Community Forums

chevylou · 03-17-2007, 02:24 PM

MH hitch height is 28". Towbar level on toad (1998 Saturn SL2) is 13". The biggest drop rcvr I have found is 10". I will still be 5" to high. I have to be level as we use a AutoStop for braking. Do I need to lower the hitch on the MH? Has anyone had this problem and found a fix....

chevylou · 03-17-2007, 02:24 PM

MH hitch height is 28". Towbar level on toad (1998 Saturn SL2) is 13". The biggest drop rcvr I have found is 10". I will still be 5" to high. I have to be level as we use a AutoStop for braking. Do I need to lower the hitch on the MH? Has anyone had this problem and found a fix....

Gary RVRoamer · 03-17-2007, 03:33 PM

Wow!

28 inches is some hitch height - no wonder you can't find a drop receiver big enough! I suspect you can't find a bigger dropper because the torque forces must get huge as the length increases. Too likely to twist the dropper or rip the receiver right off the chassis.

The Autostop requires within two inches of level and I don't see how you are going to get there without a custom fit job. Maybe weld some kind of drop frame below the existing receiver and install another, lower receiver? I've seen set ups like that on some tall trucks, where a angle iron frame is cantilevered from the chassis to hold a receiver.

It might be simpler (and no more expensive) to get a different brake, one that does not depend on surge action and more-or-less level tow bar.

Or put some really big tires on that Saturn!

Frankie · 04-03-2007, 11:16 AM

If you know a welder,you can have one made.Parts are readily availible to welders and fabricators.I use a 12" reversed for a bike rack I used back in the trailer days.

Route 66 · 04-03-2007, 12:01 PM

Be careful here.

There have been a few broken trailer hitches with these large drops.

This added drop causes quite a lot of torque to be applied to the hitch.

I believe most of the failures were with hitches that use a tubular cross bar.

Frequent inspection would be in order.

DriVer · 04-04-2007, 03:04 AM

For the very "BEST" information call 888-425-5382 and ask for technical support or visit the website: Blue Ox.us

alvinc · 04-04-2007, 08:27 AM

It is not commonly discussed, but hitch extensions and hitch drops/rises all derate the hitch.

The general rule of thumb I have seen for hitch extensions is that a extension reduces hitch capacity by 30-50%. For hitch drops of 10" I have seen 30%.

Given the above, a 15" drop should be in the 50% derating area. What does the Saturn weigh and what are your hitch ratings? Tongue weight is not the issue, but this means a 5000lb hitch becomes a 2500lb hitch with the derating.

In another thread I bemoaned the fact that the base plate manufacturers were putting the mount points too low. My Southwind 35R hitch is also pretty high (don't remember exactly), but I get away with a 2" drop because I tow a Jeep Wrangler that has 4.5" of suspension lift and 35" tires. Those people with cars, like Saturns, that are close to the ground have the same issues you are.

chevylou · 04-12-2007, 06:47 AM

My measuring of the height difference may have been off a little. I lowered the hitch 6" by making a mounting bracket out of 4" X 6" X 3/8" angle iron. I also used a 6" drop receiver. I also had two gussets welded to each end of the angle iron to help stregthen it. Now I have about 1" difference between the hitch and towbar with the towbar being 1" lower. Pulled the toad this week approx 400 miles with no problems. Checked hitch approx every 100 miles and now feel safe pulling my toad. I will still keep a close eye on it. Thanks for all the suggestions, this site is the best....

chevylou · 04-12-2007, 06:55 AM

Forgot to mention, for the 2 pieces of angle iron, 4 gussets, welding by a pro, and 18 grade 8 bolts and nuts, total cost was $41. I already had the 6" drop rcvr.