Best Drop Hitch for 6” Lifted Truck | Proven Fit & Safety

A truck with a 6” lift typically needs a drop hitch between 8” and 11” to keep the trailer level and avoid sway, brake imbalance, or frame stress.

Drop Hitch Fitment Guide for 6” Lifted Trucks

When your truck is lifted 6 inches and running 35–37” tires, your hitch receiver likely sits 27 inches or more off the ground. 

That extra height creates a gap between your receiver and trailer coupler—and unless you close that gap with a properly sized drop hitch, you’re asking for trouble. Here’s what you need to know:

• Measure, don’t guess: Subtract trailer coupler height from receiver height and add 2” for trailer squat.

• Most setups need: A drop hitch in the 8–11” range for level towing.

• Use adjustable models: Ideal if you tow different trailers or loads.

• Match the specs: Tongue weight, GTW, and receiver size must fit your actual setup.

• Avoid bad advice: Forum tips often miss key factors like tire size, trailer type, and terrain.

• Choose strength over style: Steel, dual pins, anti-rattle design, and USA-made hitches matter more than a glossy finish.

You don’t get a second chance at safe towing—so getting this one detail right makes everything else work better. 

What follows will help you make sure you never guess again.

What Does a 6-Inch Lift Actually Change About Your Truck?

Lifting your truck changes more than just how it looks, it alters the geometry of your entire towing setup. 

If your hitch height is off, even by a couple inches, it can lead to major problems on the road.

1. The Real Height Difference From Stock to Lifted

When you add a 6-inch lift and step up to 35” or 37” tires, you're raising your hitch receiver by 8–10 inches over stock height. 

A factory truck receiver might sit around 19–21 inches from the ground. Add a 6” suspension lift plus oversized tires, and your receiver can easily hit 27 inches or more. 

That kind of jump means your trailer won’t sit level unless you use a properly sized drop hitch.

2. Why That Matters When You Tow

A slight tilt in your trailer can lead to sway, poor brake response, and uneven axle pressure. Even a 2" mismatch throws off balance. 

Whether it’s a short trip or a 600-mile haul, a level trailer is non-negotiable, your drop hitch must match your new ride height.

That’s why understanding how much height you’ve gained is the first step. Next comes knowing exactly how much drop you need to get it right.

Finding the Right Drop Size Isn’t a Guess – Here’s How to Measure It

Adjustable Drop Hitch - How To

Choosing the right drop hitch isn’t about guessing based on lift height or tire size, it’s about measuring your setup with precision. 

Get it wrong, and you risk sway, uneven weight distribution, and costly damage. Here’s how to dial it in.

How to Use Tape and Math to Get an Exact Drop

Grab a tape measure and take two simple measurements:

1. Measure from the ground to the top of your truck’s hitch receiver.

2. Measure from the ground to the bottom of your trailer coupler.

Now subtract the trailer coupler height from the receiver height. 

That difference is your required drop. For example, if your receiver is at 27” and your trailer coupler sits at 17”, you’ll need a 10” drop.

Don’t forget to factor in trailer squat. 

Once loaded, your trailer may drop 1–2 inches. Adding 2” to your measured drop ensures a more accurate match once everything is hitched and loaded.

Common Fitments for 6” Lifted Trucks with 35–37” Tires

Most 6” lifted trucks on 35” to 37” tires need a drop hitch in the 8” to 11” range. 

But remember, tire size, trailer type, and load all matter. That’s why adjustable drop hitches are the go-to solution for most setups. 

They let you adapt to different trailers and changes in weight, making one hitch work for multiple rigs.

Once you’ve measured your setup, the next step is choosing a hitch built to handle that drop without compromising safety or strength.

Helpful Resource → How to Measure Hitch Drop: Step-by-Step Guide for Safer Towing

Best-in-Class Drop Hitch for 6” Lifted Trucks from Proven Industries

When it comes to towing with a 6” lifted truck, the Hyper Hitches M355 Adjustable Drop Hitch from Proven Industries stands out as a top-tier choice. Crafted in the USA, this hitch is designed to handle the demands of lifted vehicles, ensuring safety and stability on the road.

Key Features:

• Adjustable Drop Sizes: Available in 4", 6", 8", or 10" drops, allowing you to match the exact height difference between your truck and trailer.

• Dual Ball Mounts: Equipped with both 2" and 2-5/16" solid alloy steel balls, catering to various trailer coupler sizes.

• Robust Construction: Features dual 5/8" solid stainless steel pins and is 100% robotically welded for maximum strength.

• High Towing Capacity: Rated for up to 12,500 lbs GTW on the 2-5/16" ball and 8,000 lbs on the 2" ball, with a maximum tongue weight of 1,250 lbs.

• Durable Finish: Comes with a powder coat finish to resist corrosion and wear.

