Community Forums

bigb56 · 02-06-2023, 01:54 PM

Looking for recommendations for a drop hitch to go with my Ready Brute tow bar with brake. The motorhome receiver is about 5" too high. I see both fixed one piece and adjustable ones. It looks like the one piece don't add to your total length like the adjustable ones do, but not really a concern for me as the MH is only 25.5' and the Jeep is 13'. Looking for something good, and preferably light, not on a budget. It will have to fit the Ready Brake tow bar so no ball, just a receiver about 5" lower than my present one. Also does using a drop hitch have any effect on the hitch rating?

bigb56 · 02-06-2023, 02:00 PM

I forgot to add that all the adjustable drop hitches I have seen are for use with a ball only.

bigb56 · 02-06-2023, 02:05 PM

Since I am at a roughly 5" difference and the fixed drops are made in even increments I was thinking about a 4" like this: https://www.hitchsource.com/blue-ox-...r-p-29598.html

since no matter which I choose between a 4 and a 6 I will be 1" off but would rather opt for the lesser drop for strength and ground clearance, sound right?

TFell · 02-06-2023, 02:05 PM

I use a Roadmaster 4 inch drop, which would be close enough. You should make sure the motorhome is loaded with gear when you measure it too.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...er/RM-070.html

It's one more thing to keep tight, and if you don't, it will create more movement and slop. I use aluminum shims and two different hitch tighteners.

Also, it does add length.

As an alternative, you could put a lift kit on the Jeep...if you were so inclined to do that anyway.

Flyer15015 · 02-06-2023, 02:12 PM

YUP!
Hitch tighteners are a must.
Ask me how I know..........

Mike in Colorado

bigb56 · 02-06-2023, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFell

I use a Roadmaster 4 inch drop, which would be close enough. You should make sure the motorhome is loaded with gear when you measure it too.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...er/RM-070.html

It's one more thing to keep tight, and if you don't, it will create more movement and slop. I use aluminum shims and two different hitch tighteners.

Also, it does add length.

As an alternative, you could put a lift kit on the Jeep...if you were so inclined to do that anyway.

Good point, if I do a lift it will be 1" or 1.5". Also I didn't measure fully loaded. Maybe a 3" would be better since it will still put me within a couple of inches even if I don't do a lift right away.

bigb56 · 02-06-2023, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer15015

YUP!
Hitch tighteners are a must.
Ask me how I know..........

Mike in Colorado

I've seen the commercially available U bolt tighteners and I've also seen where people drill and tap the receiver for 3/8" bolts which I am perfectly capable of doing and already own the taps, just not sure I want to drill holes in the hitch for fear of weakening it.

Flyer15015 · 02-06-2023, 02:28 PM

I use 2 HEAVY DUTY "U" bolt style hitch tighteners when I haul the bike, because I need a 12" extension to space the rail out. It eliminates any rocking of the rail.
There are several styles on Amazon and Evilbay. You want the ones with the larger diameter "U" bolt. And cinch them down tight.

Mike in Colorado

vseasport · 02-06-2023, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb56

Since I am at a roughly 5" difference and the fixed drops are made in even increments I was thinking about a 4" like this: https://www.hitchsource.com/blue-ox-...r-p-29598.html

since no matter which I choose between a 4 and a 6 I will be 1" off but would rather opt for the lesser drop for strength and ground clearance, sound right?

In any event, the tow bar should be level or angle down from the motorhome to your Jeep. If your measurements are correct the 4" drop would work, the 6" drop would not.

Dutch Star Don · 02-06-2023, 11:20 PM

I did this on two different motorhomes. Just had a second receiver welded under the first.

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Tom_M · 02-07-2023, 06:46 AM

Here's a couple available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/MAXXHAUL-5039...s%2C302&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Receive...7-93deae8f9840

yeloduster · 02-07-2023, 07:29 AM

The hitch on my motorhome is 16" from the ground, the tow bar attachment point on my Jeep is 26" from the ground. I use a 10" Rise/Drop receiver adapter to make up the height difference. I have a Ready Brute Elite tow/brake system.

I worry about the leverage the 10" lift has on the receiver hitch so I inspect it regularly. So far nothing is getting loose and the metal looks sound.

I made a U-Bolt clamp to tight the hitch using trailer axle U-Bolt Kit. It was more readily available at a ranch supply store than those designed for tightening a hitch. Works the same way.

See the attached pictures.

It is almost perfectly level. My Ready Brute System is from 2007. You can see several changes in the newer models.

Flyer15015 · 02-07-2023, 08:49 AM

Brian,
I would trust Yeloduster's approach. He has steered me in the right direction in the past.

I would not consider drilling and tapping another hole in the receiver.
Just use the 2 hitch tighteners and you will be fine.

Mike in Colorado

johninsd · 02-08-2023, 09:50 AM

I use a "Roadmaster 077-4 Dual Hitch Receiver with 2 Inch and 4 Inch Offsets" with the 4 inch offset receiver down. The upper receiver is sometimes used for a bike rack, sometimes for a cargo basket, sometimes empty. You may want to consider using one of these as it gives you one more option and doesn't cost much more than the single receiver version.