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Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar

Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar

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Head assembly and adjustable shank feature a maximum rise of 6-1/2" and a maximum drop of 1-1/4". Head is designed to work with your Reese trunnion-bar weight-distribution system. Includes necessary hardware. 1-800-940-8924 to order Reese accessories and parts part number RP54980 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Reese products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar. Accessories and Parts reviews from real customers.
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  • Reviews (29)
  • Q & A (0)
  • Videos (1)
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Reese Accessories and Parts

  • Weight Distribution Hitch
  • Head
  • Trunnion Bar
  • Reese

Head assembly and adjustable shank feature a maximum rise of 6-1/2" and a maximum drop of 1-1/4". Head is designed to work with your Reese trunnion-bar weight-distribution system. Includes necessary hardware.


Features:

  • Replacement weight-distribution head fits Reese systems with trunnion bars
  • Forged, raised ball platform eliminates need for raised hitch ball
  • Adjustable shank can be used in either drop or rise position
  • Mounting hardware and serrated washers included


Specs:

  • Fits: 2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers
  • Tongue weight: 1,500 lbs
  • Towing weight capacity: 15,000 lbs
  • Distance from center of ball hole to hitch pin hole: 14"
  • Rise: 6-1/2" from top of hitch receiver tube opening
  • Drop: 1-1/4" from top of hitch receiver tube opening
  • Shank bar length: 12-1/4"


54980 Reese Adjustable Weight Distribution Ball Mount for Trunnion Bars

Item # RP54980

Installation Details RP54980 Installation instructions


California residents: click here


Video of Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar

Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.




Video Transcript for Reese Weight Distribution RP54980 Review

Today we'll be reviewing part number RP54980. This is the Reese Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems with Trunnion Bars. It's going to feature a forged raised ball platform that's going to eliminate the need for a raised hitch ball. It's also going to feature an adjustable shank. It's going to have six different mount holes on it. Center-on-center, those are going to be separated by an inch and a quarter. The adjustable shank can be used in either the drop or rise position. The mounting hardware and the serrated washers are included so you're going to get the two large bolts.

You're going to get two serrated washers, one on each side. You're going to get the lock washers and also the nuts that go on the bolts. The serrated washers are great to have because they're going to allow the head to pivot without adding any additional spacers or washers to the unit. This portion here is going to slide into the 2-inch x 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. You're going to push it in until you get your pin holes to line up with one another and then you'll need to install a hitch pin and clip or a hitch pin and lock. Those are going to be sold separately.

You can find those on our website so you can check that out for more options if you don't already have one. It's going to give us a tongue weight capacity of 1500 pounds with a weight distribution trailer weight of 15,000 pounds. We take a measurement from the distance of the center of the ball hole to the center of the hitch pin hole. Since there are two pin holes, I'm going to measure directly in between those pin holes. That's where we're going to get a 14-inch measurement from. With it installed in the rise position, you're going to have a rise of 6-1/2 inches and in the drop position, which is how it's set up, is going to offer a drop of an inch and a quarter. The shank bar length is going to be measuring from the end of the shank to the back of the upright portion of the shank and that's going to give us a measurement of 12-1/4 of an inch. This is made from a solid steel construction.

It has a really nice black powder-coated finish on it so it is going to stand up really well against rust and corrosion. That's going to do it for our review of part number RP54980. This is the Reese Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems with Trunnion Bars. .

Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar - RP54980

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (29 Customer Reviews)

Head assembly and adjustable shank feature a maximum rise of 6-1/2" and a maximum drop of 1-1/4". Head is designed to work with your Reese trunnion-bar weight-distribution system. Includes necessary hardware.

by:

Works as described. Much better than antique version I had. The shaft inserts 2 1/2 inches further into the receiver hitch. The access to tighten nut for the ball is straight in - very good. The ball height adjustment places the ball at correct height. Arrived the day promised. Happy customer.



by:

This year I moved my wife and I accross the continental United States to start a business. In order to do this, I had to borrow my father-in-laws awesome trailer, and with it, everything else I needed to move all our worldly possesions from Colorado to North Carolina.

After arriving in Raleigh, we had the unfortunate reminder that life isn't fair when our trailer hitch was stolen off the truck. So while we moved everything into the new place, I had to scramble around trying to find the part we needed to return the trailer. I had ZERO clue about what had been stolen, and the terminology was a massive hurdle.

I came here, on the good advice by the manufacturer themselves, and they answered my question so quickly. I had a back-and-forth with the wonderful customer service people (multiple, amazing customer service people. Dealt with 3, and all 3 of them were helpful, friendly, informative, and patient with my lack of trailer knowledge.).

