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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Columbia, KY | We just got a new Dodge 4x4 and it's 5" higher than my Ford. We had to use a receiver hitch with an 8" drop to get the 2H trailer sitting level. While I was outside the trailer, my horse started moving around quite a bit. The entire hitch was moving up and down as the trailer moved. Is this normal?or is there just more play in the 8" drop? |
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Expert
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Location: Vermont | Depends on the model of your ball mount, is it a fixed unit or adjustable? |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391
Location: Columbia, KY | it's a 2" ball bolted onto an 8" Reece extension that goes into the receiver part. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Any receiver extension will decrease the load capacity on the hitch, of the truck's rear suspension. This will effect a greater amount of vertical movement, with load changes. Ram has as an option, a factory installed self leveling suspension system. Timbrens, air shocks and bags all can be installed after market, to add more suspension capacity and ride control. You will want to use a product that leaves the original ride unchanged, when you're not towing, and used as an aid when necessary. When these units are installed, the original ride height can be maintained, and the nose of the trailer will not deflect below horizontal. If it does, the trailer's tracking can become compromised, and the front axle and its tires will carry too much weight. We always set the weighted trailer's hitch slightly tall. This ensures that a nose down towing attitude will not occur, and the trailer's towing stability is maintained, without additional swaying aids becoming necessary. You will also want to maintain the maximum amount of tire air pressure, that the TIRE'S manufacturer recommends. |
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Los Angeles, Ca. | just a thought....most horse trailer balls are 2 5/16, not 2" |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391
Location: Columbia, KY | The goose neck LQ trailer has a 2 5/16" ball. I'm asking about the BP trailer which takes a 2" ball. |
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Expert
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Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | That 8" drop adds alot of leverage to your hitch. What is the weight rating on that 8" drop? Should be stamped on there somewhere. Too much flexing could cause stress cracks, keep a check on it.... I don't think I have a bumper pull trailer that doesn't have a 2 5/16" hitch. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391
Location: Columbia, KY | the 8" extension is rated for 5000 lbs but I'm thinking we need a heavier one. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: Los Angeles, Ca. | Don't know about Dodge, but Ford has an insert that reduces the 2 1/2 inch receiver down to a 2"....maybe yours is missing? Does your hitch fit snuggly in the receiver? |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391
Location: Columbia, KY | Yes, the hitch fits snugly into the receiver. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: Los Angeles, Ca. | Is it just the hitch that moves or is it the whole truck? Imagine jumping around on the rear bumper...that is similar to what a horse trailer might do. I don't think having a 8" drop would make any difference. If it is just the hitch that is moving, look for broken or missing bolts. I have had that happen towing equipment. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391
Location: Columbia, KY | It's just the hitch and 2H trailer that moves,not the truck. The receiver part on the truck takes 2" diameter ball mount, which is what we're using. The drop is 8"We used the same size ball mount on the Ford but only a 3 or 3 1/2" (?) drop and I never saw the trailer move like that.The lock on the ball is tight, but it doesn't seem right that there is so much movement. |
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Los Angeles, Ca. | are you sure that the trailer coupler is supposed to take a 2" ball? If a 2 5/16' ball fits the coupler, that is what it should take....they are usually stamped on the side what size ball it takes. Some couplers have an adjusting nut which would tighten the coupler to the ball |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391
Location: Columbia, KY | Yes, I'm sure on the ball size. The trailer is a 1995 Hart 2H BP and the coupler takes a 2" ball. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: Los Angeles, Ca. | Ok, if everything is tight, how come the truck doesn't move when the trailer is bouncing around?.....maybe springs on trailer worn out....low on air in tires on trailer....try hooking up to a friends truck with the old set-up and see if it does the same. Maybe you just didn't notice it before. You could also post a video on youtube and we could all see what you think may be a problem...or drive it into a trailer service shop and get their opinion...good luck |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350
Location: Penrose, Colorado | you say that the hitch moves and not the truck??? if this is true you have hitch bolts missing, the hitch should be solid to the truck.. |
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bumper pull hitch question
