This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission for purchases made through the links. Learn More
No doubt that a Drop hitch is super helpful in giving you a stable towing experience. However, the question is what size of drop hitch you are going to need for a 6-inch lift? This is where the actual confusion starts.
Well, it depends on the original or stock height of your vehicle. However, the drop hitch size of 8 to 10 inches will work fine. However, you must account for the size and height of the tires that you are using in your vehicle.
This was a brief introduction, but I have got a lot more information to share with you. In case you are about to use the drop hitch for 6 6-inch lift, this guide is going to be a must-read.
Related Article: What is the RAM 2500 Hitch Receiver Size?
What is Drop Hitch, and why is it important?
Drop hitch is an extremely helpful tool for drivers who tow trailers etc. with their vehicles. Sometimes, you drive a vehicle that is slightly higher and the trailer remains at a lower position. This difference of height between the trailer, and the vehicle causes sway and instability.
To cope with this issue of height difference between the trailer and vehicle, the drop hitch is used which allows you to tow the trailer at perfect height. This drop hitch gives you a connection point at a lower height (not too low though).
So, you connect the trailer and vehicle at a lower connection by eliminating the height difference. If there remains a height difference between the towed trailer and the towing vehicle, then the trailer will drag down, causing sway, lack of control, and instability.
Keep in mind that the trailer dragging too low can be lethal. However, the drop hitch makes life easier by allowing you to tow the trailer at perfect height.
Due to this lower connection point that the drop hitch provides, the sway, and instability get eliminated, and you end up getting a very stable towing experience without any sort of sway. So, no sway means that you will be able to drive safely and get maximum performance.
Also Read: What Size Receiver Hitch for F250?
What Size Drop Hitch for 6 Inch Lift?
The size of the drop hitch majorly depends on the lift of your vehicle. For the 6-inch vehicle lift, the drop hitch size of 8 to 10 inches would be perfect. It also depends on the size of the tire that you’re using in your vehicle.
It is important to note that different height tires are available in the market which can change the size of the drop hitch. To make it more precise, I am giving a table that shows the variety of hitch drop sizes with different tire sizes.
| Vehicle Lift (inches) | Tire Size (Inches) | Drop Hitch Size (Inches) |
| 6 inches | 33 inches | 8 inches |
| 6 inches | 35 inches | 10 inches |
| 6 inches | 37 inches | 13 inches |
The word lift might be a bit confusing to you. Let me make it more clear and simple. Some people love to modify their vehicles, so add such suspensions and bigger tire sizes (height) that give the vehicle a lift. The usage of such suspensions and bigger tires gives vehicles a lift.
The lift changes the height of the vehicle, which affects the angle at which the trailer is being towed. If the hitch is not adjusted properly, it can cause the trailer to be unbalanced and sway while in motion.
Summary: For a 6-inch lift and 35-inch tires, a drop hitch with a 10-inch drop should be used. This will ensure that the trailer is level and safe to tow. If the tired size is 33 inches, then you should choose the drop hitch size of 8 inches. Moreover, if the tire size is 37 inches, you must go with a hitch drop size of 13 inches as given in the above table.
Related: What Size Drop Hitch for F150?
What factors should be considered when selecting a drop hitch for a lifted truck?
Keep in mind that choosing a suitable drop hitch is very important for lifted trucks. The reason is that it gives you stability, and control on the towing. However, there are a few factors that must be kept in mind while choosing the drop hitch size for the lift truck.
In the section below, I am going to give an overview of those factors so that you make an informed decision.
1- Vehicle Type and Towing Capacity
Before using or even buying the drop hitch, make sure to know the towing capacity of your vehicle. Keep in mind that every drop hitch comes with its specification and weight handling capacity. So, I highly recommend you buy or use the drop hitch which is capable of handling the weight of your trailer.
Not to Forget: The type of vehicle you have can also affect the size of the drop hitch you need. For example, a truck with a high bed will require a larger drop hitch than a car or SUV.
2- Trailer Height and Level
As you know the the drop hitch works to give you better height, and stability by managing the height difference between the trailer and the vehicle. So, you’ll have to measure the distance from the ground to the top of the trailer coupler to determine the correct size of the drop hitch.
By knowing this height, you will be able to choose a drop hitch that gives you the perfect height where you will tow both trailer and vehicle. This is the best way to know the exact size of the drop hitch as you’ll know the exact height difference between your trailer, and your vehicle.
3- Hitch Receiver Size
This is common, I mean I should not be telling you this now. You should always consider the compatibility of the drop hitch and the hitch receiver. Most hitch receivers are either 2 inches or 2.5 inches, so be sure to choose a drop hitch that matches the size of your receiver. The drop hitch is useless if it is not compatible with the hitch receiver.
I have already written a complete guide on the topic: How to Measure Trailer Hitch Drop or Rise? By reading this guide, you will get a better understanding of how you can measure the trailer that drops or rises, and use the drop hitch according to the drop and rise. It is a must-read for you.
Adjustable vs. Fixed Drop Hitch – Which one is better for the lifted truck?
Well, I prefer an adjustable drop hitch over a fixed one for lifted trucks or any other vehicle as it allows better adjustability. Such adjustable drop hitches will work with different vehicles no matter if you have a heavy-duty truck or small SUV. They also allow you to adjust the height if you use different tires.
For example, if you use two different-sized tires such as 33 inches, and 35 inches, by using the adjustable drop hitch, you will be able to adjust the hitch and tow the trailer quite comfortably without having to be worried.
However, there is an issue with adjustable drop hitches. The prices of the adjustable drop hitches are on the higher side which could be a big problem for those people who have tight money. However, investing in adjustable drop hitches is always profitable as they give you a better towing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no exact drop hitch that I could recommend because the size of the drop hitch depends on such as the height of the lift, the weight of the trailer, and the type of hitch receiver on the truck.
You can estimate the drop hitch size by measuring the hitch height of your truck to the ground and the trailer height when you retrieve your boat from storage. Then, subtract the trailer height from the hitch height.
A drop hitch size of 13 inches is suitable for a 6-inch lift if you are using a 37-inch tire size.
There isn’t a standard size, as it depends on your specific truck and trailer combination. However, common drop hitch sizes range from 2″ to 12″. It’s essential to measure your truck and trailer to determine the appropriate size.
Yes, the lifted trucks do need a hitch depending on the height of the hitch receiver and the height of the trailer coupler. If the trailer is too low, a drop hitch may be necessary to level it with the hitch receiver.
An adjustable drop hitch is always beneficial due to its versatility. It allows you to change the drop height to match various trailer heights. This flexibility makes it suitable for towing different trailers with varying hitch heights.
Wrapping Up
Knowing the size of the drop hitch is very important. If you choose the wrong size of drop hitch, you’ll face serious consequences in the likes of instability, and uncontrolled sway. In this article, I have explained the different sizes of drop hitch so that you can make a solid decision while choosing the size. Hopefully, this guide will debunk all the confusion present in your mind.
I’m Ahmad – the owner of this website and the writer of this post. I’ve spent 15 years in the automotive industry, especially among the hitches. What you’re reading is the experience of my 15 years.