This hitch is a reliable solution for those seeking a durable and adjustable option to accommodate the height differences introduced by a 6” lift.

That level of engineering is exactly what you need, because towing with a lifted truck introduces challenges a standard hitch simply can’t solve.

Looking for a powder coated Drop Hitch?

Why Lifted Trucks Need Drop Hitches (And What Happens If You Guess Wrong)

Lifting your truck creates a gap between your hitch and the trailer’s coupler, and that gap has real consequences. 

If your trailer isn’t riding level, you’re not just risking an awkward connection; you’re compromising the entire towing experience.

The Purpose of a Drop Hitch

Think of towing like a handshake between two machines, your truck and your trailer. If one hand is way higher than the other, that handshake becomes awkward, ineffective, and strained. 

That’s exactly what happens when your lifted truck sits higher than your trailer coupler.

Let’s say your truck’s hitch sits at 27” off the ground and your trailer tongue is 16”. That’s an 11” mismatch, and it needs to be corrected with the right drop hitch to bring them back into alignment.

Drop Hitches Prevent These Common Issues

A properly sized drop hitch keeps your trailer level, which helps:

• Prevent trailer sway at highway speeds, especially during crosswinds or lane changes.

• Ensure surge brakes engage smoothly and consistently.

• Distribute weight evenly across your axles, reducing stress on rear suspension.

• Minimize uneven tire wear caused by dragging or misalignment.

Without a drop hitch, all these problems become more likely, and more dangerous.

But getting the height right is only part of the equation, what you choose and how you choose it makes all the difference in real-world towing safety.

Avoid These Expensive Mistakes When Choosing a Drop Hitch

Drop hitches aren’t one-size-fits-all, and guessing based on someone else’s setup can cost you time, money, and safety. 

Here’s how to avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes we see from lifted truck owners.

1. Don’t Trust Forums Blindly, Measure Your Setup Instead

It might sound convenient to go with what someone else used, but every towing setup is different. We’ve seen customers order an 8” drop hitch based on a tip from a fellow truck owner, only to find out their low-profile boat trailer needed an 11” drop. 

That misfit led to a return, lost time, and frustration. Measure your own rig. Always.

2. Why Over-Dropping Is Just as Bad as Under-Dropping

Getting a hitch with too much drop doesn’t mean you’re playing it safe. 

In fact, over-dropping creates excess leverage on your hitch receiver, which can reduce steering control and put unnecessary stress on your frame. The goal is level, not lower.

3. The Wrong Material Can Rust or Fail

If you tow in snowy or coastal environments, corrosion matters. 

Aluminum hitches resist rust but don’t match steel’s strength in heavy-duty applications. For strength and longevity, especially on a 6” lift, steel is often the better bet. 

Always check for a Class 4 or Class 5 rating, and make sure the tongue weight capacity exceeds your trailer’s needs.

Avoiding common pitfalls is step one, but knowing which features actually improve your towing experience is how you make the smartest investment in your setup.

Drop Hitch Features That Actually Matter for Lifted Trucks

Not all drop hitches are created equal, especially when your truck is lifted and your trailer is loaded. The right features make all the difference in performance, safety, and long-term reliability. 

Here's what to look for beyond the basic drop measurement.

1. Dual Ball Mounts and Hitch Pins, What You Really Need

If you tow more than one trailer, you’re probably switching between 2” and 2-5/16” ball sizes. 

A dual ball mount makes this quick and seamless without needing separate hitches. And when it comes to security, don’t rely on cheap hardware. 

Use stainless steel locking pins, they resist corrosion, prevent theft, and reduce wobble during long hauls.

2. Anti-Rattle Systems and Deep Receiver Fit – For Long Hauls

Nothing’s worse than hearing a rattle for 500 miles. 

Many drop hitches suffer from “slop”, that loose fit inside the receiver tube that gets worse over time. 

Look for hitches with anti-rattle systems, dual pin holes for a tighter fit, and thick shanks that insert deep into the receiver. 

These design elements keep your setup quiet, strong, and secure.

The right drop hitch isn’t just about height, it’s about strength, fit, and long-term durability. Prioritize these key features, and your hitch will work as hard as your truck does, mile after mile.

Hitches are way too expensive to let a thief have yours.

Final Advice: If You’re Still Unsure – We’re Here to Help

Choosing the right drop hitch for a truck with a 6” lift doesn’t need to be a gamble. 

Proven Industries offers precision-built, USA-made drop hitches designed to handle the exact demands of lifted setups. 

With adjustable drops, heavy-duty materials, and smart engineering, our Hyper Hitches take the guesswork out of towing. 

If you’re unsure which size or model fits your rig, our team is here to guide you toward the right solution, so you can tow level, tow safe, and never look back.