I'm picking up a U-Haul 5x8 tomorrow for a job I can't quite handle with just the F150.

Just wanted to ask if anyone here knows what size drop hitch I need for my stock '06 F-150.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Depends on the height of the trailer tongue.

Most newer F150s do well with 2"-4" drop. If I were to guess a 5x8 utility trailer will sit nice and level with a 4" drop.

 

It also equally depends on what truck you have Chris.
The 4x4 sets a little higher than a 4x2, and if you got some big ole tires on it that will raise your receiver even more.

A stock 4x2 would be better with a 2" drop, and since it sounds like you are gonna load the bed and trailer, the hitch will squat even more.
It's better to start with the tongue a little high when 'empty'.
Then everything straightens out when fully loaded.

If you start out empty and level,
then you either squat or reload more behind the trailer axle which ain't so good.

The only 'rule' U-haul has is you can't have the tongue above 25 inches.

 

Truck is a stock 4x4 Lariat with the 20" Factory wheels and Pirelli tires.

I'm leaning towards the 4" hitch now. I'm going to go to Autozone tomorrow morning and buy the 4" drop and 2" ball, and the U-Haul is literally 200 feet from Autozone, so I can always run back and return it for the 2" drop if the 4 doesn't work.

 

I ended up calling my buddy and borrowing his hitches. He gave me a 2" drop and a 5 2/8" drop. I'll see tomorrow which works better. Knowing my luck I'll probably need the size in between.

 

I recommend at least a 4" drop for your truck with that trailer. I towed one of those from Maryland to Florida a few years ago and I think U-Haul recommended having that particular trailer "dip down" a little bit rather then sit level. My truck is a few inches higher then a stock 4x4 and I have a 4" drop down. It did fine on the trip but I made sure I loaded all the heavy weight up near the front.

 

I use a 4" drop for everything so far, 2" isn't enough, never has been.

 

I checked my answering machine about an hour ago, U-haul screwed me over big time. The jerk tells me they won't have any trailers that meet my needs available tomorrow.

Eff' that. Looks like I will be using the Suburban instead of the F150.

 

If you had one reserved, and they do not have it when you go to pick it up. They usually give you an upgrade. (A bigger trailer)

 

It's a small location, they only have about 2-3 5x8's and thats it. They did offer me a killer deal on a van or truck but I'll make do with the Suburban.

 

U-Haul is notorious for pulling B.S. on reservations. I have no faith in them, but I still use them when nobody else has what I want.
The other 'SCAM' they pull is calling 8 hour period a 'DAY'. 9AM to 5PM is a 'DAY' in some cases. You need to confirm in advance if you are getting 8 hours or 24 hours on the rate.
I did buy my last hitch from them. They had the best price on parts and labor. I am surprised you chose to buy your hitch elsewhere.
I use a 2.75" drop on my 2WD. I agree that a 4" drop is likely a better choice on the 4WD. I would have gone to U-Haul and asked them to put the trailer near the bumper so you could see where you need to be.
Good luck.

 

Solve it with an adjustable hitch
I use this one and keep a battery impact wrench with 3/8 drive to adjust it
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006V8O10?...0&linkCode=asn
We use easy switch ***** also
It is only class III however