(A 4-inch lift usually raises your truck’s hitch height to 22–26 inches, which means most setups need a 6–8 inch drop hitch to keep trailers level. Accurate measurement is the only way to ensure safe towing and avoid instability.
Choosing the Right Drop Hitch for a 4-Inch Lift: Essentials
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Measure correctly: Record your receiver height (loaded & unloaded) and your trailer’s coupler height.
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Use the drop formula: Subtract coupler height from receiver height to find exact drop you need.
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Match common fits: Most lifted trucks with 35-inch tires need a 6–8 inch drop, while low trailers may require 8–10 inches.
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Plan for terrain: Steeper driveways or off-road conditions may call for smaller drops to avoid scraping.
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Consider adjustability: An adjustable hitch covers multiple trailer heights and prevents frequent hitch swaps.
Lifting your truck changes how it tows, from weight balance to sway control.
Learning how to measure and choose properly avoids costly mistakes and keeps your towing smooth. Stick around as this guide helps you find the perfect drop for your 4-inch lift.
Understanding What a 4-Inch Lift Really Means
A 4-inch lift does more than change your truck’s look. It raises the receiver height, shifts towing geometry, and requires careful hitch adjustments to keep your trailer level and stable.
A 4-inch lift usually increases receiver height from 18–20 inches (stock) to 22–26 inches.
Adding larger tires like 35s can raise it another 1–2 inches, which directly impacts how much drop your hitch will need.
Why This Matters for Towing
Lifting your truck raises its center of gravity, making trailers feel less stable and more prone to sway.
If your trailer sits nose-high, tongue weight decreases, which reduces braking efficiency. Too much drop, however, tilts the trailer forward, straining axles and tires.
Stock vs. lifted towing performance in real-world terms
Stock trucks tow in a balanced, factory-engineered geometry where hitch height aligns naturally with most trailers.
A 4-inch lift changes this baseline, requiring precise drop hitch sizing to restore that balance.
Without it, towing feels less predictable, braking distances increase, and trailer sway becomes more likely.
Understanding these factors is the foundation of safe towing with a lifted truck.
Next, we will look at how to calculate the correct drop hitch size for a 4-inch lift so you can tow level and stay in control.
How to Choose the Right Drop Hitch for a 4-Inch Lift
The right drop hitch keeps your trailer level and your tow setup safe. Follow these steps to find the right size for a 4-inch lift.
Step 1: Park on Level Ground
Position your truck and trailer on flat, even ground to ensure accurate measurements.
Step 2: Measure Your Receiver Height
Measure from the ground to the bottom inside of your truck’s hitch receiver. Take this measurement both unloaded and loaded for real-world accuracy.
Step 3: Measure Your Trailer Coupler Height
Measure from the ground to the bottom of your trailer’s coupler when the trailer is level.
Step 4: Calculate Your Drop
Subtract the coupler height from the receiver height. For example, if your receiver is 22 inches and your coupler is 16 inches, you need a 6-inch drop hitch.
Once you know your exact drop measurement, it’s easier to compare it to common setups and see what most lifted truck owners use.
Typical Drop Sizes for 4-Inch Lifts
Trucks with a 4-inch lift and 35-inch tires often need a 6–8 inch drop.
Smaller trailers with low couplers may require 8–10 inches. Many lifted Gladiator and Silverado owners find a 6-inch adjustable hitch works best for everyday towing.
Why Adjustable Hitches Are Worth It
If you tow different trailers or rent frequently, an adjustable hitch saves you from buying multiple fixed hitches.
A well-built U.S.-made adjustable hitch provides the flexibility to handle varying trailer heights while maintaining safe, level towing.
Next, let’s look at why lifted trucks need special hitch considerations and what happens if the drop is wrong.
Helpful Resource → Best Drop Hitch for 6” Lifted Truck | Proven Fit & Safety
Why Lifted Trucks Need Special Hitch Considerations
Check out Hyper Hitches S250 Adjustable Drop Hitch
A 4-inch lift doesn’t just change how your truck looks, it changes how it tows. Here are five key reasons why lifted trucks need extra attention when it comes to hitch setup.
1. Higher Center of Gravity
Lifting your truck raises its center of gravity, which makes it less stable when towing. This can cause more trailer sway, especially at highway speeds or in crosswinds.
2. Tongue Weight Imbalance
When a trailer sits nose-high behind a lifted truck, tongue weight shifts rearward. This reduces the pressure on your hitch and can hurt braking performance, making it harder to stop safely.
3. Increased Hitch Leverage
Longer drop hitches needed for lifted trucks add leverage to your receiver. This puts more strain on the hitch and can also increase the risk of scraping on steep driveways or uneven terrain.
4. Axle and Tire Stress
An incorrect drop angle tilts your trailer, putting extra pressure on axles and leading to uneven tire wear. This not only shortens component life but can also affect handling.
5. Hitch Theft Risks
High-quality adjustable hitches are expensive and often stolen. Use a locking hitch pin, or remove and store your hitch when not in use to prevent theft.
These factors show why hitch setup matters so much for lifted trucks. Next, we’ll look at common mistakes to avoid so your towing setup stays safe and reliable.
Mistakes That Derail Lifted Towing Setups (and How to Avoid Them)
Setting up a lifted truck for towing can go wrong quickly if you overlook key details. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Guessing Instead of Measuring
Many owners assume a 4-inch lift automatically means an 8-inch drop hitch.
In reality, trailer height, tire size, and load weight all affect the correct drop. Measuring your receiver and coupler heights is the only way to get it right.
2. Overpaying for the Wrong Hitch
Not every setup requires a $300+ hitch.
For lighter or occasional towing, a quality 6-inch adjustable hitch like Hyper Hitches often covers most needs without overspending.
Choosing based on what fits your actual measurements saves money.
3. Skipping Suspension or Load-Leveling Support
Rear sag is common when towing heavy loads with a lifted truck.
Airbags or weight distribution hitches help level your truck and keep your hitch angle correct, improving both safety and stability.
5. Ignoring Terrain Challenges
A hitch that works on flat roads may scrape in steep driveways or off-road conditions. Choosing an adjustable hitch with fewer holes reduces bulk and hang-down, making it better suited for uneven ground.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll set up a safer, smoother towing experience.
Bottom Line: Nail Your Measurement, Avoid the Guesswork
The key to safe towing with a lifted truck is accuracy.
Always measure your receiver and trailer coupler heights both loaded and unloaded to get a true picture of what drop hitch you need.
This avoids guesswork and prevents buying the wrong size.
Beyond just the drop, consider factors like hitch theft prevention, driveway clearance, and trailer height differences if you tow multiple trailers.
A reliable, U.S.-made adjustable hitch provides the flexibility to adapt to these changes while keeping your setup level and stable.
Looking for a dependable option? Proven Industries offers precision-built, U.S.-made adjustable drop hitches designed for lifted trucks. Built for strength and durability, they help eliminate sizing guesswork.