Hitch shank length
#1
Hitch shank length
I have a 2011 screw with 5.5 box and factory receiver hitch. I am looking to purchase a Reese trunnion bar weight distribution hitch, dual cam, 1,200 lb rated. I haven't been able to find out what length shank I should be using. The length, from the hitch pin to center of ball mount varies on the different shanks. I don't see why I would need a 14" length if I can go a little shorter and keep some weight closer to the truck.
Any help would be appreciated. My trailer is a 26 foot toy hauler.
Any help would be appreciated. My trailer is a 26 foot toy hauler.
#2
I agree with keeping it close! No reason not to go as short as possible except you might get into your trailer slightly quicker when backing in tight spaces.
Etrailer.com has a lot to pick from, with specs.
Etrailer.com has a lot to pick from, with specs.
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mazof150 (01-18-2014)
#3
Thanks, I'm wondering if folks with similar trunnion bar set ups with dual cams can tell me what length shanks they are using. I have talked with Etrailer and other suppliers and it seems like a dart throw at $90 plus for a shank.
#4
Grumpy Old Man
http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66084.html
#5
Be happy to tell, if you want to hear my story... Started with cast iron one from Reese (yes I use the dual-cam straight-line, with my 6K TT). But after a while I thought it was long and gave too much leverage to the trailer, just like your concern.
http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...e/RP54970.html
Then I decided to shorten it up, so I found this welded steel one by Convert-a-ball. I ran with this one for a couple of years until one day I noticed how much it flexed. Heck, I could see a measurable amount of flex just by cranking up the trunnions!
http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Acce...EA%7EBall.aspx
So, I went back to the original Reese.
http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...e/RP54970.html
Then I decided to shorten it up, so I found this welded steel one by Convert-a-ball. I ran with this one for a couple of years until one day I noticed how much it flexed. Heck, I could see a measurable amount of flex just by cranking up the trunnions!
http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Acce...EA%7EBall.aspx
So, I went back to the original Reese.
#6
Member
I went to a local machine shop to have another hole drilled on the adjustable bar. I was able to move it deeper in the hitch a good 2 inches. So the shank is now 2'' closer to the vehicle. They charged me 20$ to do the job.
The shank design can do a difference as well, but if you chose a shank where the ball is close to the vehicle, and have the drawbar drilled, you might find an acceptable setup for you.
My travel trailer is in storage with all the gear, so I cannot take a picture.
The shank design can do a difference as well, but if you chose a shank where the ball is close to the vehicle, and have the drawbar drilled, you might find an acceptable setup for you.
My travel trailer is in storage with all the gear, so I cannot take a picture.
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superdave150 (01-18-2014)
#7
Hmmm, I had wondered about doing such, but I admit I don't know enough about cast iron metallurgy to know if that would be OK.
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#8
Senior Member
Back when I was running without a WDH, I drilled an extra hole so my stainless steel box shank would sit as close to the bumper as possible.
Worked fine and helped with leveraging weight off the front axle, but:
- Couldn't drop the tailgate as far.
- Had to be a little more careful about sharp turns.
Worked fine and helped with leveraging weight off the front axle, but:
- Couldn't drop the tailgate as far.
- Had to be a little more careful about sharp turns.
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superdave150 (01-18-2014)
#9
Thanks all for the responses. Not sure if I'm better off starting a new thread or asking another question here so I will take a gamble.
If your tongue weight is 1,000 lbs, are you better off going with the 1,200 lb weight distribution bars which have a range of 600 to 1,200 lbs or should one go with the 1,500 lb bars which have a range of 800 to 1,500 lbs. Not sure if better to be at the lower end of the weight range or higher end when sizing bars. Is there a great stiffness difference between the bars. Hoping someone can tell me what they use. Again, talking with Etrailer and other suppliers it sounds either way is fine.
If your tongue weight is 1,000 lbs, are you better off going with the 1,200 lb weight distribution bars which have a range of 600 to 1,200 lbs or should one go with the 1,500 lb bars which have a range of 800 to 1,500 lbs. Not sure if better to be at the lower end of the weight range or higher end when sizing bars. Is there a great stiffness difference between the bars. Hoping someone can tell me what they use. Again, talking with Etrailer and other suppliers it sounds either way is fine.