So I was missing what turned out to be a Trunnion and Shank, and not only did they help me find this peice of equipment, but they even had the cheapest price! (I know, I looked everywhere)

They got the equipment to me quickly, with free shipping, and it only took a week to get to me! Now I'll never have to tell my father-in-law and maybe wait till christmas to make a fool of myself. Thanks etrailer!



by:

Got exactly what I ordered and in a timely manner.
I have ordered other trailer parts from etrailer and have found them to be very reliable.



by:

As always etrailer has come to my rescue for needed parts and supplies for my travel trailer and pickup truck. I crack the old shank on my 21 years Reese WD system and they were the most affordable and super fast with shipping. Now I could get back on the road and head home out west. You guys are awesome.



by:

It was just what I needed to replace the old worn head and shank. It appears to be built to handle the load of our racing Kart trailer.

Anthony

4/5/2023

It works fine



by:

This hitch replaces an older Reese draw bar and hitch of the same type which I retired due to its age. The draw bar was 25 years old, the head was 10 years old. I'm using it in conjunction with a Reese double cam sway control to tow a 36 ft., 9000 lbs. travel trailer. I'm towing with a GMC 3500 Duramax dually and the set-up is so stable you don't even feel that you are towing. I towed in a 40 mph cross wind and was amazed by the stability. Before the GMC 3500 I used the same hitch with a Suburban 2500, which exhibited some sway in strong wind conditions with the 36 ft. trailer, but towed very stable with a 32 ft. travel trailer.



by:

Was very pleased with how quickly order was delivered. Had obvious approximately 1/8" gap between Weight Distributing Head and hitch bar where bolts go through. Instructions said "Use the shim provided when needed to fill any gap between Weight Distributing Head ..." No shim included. Called etrailer and was told shim kit is optional and on back-order. Seems like shim should be included if needed, or at least a note in product description. RP54980 Replacement Head and Shank. Be advised, may have to make shim.



by:

We were at a complete loss when someone stole our Reese hitch while we were in Yuma, AZ. Reese parts department gave me the part number and Etrailer had it in stock. I spoke with Lori late in the afternoon and explained our situation. Lori, the parts department, and shipping went above and beyond to get it out that day. Long story short, we had it on in a couple days. This is not the first time I've worked with Etrailer, just the first I shared my experience. They always come through for you.



by:

Etrailer had a very fair price and free shipping at the time to boot. Everything was packed very well and email confirmations were sent every step of the way.



by:

I attempted to keep it local and went to buy it from a trailer hitch specialist up the road. They referred me to etrailer. Winning pricing, winning delivery time. Thank you!



by:

I recently ordered a new truck and needed new hitch components.
I asked around with local auto parts distributors but did not get any help.
Draw Tight directed me to their on line distributor. Christine was very helpful. Guided through parts I would need. I placed order and parts were delivered in three days. Excellent service and reasonably priced.



by:

Both items I've ordered in the last couple of weeks arrived very quickly. There were both in the 50lb plus weight range and was packaged correctly. The items were heavy steel hitch hardware so, not much to go wrong there.
etrailer.com is awesome.



by:

I needed this hitch for my camper since we were leaving in 6 days to go on a two week vacation. I got the right hitch and got it even faster than promised! Excellent service.



by:

Exactly what I ordered and I got it very fast. High quality and heavy duty.

Glenn

7/18/2019

Ive had the hitch for a year now and I pull a 3-1/2 ton camper It works great. No problems at all great price and value for such a heavy duty hitch. I only wish I would have bought the smaller ball for the friction brake at the same time. I couldnt find one local and had to order it as well.



by:

Great service, parts arrived when expec ted



by:

Works exactly as expected. Good quality. Fast order fulfillment from etrailer.



by:

Good product. Priced right. But more than that, much thanks to Brittany for keeping on contact and making sure I was informed: My order was significantly delayed due to a back order, she let me know every detail with my order. Thanks a ton, Brittany



by:

Great product. Works as expected. Great quality.



by:

Ordering was easy and all my parts arrived faster than expected.



by:

the part works and the nuts were installed to spec's prior to shipping
thank you, I will order from you all again next time



by:

Quick shipping, great price and excellent product



by:

Great service



by:



by:



by:

Very nicely built. A lot of adjustment available to the product.


