How to Adjust the Height on a Tow Hitch
Tow hitches on tall pickup trucks typically need to be lowered for pulling most items. Cars and small trucks have hitches that are close to the ground and need additional height to pull items without the tongue being too close to the ground. A drop/raise hitch adjusts the height on any vehicle.
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Instructions
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1
Remove the cotter pin from the existing tow hitch by pulling it straight out.
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2
Straddle the hitch and grasp it with one hand on each side. Pull the hitch straight out to remove it from the vehicle's receiver.
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3
Slide a drop/raise hitch into the receiver and line up the holes. Move the extra length up to raise the hitch height and down to lower the hitch height. Push the cotter pin in place through the hitch and receiver to hold the hitch in place.
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4
Pull the cotter pins out of the side of the drop/raise hitch with one hand while supporting the ball with the other hand. Slide the ball up or down to the correct height while lining up the holes in the ball assembly and the hitch.
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5
Push each cotter pin into the hitch to hold it in position.
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6
Place the tongue on the towing item onto the ball.
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7
Turn the cranking handle on the towing item tongue clockwise to lower it on to the ball.
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Slide the locking latch on the tongue to lock the ball in the tongue. Continue turning the cranking handle until the bottom lifts from the ground and all of the weight of the towed item is on the ball.
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9
Observe the position of the ball and tongue to ensure they are horizontal to the ground.
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10
Adjust the ball height on the drop/raise hitch if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
When towing a boat, trailer or any other item the tongue on the towed vehicle should sit on the ball so it is horizontal to the ground. Towing items with the tongue lower or higher than horizontal will place stress on the vehicle.
Always attach the safety chains before towing a vehicle to keep the towed items safe in case of a hitch malfunction.
Tongues that are too close to the ground will drag on the road when hitting bumps and can cause accidents.
