Raising Coupler?

[woytovich]

I have a tow rig that is a lifted Land Cruiser with a custom rear bumper mounted quite high. I have been using a bolt-on hitch receiver (below the frame rails/bumper) and a large drop hitch to get in line with my stock height 5x8 enclosed trailer coupler. I intend to build an integrated receiver into my bumper, this will leave me with something like a 16-18" drop hitch needed... I don't want to do that.

Can I safely raise the coupler above the trailer front frame that currently holds the coupler? (Presuming solid and proper design and welding) I am thinking I'll need 4-5"...

mark

[citylights]

You could put a goose neck on your trailer. I have seen a couple like that.

But, I would go the easy route. These were made just for you!

http://www.amazon.com/Drop-Hitch-Lifted-Trucks-Height/dp/B008BXT1N0/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1405984046&sr=1-1&keywords=18+inch+drop+hitch

http://www.amazon.com/Drop-Hitch-Lifted-Trucks-Height/dp/B008BXSVDQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1405984172&sr=1-2&keywords=16+inch+drop+hitch

[woytovich]

Yeah... maybe I'll bite the bullet and spend the $... I'm just not sure of the quality/safety of such a long drop...


mark

[48Rob]

I'm with John; yes, you can redo the tongue to match your tow vehicle height, but it would be a lot easier and cheaper to just use a long drop hitch.

I'm guessing this is your setup?



Nothing here says you need any super duty towing equipment; it is a small trailer, fairly light.
All the long drop hitches I've seen have gussets to reinforce the drop.
I think you'll be fine.

Rob

[milliejohn]

If you raise the coupler on the trailer, then want to sell it............or need to move it with another vehicle...........much better to use the correct drawbar!

[woytovich]

Same trailer... I replaced the truck but with just about an exact replica (but without the rust)...

But you can get an idea of the drop... same bumper on this truck.

[Dale M.]

On extrenely large drops I have see people put a couple of braces from hitch to a point forward on frame to counter the long "rack" and "leverage" caused by extreme drop... only need to be acouple of bars with a 'eye' that inserts into a "U" bracket and retained with a pin....

Dale

[woytovich]

Going to go with a large drop hitch... I'll add the braces if I feel it needs it once it is set-up.

Thanks all....

[MtnDon]

I had a large drop on a Jeep XJ and hated the way it rocked sideways, especially did not like the way the hitch pushed sideways when reversing at a sharp angle. I made a triangulated brace that worked very well. I could likely find a picture....



some here at the end of this link. The trailer was a low bed light utility trailer
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?t ... 7#msg39157

[woytovich]

Excellent... thank you.