Best Drawbar length

[Dudley]

I want to get a drawbar for my factory 2 inch receiver in case I need to tow something like a small u-haul trailer or something similar. I was considering a Reese from Amazon and found a 9 inch shank but although can't find it now I think I found a 6 inch shank also. Which is better for light towing and ease of turning radius? I know 9 inch would give more turning radius but it also puts trailer back further. I guess I could use the 9 inch and drill another hole about two inches from the one on it to make it shorter if the trailer tongue is long. Your thoughts!!!

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[Johnkn]

You generally want the shortest “ball mount” that will allow your trailer to turn without interference in order to keep the weight on the ball as close to the truck as possible.


Good luck

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[Hot Runr Guy]

I ended-up buying this one for my Mav. The receiver is pretty deep, and even with the "full" size spare option, this insert does not contact the tire, it maybe sticks out the (front) side a 1/2" or so, using the forward hole.

HRG

 

[Dudley]

I ended-up buying this one for my Mav. The receiver is pretty deep, and even with the "full" size spare option, this insert does not contact the tire, it maybe sticks out the (front) side a 1/2" or so, using the forward hole.

HRG

I like the double hole. Looks perfect!

 

[Dudley]

I like the double hole. Looks perfect!

But, since this one does not include a pin I think I will go with the 7.5 inch version with a pin that saves money and will do fine for us as a happy medium between 6 and 10.
https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45033-C...40-b3ab-3bef66199da3&pd_rd_i=B0049CNYZS&psc=1

 

[Micheal]

Just a little warning note. You should probably not keep the trailer hitch on when not in use. Theft is possible. But years ago while backing out of a parking spot, my hitch "popped" under the bumper of the car behind. Not good. Also, when backing the Maverick, the hitch will contact before the solid beep sound.

 

[Dudley]

Just a little warning note. You should probably not keep the trailer hitch on when not in use. Theft is possible. But years ago while backing out of a parking spot, my hitch "popped" under the bumper of the car behind. Not good. Also, when backing the Maverick, the hitch will contact before the solid beep sound.

I have never left the drawbar in when not in use, not only due to a possibility of theft but the rattle annoys me ... and I have smacked my chins on enough of those left in when going between cars in a parking lot!!!

 

[Dudley]

Thanks, everyone, for your advice. Given I am FWD and do not have the towing pkg, according to Ford's towing guide I should not tow anything weighing more than 2,000 lbs loaded I don't really need a 6,000 or 7,500 load rated drawbar!!! And since our towing anything will be few and far in-between and both Reese and Curt are made in China, I wonder if the others on Amazon with a lower weight rating from Chinese named companys but look the same would work also.

 

[Chicolini]

Good luck trying to drill a hole in a receiver! That is some serious steel in there.

I don't think the length makes much of a difference when you are limited to 2K. A short trip to Tractor Supply will provide your solution. Enjoy!

 

[Dudley]

Good luck trying to drill a hole in a receiver! That is some serious steel in there.

I don't think the length makes much of a difference when you are limited to 2K. A short trip to Tractor Supply will provide your solution. Enjoy!

Yea, rethought my drilling thought, and thought it was a bad thought, so that thought is no longer a thought!!!
I have not checked Tractor Supply but did look at Harbor Freight and by the time get a draw bar and then have to buy a ball and pin separately, it is more than the Curt on in my Amazon Cart (28 and change). I "googled" TS and they like their drawbars! Will stick with Amazon's prices. Besides, closest TS is over ten miles away.

 

[Chicolini]

I have not checked Tractor Supply but did look at Harbor Freight and by the time get a draw bar and then have to buy a ball and pin separately, it is more than the Curt on in my Amazon Cart (28 and change). I will "google" TS.

TSC has a great web site and will tell you if your local store has the item you want in stock.

I am a big Fan of TSC - during the Covid lock downs, TSC was the only place where you could use rest rooms! At my age having a rest room available is essential for road trips.

 

[JimParker256]

I haven't looked lately (I already have a drawbar), but E-Trailer.com usually has a lot of options at very competitive prices. They also have experts available to answer your questions, should you have any.

 

[Dudley]

Got to thinking; use some of my 42,000 FordPass Reward points through ford accessories; 7000 points for the drawbar, 7000 for the ball ... and save the money ... except the drawbar is out of stock!!!! GRRRRRR!!!!!!

 

[Bry@n]

I use a 2" weighsafe 4" drop/rise set up. You want to make sure the trailer is level when towing.

 

[Packer Bill]

I use an adjustable hitch too...Curt 45901.

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