Drop down hitch concerns

[FLavionics]

On My Jeep the distance between the ground and tow pins is 14". Th MH distance is 24". So to be within the 3" of level requirements according to Roadmaster I need a 10" dropdown. With this added length and lower hitch im afraid I won't even be able to make it out of the driveway without scraping bottow. Any solutions to rhis problem?

[paddler1954]

33" tires for the Jeep?

[BillJinOR]

Hook up after you leave the driveway ? Watch those hills and driveways! All kidding aside its pretty important to keep the towbar fairly level for panic stop reasons.

[vettenuts]

That’s a pretty good drop, I would check with the hitch manufacturer as to how much the tow rating will be decreased.

[Finance]

Aftermarket bumper for the Jeep with tow points mounted higher or tow from the recovery points.

[FLavionics]

Well at this point I am ashamed to say I made a huge mistake and forgot about taking the coach off the jacks and airing the bags. New measurments put the coach at 17.5" and the Toad with no drop down at about 14". Some say be within 4" and some say 3". Although I do already have a 2"'drop down, I think I will leave it at that and possibly avoid scrapping bottom with the extra length and drop of the 2". Problem solved. How embarrassing!

[CarlAda]

I had to use an 8 inch drop down and had to remove the tow bar backing out of and driving into the driveway (steep driveway). A bit of a pita, but the car was level. With the new toad, I have a 3 inch drop between the coach and the toad....debating whether to bother with a 2" drop hitch or not.

[FLavionics]

On my last coach I required 4 in drop down which I installed. My first trip I bottomed out hard on a small hill while exiting the gas station. This was a huge surprise to me and a real problem luckily I was close to home. I removed the 4in and went with a 2-inch which brought me into the 3in leeway. It's not just the drop-down but the fact that the drop-down extends another 8 in or so that caused the problem when going over a small dip. I am also undecided whether I should put the 2-inch drop back on. I think I will try leaving the driveway with two in and see what happens.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

FLavionics-

Always best to stay within the towbar manufacturer’s recommendation. For Roadmaster, it is typically 3 inches up or down. Read your towbar manual.

We are forced by a steep hill to hookup away from our house.

We use a 2 inch drop extension. I put a roller on the aft-most pin (the one that carries the towbar). Although it decreases clearance, it does act as an early contact warning device. With care on approach angles, we have avoided roller scraping in all but one circumstance, and that was with the toad disconnected and towbar stowed.

[Dark Sky]

Thanks for the follow-up post Flavionics, this is how we all learn. I myself have never done made a mistake, but maybe someday I will.....

[FLavionics]

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

FLavionics-

Always best to stay within the towbar manufacturer’s recommendation. For Roadmaster, it is typically 3 inches up or down. Read your towbar manual.

We are forced by a steep hill to hookup away from our house.

We use a 2 inch drop extension. I put a roller on the aft-most pin (the one that carries the towbar). Although it decreases clearance, it does act as an early contact warning device. With care on approach angles, we have avoided roller scraping in all but one circumstance, and that was with the toad disconnected and towbar stowed.

I would like to see a picture of the roller set up you speak of...

[l1v3fr33ord1]

FLavionics-

Here is a link to the one I bought:

https://www.etrailer.com/Skid-Wheels...48-979020.html

[FLavionics]

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

FLavionics-

Here is a link to the one I bought:

https://www.etrailer.com/Skid-Wheels...48-979020.html

I like it!

Thanks for the info

[BCam]

Given the +/- 3" rule of thumb, would you be better off with a shorter drop receiver and be right at the +3" limit or a 3" longer drop to be dead level?