Quick adjust drop receiver hitch for E19

[Camerman]

We currently having been towing our escape 19 with a Kia Sorento and use a fastway e2 hitch. The Kia hitch receiver height is 10 inches (see photo). I want to have the option to tow with our F250 which has a hitch receiver height of 17 inches. So I will need to come down 7 inches to match what the is currently set up for the Kia if I want to plug in the e2 fastway hitch.

My questions are:
1. How critical is the exact height of the hitch reciever? I’m looking at some road master high low reciever adapters either 6 inch or 8 inch. This looks like it would allow me to simply plug in the e2 fastway hitch to the stepped down receiver.
2. How critical is it to have a weight distributing hitch with sway bars if I’m pulling the E19 with an F250 V10 with 10000 lb towing capacity? Can I just use an adjustable drop down hitch with ball only?

Thanks.

[Doug2000]

For a F250 a WDH may not be necessary. I towed my Escape 17B with my 2008 Tacoma without one and have towed my 19 with my Tundra without the WDH. I do have one for the Tundra but don't use it all the time.

It is important to have the correct setup. You want your trailer traveling level. It keeps equal pressure on each axle. It's better for control and tire wear.

If you decide to use the WDH on the F250, you should purchase the drop bar that matches you hitch. If it was me, I would look for a used hitch (same model) to come up on Craigslist.

Do not use one of these

https://www.amazon.ca/Roadmaster-076...90519646&psc=1

Get

https://www.amazon.ca/Husky-30857-Le...21168452&psc=1

[cpaharley2008]

An adjustable ball hitch is all I have used for past 8 years towing Escapes...I believe 19" is the ideal height setting...

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

One thing to keep in mind is when you put the hitch weight on the f250 . It is not going to sink as much as the Kia Sorento. so measurement unloaded will not be the same. Might be better to measure with the tongue weight on . I towed my 19 all over the country with a Tacoma and no WDH. I don't think you find you need it. YMV

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

An adjustable ball hitch is all I have used for past 8 years towing Escapes...I believe 19" is the ideal height setting...

Is it just me or does trailer that look low in the front.

[cpaharley2008]

It does appear that way because the terrain slope is to the rear of the trailer....on level, it is level.

[John in Santa Cruz]

I have a f250 4x4, and use a 2" drop hitch without WDH towing my E21 which is typically pretty close to the trailer's max load, no problems at all.

I probably would just get a separate hitch for the SUV, they aren't expensive.

[Camerman]

I hooked up the trailer to the existing hitch on the F-250 which drops down 1 inch below the stem. Sits perfectly level. Pulled the trailer up to Mt. Rainier and no problems with sway. I am glad I have the WDH/sway bar system for pulling with the Kia Sorrento as sway can be noticeable. Thanks for all the input.

[cpaharley2008]

Looks nice and level.....

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Camerman

I hooked up the trailer to the existing hitch on the F-250 which drops down 1 inch below the stem. Sits perfectly level. Pulled the trailer up to Mt. Rainier and no problems with sway. I am glad I have the WDH/sway bar system for pulling with the Kia Sorrento as sway can be noticeable. Thanks for all the input.

the ball mount that I use with my f250 4x4 has a '2" drop', this means the top of the plate that the ball mounts on is level with the bottom of the 2" receiver tube. A 0" drop ball mount has the mounting plate flush with the top of the reciever tube.

On my truck, which is dead stock and rides on stock size tires, the E21 rides perfectly level. 4x4's ride a little higher than 2x4's.

[MyronL]

Not a fan of these new dashboard gadgets out there trying to park or drive the truck for you. However, for backing up to hitch truck to trailer? My tailgate rear camera has become the indispensable visible aid. Finally smartened up and painted a white stripe so now it's even more better.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Not a fan of these new dashboard gadgets out there trying to park or drive the truck for you. However, for backing up to hitch truck to trailer? My tailgate rear camera has become the indispensable visible aid.....

I feel exactly the same about the "Bed Cam View" in my new F150 when hitching the 5.0, it superimposes a black&white dashed line to the front-center of the bed based on wheel angle. The cam is in the center high-mounted brakelight.

Yep, some contrasting orange tape on the center of the pinbox and Andersen hitch might be in order, too

Another dashboard gadget I'm in love with for my situation .... the button that raises and lowers the tailgate!

end of hijack, back to the world of bumper pulls .....