Gmt900 Are You Using A Drop Hitch?

[BruceW]

I have a 16' equipment trailer that handled very well hauling a 4K pound tractor behind my previous Dodge Dakota. With my Sierra Denalli (Z60 Suspension) the trailer is swaying unless I move the tractor forward until the bucket is over the front rail of the trailer. I believe that either the ball is higher on the Sierra or the Z60 suspension is sufficiently stiffer that it is holding up the front of the trailer. The tractor and trailer combined weigh in around 7000 pounds.

 

Is it normal to use a drop hitch with a stock height GMT900?

 

Thanks

[RyanbabZ71]

With my Tahoe I used a pretty good size drop hitch (5"??) because the hitch sits higher than my truck. Havent towed with my current truck but my old one (2000) I didnt

[medic9126]

I use the same 2" drop hitch that I used on my S10 ZR2 that I just traded in. I hauled my snowmobile trailer with 2 sleds on it last week and it sat just as level as it did on the ZR2

[SparkySparks]

I use a 2" drop hitch when towing, pulled a Ford Ranger on a open trailer a few times when it would break down on one of my buddies. I didn't have any issues with the trailer swaying or bouncing the truck.

[Bish]

I use a 4" drop on my 08YD. Since they went with the integrated receiver, it sits much higher in the bumper versus below the bumper on my 01.

[c4cruiser]

When the loaded trailer is hooked up, does it sit level? If it doesn't, the chance are the two vehicles had different ride heights which effectively makes the height of the hitch ball different.

 

You first need to set the tongue weight properly (10 to 15 % of the total towed weight is the proper tongue weight). Even if that means backing the tractor onto the trailer. Then select a suitable mount so that when the trailer is connected, the trailer will sit level. That should end your sway issue. And with a 7000 lb towed weight, you should use be using a weight distribution hitch.

[wages999]

I towed a '70 F-250 on a 16' tilt-deck equipment trailer. The trailer was sitting with the front up a couple of inches unloaded. I couldn't do above 50 without the trailer swaying when the truck was on it.

 

I have an 18' car hauler now and can tow with any of the hitches I have. I have a 3" drop, a 2" drop, a flat and a 2" raised and it handles the same with any of them as long as there is enough weight on the tongue. I've had to use the raised a couple of times to get low vehicles on the trailer.

[sc4808]

When the loaded trailer is hooked up, does it sit level? If it doesn't, the chance are the two vehicles had different ride heights which effectively makes the height of the hitch ball different.

 

You first need to set the tongue weight properly (10 to 15 % of the total towed weight is the proper tongue weight). Even if that means backing the tractor onto the trailer. Then select a suitable mount so that when the trailer is connected, the trailer will sit level. That should end your sway issue. And with a 7000 lb towed weight, you should use be using a weight distribution hitch.

 

+1

[thearborbarber]

I use a 2" drop hitch upside down to level out my trailer.

[C. Charles Hahn]

I use a standard 2" drop hitch with mine, all the trailers I've pulled have been level with that setup (a couple utility trailers, and a flat-bed with a ditch witch on it).

[1stimeyukon]

i pul.l a couple toys with my 08 yukon and noticed with the 3 1/4 inch drop the trailer does sway and bounce a little although i did have the heavier toy on the back of the trailer and two motorcycles on the front of it, its a 12 foot trailer. well i reloaded it with the big toy up front and motorcycles on back and it rode perfect except for the trailer was still angled up to reach my ball! i had to go from that 3 1/4 drop down to a 5 inch drop on my stock height yukon for the trailer to sit level and ride like a dream!!! dont even notice its back there.

[jblakeney]

Only way to do it is over the axle.......... Sway be gone..... Plus it makes backing up and just general movements, easier with a gooseneck trailer... I have pulled tractors with my 18ft bumper pull so long when I got the gooseneck I wondered WTF (why the) did I have a bumper pull to start with.

 

Just my 2 cents...

 

Jbo

[medic9126]

Only way to do it is over the axle.......... Sway be gone..... Plus it makes backing up and just general movements, easier with a gooseneck trailer... I have pulled tractors with my 18ft bumper pull so long when I got the gooseneck I wondered WTF (why the) did I have a bumper pull to start with.

 

Just my 2 cents...

 

Jbo

 

I'd go with a gooseneck, but I don't pull a trailer nearly enough to justify the expense of a gooseneck hitch, and replacing my trailers with goosenecks. I drive a milk tanker for a living and totally agree with the "over-the axle" mentality. Takes me 3x as long to back my 8' snowmobile trailer into a parking space at work as it does to back my 48' milk tank into the shop.