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  1. #1
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    How big of a drop hitch? RT188

    I am headed back to the US in a month and I got a 2013 Ranger RT188 that I have bought sitting at a dealer. I have to drive about 4 hours to get the boat so I won't have the option to see what size I need before I head to pick up the boat so I am looking for your input.

    i am driving a stock 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 with a hitch, how much of a drop hitch do I need to tow the boat? I am guessing maybe 5-6" drop but if anyone as a similar setup, your experience will help me a lot.

    Also just to confirm Ranger uses a 2" ball on all its trailers right?

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    #2
    Also what pin setup do the trailers have for wiring? 4 pin blade or the bigger 7 pin?

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    #3
    4 pin flat unless you're getting the optional brakes then it'll be 5 flat. Yes on the 2" coupler. I can't help on the Ram 3500 drop. My Tundra towed well with a 2" drop, my Ridgeline takes a 3" and I'm using a 3 1/4. I'd try and get the top of the ball between 18-20" before you leave the house. You should be good there.

    I'm sure that 3500 has a standard 7 pin round. You may want to pick up an adapter like this? You'll always be able to go.


    https://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Optronics/A57WB.html

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    #4
    2wd or 4wd?

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    #5
    I'm using a 5 1/4'' drop on my 2016 2500 4x4 and it really could use about a 7'' to get the trailer level. Best thing to do is level the trailer and measure how much you need. Unless someone here has the exact same setup they'll just be guessing.

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    #6
    If someone provided him a measurement from level ground with the boat sitting level he could take it from there.

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    #7
    ^ yeah what he said.

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    #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Transom View Post
    If someone provided him a measurement from level ground with the boat sitting level he could take it from there.
    Ya for sure.

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    #9
    I pull with a chevy 2500 4X4 stock with 18" factory wheels and use a 2" drop and boat is fairly level if that helps any ..

    It's all good !
    2016 Ranger RT188 White
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    #10
    Its a 4x4 and yes I have a round 7 pin on the truck.

    And great idea if someone doesn't have the same setup to see the height of the tongue from the ground sitting level!

  11. Member Obsessed's Avatar
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    #11
    Just went and measured. The bottom of the tongue is 17 1/2 inches off the concrete jacked up off the Tahoe I pull it with. It takes about 3 inches up to get it off the ball....so.....about 14 1/2 inches from the ground to the bottom of the tongue (or top of the drop hitch...not the ball) is what I got.
    2017 Ranger RT188, Dual Console, Crystal Red Metallic, Mercury 115 Pro XS Four Stroke, Command Thrust with Tempest 24P, 52 MPH GPS @ 5200 RPM
    Motor Guide 80 lb Xi5 Pin Point/GPS , Lowrance HDS 7 w/Totalscan @ Console, Lowrance Elite 7 TI @ Bow; Romans 6:23

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    #12
    Thanks Obsessed! That gets me close at least.

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    #13
    The RT188 owners manual says "With the trailer attached to the tow vehicle,the base of the ball should be 16" to 18" from the ground loaded."
    2016 Ranger RT188, Yamaha 115 sho, dual console, 80# Ultrex, hotfoot, networked HB Solix 10 & Helix 9, Mega 360. Powertech NRS3 18p, Atlas 4" jack plate.

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    #14
    Even better Pagregss

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    #15
    my hitch height is 17 and the top of the ball is about 20 unloaded. the trailer is level by eye after hooked up and the truck squats.

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    #16
    Ok. Thanks guys. My receiver sits right at 24" right now so it looks like I need about a 5-6" drop hitch

  17. Member Obsessed's Avatar
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    #17
    Quote Originally Posted by 93ls1rx7 View Post
    Ok. Thanks guys. My receiver sits right at 24" right now so it looks like I need about a 5-6" drop hitch
    I would want the boat up in the front versus down in the front when towing. If it was me, I would use googlemaps and locate a local auto parts store or Wal-Mart where you are picking up the boat and stop by and pick up the 5 inch drop, go try it, and if it is too high or low run back over and swap it out. Remember to take a big enough wrench (or pipe wrench) and cheater with you to install and remove the ball onto the drop hitch.
    2017 Ranger RT188, Dual Console, Crystal Red Metallic, Mercury 115 Pro XS Four Stroke, Command Thrust with Tempest 24P, 52 MPH GPS @ 5200 RPM
    Motor Guide 80 lb Xi5 Pin Point/GPS , Lowrance HDS 7 w/Totalscan @ Console, Lowrance Elite 7 TI @ Bow; Romans 6:23