New tow vehicle hitch question???

mlaughead8432 · 10-25-2017, 05:54 PM

Hoping someone can help me.... We’ve got a 2017 Jay Flight 28BHBE. Since new have been towing with a 2011 F-150 5.0 using a Fastway E2 trunnion hitch. Never had a problem towing but a killer deal came up on a 2012 F-350 6.7 diesel had to pull the trigger. I pick up the truck next Tuesday and we leave for a trip that Friday. My question is will I be able to adjust my hitch properly with the new tow vehicle or will I have to purchase a new hitch shank with more of a drop? I haven’t had a chance to measure the height difference between the two receivers. Hoping someone with a similar situation can chime in..... thanks!

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RogerR · 10-25-2017, 05:56 PM

Measure from the top or bottom of the hitch receiver on your old and new truck. Then see if you need to lower or raise your ball. If you have a enough holes your fine.

mlaughead8432 · 10-25-2017, 06:02 PM

I know I’m going to need to lower the ball for sure. I’ve got one hole left on my shank. Im just hoping it enough! I know I’ve got to measure but don’t get back to the truck until Tuesday. Was hoping someone had a similar setup and could give a quick answer.

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Marcm157 · 10-25-2017, 06:04 PM

Can you flip the shank over? I was able to do that with my Equalizer shank when I upgraded from a 150 to a 250.

**Midnightmoon** · 10-25-2017, 06:47 PM

I don't know for sure on the Ford, but there is roughly a 5" difference in the hitch height on my Ram 2500 and my wife's Ram 1500. I would expect something similar from all of the manufacturers.

GrumpyDad · 10-25-2017, 06:48 PM

If it's not a very long trip, I wouldn't be worried about being a little nose high while you get yourself figured out. Hard to predict how much your hitch needs to be adjusted or if you need a new one with more drop until you have that trailer with that tongue weight on it.

Good luck and enjoy the new rig.

kirkdl9 · 10-25-2017, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcm157

Can you flip the shank over? I was able to do that with my Equalizer shank when I upgraded from a 150 to a 250.

^^ This should work and they’re made to do so. I couldn’t imagine your 350 would still be too tall if you flip the shank. I’m not sure if you’re traveling to your new truck with the travel trailer and plan on switching over immediately BUT if you are, make sure you take the tools needed to adjust the hitch. I had to use an impact driver to lower holes. Wrenches just wouldn’t do it.

Iraqvet05 · 10-25-2017, 07:54 PM

When I switched from a 1500 to a 2500 I was able to use the same shank with my E2 but just lowered it down to the last hole. The 1500 squatted about 3 inches inches when my TT was hooked up but the 2500 hardly moved an inch.

farnik78 · 10-26-2017, 08:58 AM

As long as you don’t have a ridiculous lift and giant stupid looking monster truck tires on the 350 you should be able to flip the shank and be fine.

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kayakterp · 10-26-2017, 12:17 PM

I had a similar question
I started out pulling my TT with a 2011 Toyota Tundra double cab 8' bed
I bought it used only to learn later it was made in Canada with a French owners manual. It pulled great, it must have had the max tow package since it had the heated tow mirrors and 4 leaf springs instead of 3. After a wreck I upgraded to a F-250 and have been wondering if I needed to adjust my hitch?
When I went to CAT scales my weights looked good but my TT dealer wants to charge more than I have to spare right now to double check it. He did say to just hook it up and see if it sits level. I plan on doing that next weekend if it's not too cold to wash & wax it. I definitely have not noticed it being "nose high" nor rear-end high. Guess I just need to find a flat parking lot and get my levels out?
BTW I have the EQUILIZER weight distribution hitch

DanNJanice · 10-26-2017, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayakterp

I had a similar question
I started out pulling my TT with a 2011 Toyota Tundra double cab 8' bed
I bought it used only to learn later it was made in Canada with a French owners manual. It pulled great, it must have had the max tow package since it had the heated tow mirrors and 4 leaf springs instead of 3. After a wreck I upgraded to a F-250 and have been wondering if I needed to adjust my hitch?
When I went to CAT scales my weights looked good but my TT dealer wants to charge more than I have to spare right now to double check it. He did say to just hook it up and see if it sits level. I plan on doing that next weekend if it's not too cold to wash & wax it. I definitely have not noticed it being "nose high" nor rear-end high. Guess I just need to find a flat parking lot and get my levels out?
BTW I have the EQUILIZER weight distribution hitch

If the trailer is level and the truck is not squatting too much (or nose high) and it tows OK, then I would just leave it be. If you want to, take it to a CAT scale and have it weighed. If you search around a bit you will find this is a three step process. Truck only, Truck+Trailer-WDH, Truck+Trailer+WDH. Normally the CAT scale operator will charge for the first weigh, then a minimal amount for the subsequent weighs.

oldmanAZ · 10-26-2017, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayakterp

snip...
After a wreck I upgraded to a F-250 and have been wondering if I needed to adjust my hitch?
When I went to CAT scales my weights looked good but my TT dealer wants to charge more than I have to spare right now to double check it. He did say to just hook it up and see if it sits level. I plan on doing that next weekend if it's not too cold to wash & wax it. I definitely have not noticed it being "nose high" nor rear-end high. Guess I just need to find a flat parking lot and get my levels out?
BTW I have the EQUILIZER weight distribution hitch

Step #1 would be to find a level area and be sure your trailer is level or slightly nose down. If not, the next step would be to lower your hitch ball until it is.

If you don't have your Equalizer manual, get one online and then you can do the measurements yourself to see if your hitch needs further adjusting.

farnik78 · 10-26-2017, 03:34 PM

Etrailer has some great videos online about how to adjust your equalizer hitch.

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TJbuilt1 · 10-26-2017, 09:02 PM

I also have a 2012 F-350 with the 6.7 which has been a great tow vehicle. My camper is a 2017 whitehawk 28dsbh which is about the same size and weight of your jay flight. You should be able to adjust it enough to make it work. There's a big difference between the F-150 and a 1ton. The new truck will handle that trailer so much better.

mlaughead8432 · 10-27-2017, 08:38 AM

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Took a measurement today to put my mind at ease. Looks to be only about a 2 inch difference in receiver height on the trucks so I should be able to drop to the bottom hole on the shank be level. Can’t wait to tow next week. The F-150 was great but I imagine I will hardly feel the trailer with the 350!

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