WDH question

[KillerIsMe]

I just traded my f150 4X4 for an f350 4X4. I pick up the 350 tomorrow.

Now I know there's a height difference as far as the receivers between the two. I measured the height to the top of the receiver on an f250 to be 24", whereas the height to the top of the receiver on my f150 is 22". I suspect, but don't know for sure, the 350 will be a tiny bit higher than the 250 - maybe an inch or so. So theoretically the nose of my 23BHM (6250 GVWR) will be 2 to 3 inches higher on the 350 than on the 150. I called etrailer, where I bought my WDH (Reese Steadi-Flex), and they told me to measure to the top of the receiver of the old truck - 150 - and to the top of the new truck - 350 - and just drop the ball mount that distance. That would be 2" if the 350 and 250 are the same height, or maybe 3" if the 350 is higher.

Simple, right? But I started thinking - and may have overthought - the 350 will most likely not squat as far as the 150 and so maybe I'll have to drop the ball WAY more than 2 or 3 inches. Can anyone out there tell me what the heck I'm doing? The shaft is 7 holes, each an inch-and-a-quarter apart, and the ball mount is in the top 1st and 3rd holes. So I can drop 5 inches just by moving the ball mount down the shaft. Am I barking up the right tree here?

[tott9713]

You’re on the right track however I doubt you’re going to have to go that far to account for squat. With the trailer unhooked and on a level surface level the trailer front to back with tongue jack and measure the tougue height. Take the measurement and place the ball in the shank holes that will give you that height. In my case going from a Ram 1500 to 2500 I ran out of holes to drop the ball to keep things level on my Fastway/Equalizer setup. I had to order a larger drop shank. While I was at it I bought one with a 2.5” shank so I didn’t have to deal with the sloppy 2.5” receiver sleeve to utilize the 2” shank.

[BJR]

Originally Posted by tott9713

I had to order a larger drop shank. While I was at it I bought one with a 2.5” shank so I didn’t have to deal with the sloppy 2.5” receiver sleeve to utilize the 2” shank.

Same.

Oh and if the Ford hitch is like my Chevy you will need new hooks for the safety chains.

[jbrnigan]

The coupler height on my 29RKS is 23 1/2". I set the ball height on my Equalizer hitch at 25 1/2" ( my hitch shank has 7 holes and the ball is positioned in the 2nd and 4th or 5th holes) The trailer tongue weight is 1250 lbs. The truck squat was 2 1/2". 2018 F-250 w / camper pkg (extra rear leaf). I have two washers to adjust the angle of the ball head. The spring bars move the truck UP 1/2" and levels the trailer - difference between front and rear wheel well height - 1/2" low in the front. I used "D" rings in the F-250 hitch to attach the safety chains (poor Ford design).

[KillerIsMe]

Thanks for your help my friends. I think I got this. One last thing though: if my front wheelwell measurement should be off by more than 1/2" is tilting the ball head the thing I want to do?

Sorry for these questions. The hitch was set up by the dealer and the old truck's front-end was spot on and the trailer level so all I ever did with it was check the bolts for tightness. I want to make sure I have everything right before we take the new truck out next week so nobody gets the crap scared out of them.