Question regarding tongue weight

[Mikerkelly]

Hey everyone,

I recently bought this hitch basket to store some extra gear on while camping. It's the same one on the Ford accessory site but I saved like $200 by going through Amazon with the manufacturer part number.

CURT 18151 60 x 20-Inch Basket... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JF5HR7K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

My issue with it is that the Sasquatch tire is too large to allow opening the swing gate without taking off the basket.

I need to drop it by maybe an inch or two.

My questions are
1) Any recommendations on an affordable hitch drop?
2) Would dropping it effect tongue weight at all?

I know that the max tongue weight of the Bronco is 350lbs. The basket supports 500lbs and weighs ~60lbs so I'd never plan on exceeding 200-250lbs of gear just to be safe, but was wondering if somebody here knows if a hitch drop to allow the swing gate to open would further impact the max tongue weight.

Thanks in advance to anybody willing to dish out some education.

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[rtazz17]

I dont see how it would. An extension drops the tongue weight. There is some calculation for that.

 

[MnLakeBum]

Here’s some info on your question.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-21274.html

 

[Mikerkelly]

Here’s some info on your question.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-21274.html

Appreciate the link but it's for an extender as opposed to a drop. Not sure if the results would be the same.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

You'd be changing the geometry a bit by doing so and it might affect the torque applied from the weight of the basket/stuff, but dropping it by an inch or two shouldn't make enough of a difference to really be a risk. Just keep a small cushion between loaded weight and tongue weight limit (which you were already doing) and you'll be fine.

 

[Mikerkelly]

You'd be changing the geometry a bit by doing so and it might affect the torque applied from the weight of the basket/stuff, but dropping it by an inch or two shouldn't make enough of a difference to really be a risk. Just keep a small cushion between loaded weight and tongue weight limit (which you were already doing) and you'll be fine.

Thank you, ultimately I had an idea this would be the answer just wasn't sure.

 

[BigHoof]

How much weight do you plan on placing in the basket?

 

[Mikerkelly]

How much weight do you plan on placing in the basket?

An ice chest, some recovery gear, and maybe some wood for a campfire. I don't think I'd even exceed 200lbs if I'm being honest.

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