Reversible Drop Down Hitch

[John Colangelo]

Hello there gang,

I recently discovered that hitching up to my Burro would be much easier if my hitch ball were lower. So I set out to purchase a drop down hitch for my tow vehicle. Then I discovered that my current hitch appears to be reversible. If I remove the cotter pin and reverse the orientation it looks like I get a 2 inch drop. Does this sound feasible to you guys? Is it safe to do this if I install the cotter pin back correctly after I flip the orientation, remove the nut and ball, and reverse it?

A new one isn't that expensive but the current ball hitch I have is new and I'd like to be able to use it.

John

[frank_a]

What you're talking about is the ball mount, and most all ball mounts have a rise and a drop, and are made to go both ways. What you want is for your egg to be level when attached. So yes, go for it. I've been reversing ball mounts to keep a towed trailer level for years. Just make sure everything is good and tight, check it once in a while, and don't forget the hitch pin for the ball mount!

By the way, I always change the orientation of these right in my hitch, with it pinned. It's the easiest way to do it, and you don't have to go far. It helps to by a big wrench sized to the nut on your ball too.

Good luck!

Frank

Frank

[Byron Kinnaman]

When connected the trailer and tow vehicle should pretty close to level. You don't need an "level" to check, your eye can tell close enough. You don't want the trailer either nose high or nose low. If the trailer as the ball mount is currently configured is nose high the flip the ball mount. If the trailer is level leave it be.

[patrick crawford]

just a word of caution...reese (or some other trailer hitch company) recommends 350 ft lbs torque on the hitch ball retaining nut...that's a lot. you can put the hitch in the receiver sideways and use a long wrench to jump on (or find somebody that heavy to stand on it).

p@

[Borrego Dave]

That's the way to do it John. I've got a couple different stingers with different ball hights. Makes it easier as I have 5 trailers. A cheater bar on the wrench will put plenty of # on the nut.

[Jeff in Salinas]

Originally Posted by patrick crawford

just a word of caution...reese (or some other trailer hitch company) recommends 350 ft lbs torque on the hitch ball retaining nut...
p@

That torque depends on the size of the threaded portion of the ball. There are different sizes available so check the spec before torquing

[John Colangelo]

Thanks for this great advice. Drop down hitches can alleviate a lot of headaches at the campsite trying to get the trailer at the correct height for the tow vehicle. Wish I had thought of this before my first trip but oh well, I survived! I will reverse my hitch this weekend and follow all of the advice here! Thanks folks!

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Jeff in Salinas

That torque depends on the size of the threaded portion of the ball. There are different sizes available so check the spec before torquing

It normally will say right on the package the ball comes with as to what the torque should be.