larry2c

One thing to keep in mind, when you use a WDH the "pivot point" of the weight distribution is set by the relationship of the hitch ball and where the receiver holds that shank. If you move that hole so you can push the hitch in farther or move it out, you are shifting that pivot point which would change the distribution of the weight.

My shank has two holes and one is labeled 1500# and 1000#. If you slide the shank out farther, it means you are limited to the 1000# tongue weight.

Just something to consider

robertsunrus

Hi, good point larry2c; This new longer shank is rated at: Gross Trailer Weight Rating 14,000 lbs. And Gross Tongue Weight of 1,400 lbs. I will be drilling a new pin hole two inches farther inward. This will give me four inches more room for my truck's tail gate. [compared to the original shank] My trailer is 6,300 lbs. max rated and about 900 lbs. tongue weight, so I should be good.

robertsunrus

Hi, well today I started to drill my shank. I started with a small 1/8" pilot hole to make sure the larger drill would stay centered. Next I went to use my 5/8" drill bit. My little home style drill press couldn't handle it. And the hole should be actually a bit larger than 5/8" so I brought my shank to a local hitch shop and asked them to drill the pin hole for me and I asked them to cut 1" off of the end of the shank. As marked, moving the pin hole inward by 2"s, let the end of the shank touch my spare tire. I will pick it up tomorrow. The shop called me and said it was done. They also advised that using the original hole after these modifications could cause failure. I know that and I might just plug the original hole just to be safe.

RedAggie03

I've been thinking about doing this exact same thing, but I was a bit worried about adding extra length at such a critical point. I'm interested to see how it works and if you have enough clearance. I was also thinking about clocking my power tongue jack for a bit more room. Post pictures when you are done!

robertsunrus

Hi, today I picked up my shank and it looks good. I also bought some grade eight washers for my hitch. The mounting bolt washers were bent inward. My tongue jack is already in the position with the best clearance. We went hiking today at Silver Falls so I will attempt to put my hitch back together tomorrow and I will definitely post more pictures.

raisin

I would like to do the same, but I would need a 5 1/2" drop because my trailer is low with dropped axles. I now have one same length as your with 8 bolt holes. My shank is 14" long by 12" high. I'm using lowest holes for hitch head.

16" long with same drop would be perfect but don't see one. Hitch jack head came turned from factory so I added one washer under front of jack pad, may try couple more to tilt jack head back. While on trip I have used jack to raise truck and trailer to create space for tailgate.

robertsunrus

Hi, today I got my hitch all put together. I previously shortened my chains and had to put them back the way they were from the factory. No cutting, but only remove a pin and move my hook by two links. My umbilical cord was wrapped around my tongue jack, so I re-routed it too. I now have 3 3/4"s clearance for my tail gate. My original shank did not completely go through my receiver, but the new one does by about a 1/4". Next trip will most likely be in December.

RedAggie03

I assume you re-measured and adjusted your WDH right? The extra leverage effectively makes the tongue weight higher a bit? I like the idea and all, but I'm just thinking about what the negative effects might be. Looks great. I see you clocked you power lift as well, was it like that before?

robertsunrus

Hi, yes I did make a slight adjustment on my hitch. This is the only way this tongue jack will fit. I have another tongue jack, but hopefully will never need it. My spare tongue jack can and most likely will need to be turned. I know that they recommend having the ball as close to the tow vehicle as possible, but many people are using longer shanks without any problems. This is one of the reasons that I moved it inward by 2"s. I think, but could be wrong, that I had no problems towing my trailer for ten years with a 119" wheel base and now with a 145" wheel base. So I think that the fact that I added 4"s to my set-up with a gain of 26" of wheel base, it should be fine.

ambush

Well at least your not doing this