move the clevis hook to a shorter position or just gather and tie off the excess chain?

Thanks!

I also just purchased a 5x10 single axle trailer from Canadian Tire. its a True North trailer made by PJ Trailer in Morden Manitoba. I use a 3 and a half inch drop hitch with the 2 inch ball. on my 19 ranger the trailer tounge is slightly abuve level but when I load 2000 lbs of wood pellets on the trailer then the truck and trailer level out evenly. as for the chains I loop the hook through the hole in the reciever and reattach it to the chain so that there is enough slack for the trailer when turning but short enough so that the chains dont drag on the ground.

 

[Jason B]

I'm sure glad you are asking about trailers and not this:

 

[RangerTX]

To heck with the trailer!

 

[Cmar]

For the safety chains, I just let the trailer rest on level ground once, and then count a few links back from the end, and mark that link, and always put the shackle there. You don't want it too tight or it will bind up on turns, and you want enough slack to be able to cross them under the drawbar, but you obviously don't want it to hit the ground either.

 

[Cabose-1]

GEN-Y HITCH!!!

Best and only hitch you'll ever need. If you need something beefier they make them too, such as heavier weights for 150s, 250s, 350s. But this is all you will ever need!! Atvleast for the ranger.
Best out there. Get a torsion if you want, GEN-Y makes those too!!

GEN-Y HITCH

 

[Fordup]

I had to go with a 10 inch drop for my atv trailer. I really like the weight safe aero hitch but at full drop it does rattle some in the hitch. At about 12 1/2 minutes in this video it shows it. Never had a truck that required this much drop before.

 

[Grandaccess]

I have a cheap what ever they sell at Walfart $20 4" drop, my trailer dont sit level but it never bothered me and I never felt a difference in handling and I have had some pretty heavy loads on...

 

[Grandaccess]

I do notice when I have the car dolly on, the ramps scrape sometimes LOL that never really bothered me either

 

[Bonder]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Although I measured 7" of drop, I found a model # on my hitch and found its max drop is 7.5" and the next step is 6". I ordered a Curt 6" drop hitch from Amazon and will see how level it sits with that installed.

@rozebud -- I think we bought the same trailer, looks like a good solid buy to me.

I am too old for loading in the bed, I would fall right out of the truck trying to dismount.

Those GenY hitches look good, but are just way more then I want to spend right now.

I still can't believe I didn't need a drop when towing with my old F-150 but need this much for my Ranger. Just seems crazy to me.

 

[Jim C]

You'd want it to be nose-down if at all possible, but it isn't super critical with a single-axle trailer. Just take care to load the heavier items ahead of the axle and try not to put a ton of weight behind it.

As far as taking up slack in the chains, just twist them up a little and they will shorten.

Like so:

Im not even close to being an expert but twisting the chains just sounds like a bad idea.
so i checked

https://www.bulletproofhitches.com/blogs/news/safety-chains-are-important#:~:text=You should NEVER twist the,ultimately failing to work effectively.

 

[Dereku]

Put 1000 lbs in the bed. It will lower it down.

But seriously nose up for a trailer is preferred. Depending on load you are towing the angle of the trailer can be a lot more. I would not tow a travel trailer nose up but a lawn mower wont make a difference.

 

[nolan62]

To heck with the trailer!

An ATV really fits! Didn't know that......

Sponsored