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Reese Accessories and Parts

  • Fit of Replacement Trunnion Spring Bars on Reese Weight Distribution Head 54936
    I checked with my technical contact at Reese on the weight distribution head part number 54936 and this item is no longer active. None of the current trunnion bars will work on that head so you'll need to choose a new system for your new trailer. When you select a new system for your new trailer you will want to measure the trailer's fully-loaded TW using a scale like etrailer # e99044 (or using the methods shown in the linked article). To this you need to add the weight of anything in...
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  • If Tongue Weight is at the Spring Bar Max Capacity Does a Weight Distribution System Still Work
    If your tongue rating is right at 1,200 lbs you estimate then I would recommend going to a 1,500 lb spring bar like the Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar # RP58369 since you are probably over your 1,200 lb rating in actuality. A weight distribution system over its capacity will not be effective at all. If you are right at your capacity it's probably a good time to upgrade. I would recommend you determine your tongue weight. Check out the FAQ article I attached that details how to do this.
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  • How High Does the Replacement WD Head # RP58167 Sit When Used with the WD Shank # RP54977
    If you were to use the head from the Replacement Head and Shank # RP54980, (the head only is listed as part # RP58167) with the Reese Titan Weight Dist Shank # RP54977 then the max rise with it in the down position is 4-1/4" while the max rise with it in the upward position is 8-1/4". I went out to the warehouse and found that from the top bolt to where the hitch ball sits on the Reese WD Head # RP58167 measured about 2-1/4". You can use these measurements to help you determine pretty...
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  • Replacement Head for Reese SC Weight Distribution System with Bar Part # 22210
    I've actually spoken with Reese in the past about the part number you have 22210 and they told me that based on that you have an SC system and the replacement head you can use is the part # RP54980.
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  • Replacement Trunnion Bar and Head for Pro Series Weight Distribution
    The Replacement Pro Series Trunnion and Pin for Weight Distribution Systems - Qty 1 # PS54FR is the replacement that will work with your bars. The Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System - Trunnion Bar # RP58167 or the Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar # RP5498.
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  • Replacement Head and Shank for Draw-Tite Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution System
    The most likely head that will fit your Draw-Tite system was 62167 (discontinued) but it does not come with or use pins to hold the trunnion bars in place. If the pin latches look like # 58025 then the head will not be compatible with your spring bars. I have linked a video review of this head for you. For a shank you can use a Reese shank. I have included a link to them for you. If your system is old enough then replacement parts will not be available and the system should be replaced....
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  • Correct Replacement Head and Shank for Reese 1,200 Pound TW Weight Distribution System
    As long as your spring bar arms are Reese trunnion-style bars, the Replacement Head and Shank # RP54980 that you referenced will work great for you. The shank that is included with this head and shank kit is rated for towing capacities up to 15,000 pounds, and this shank is the same shank included with your original trunnion-style weight distribution system. This replacement head and shank will work with all of the Reese trunnion bar weight distribution systems that are rated for 15,000...
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  • Parts Needed for Easy Install of Reese Strait Line System on Second Vehicle
    To install the Strait Line part # RP66083 on a second vehicle you would want the part # RP54980 that you referenced. This will allow you to set the angle of the system properly for the second vehicle as well as the overall height of the head relative to the shank. For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.
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  • Is it Possible to Use a Weight Distribution Replacement Head as a Simple Adjustable Ball Mount?
    I contacted the manufacturer and it technically can be used as an adjustable ball mount, relying on the non-weight distribution ratings of your hitch receiver. This may not be the most visually pleasing option, but it will work. It has a rise of 6-1/2 inches or a drop of 1-1/4 inches and the distance from center of hitch pin hole to the center of the hitch ball is 14 inches. The hitch ball does not come with this replacement head, so you'd need to purchase a 2 inch ball like # 40038 or...
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  • Replacement 1,200 lb Trunnion Reese Weight Distribution Spring Bars
    The part # RP54970 that you referenced is actually a weight distribution shank. If instead you have the part # RP54980 that would include the head of a trunnion bar system as well. Which then for a set of 1,200 lb bars for that you would need the part # RP66009.
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  • Reese WD Hitch Identification Based on Trunnion Bars
    I reached out to my tech contact at Reese and the 21210 bars are a fit for the Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems # RP54980 and are rated for up to 1000 lbs based on what we can find. They said if you look under the bars by where the chains connect there should be an imprinted weight capacity on all their bars. They believe with their cross-referenced numbers you have the 69001 system. I have sent you the installation instructions for that system to help...
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  • Trunnion Bars and Other Parts Needed Turn Reese Head and Shank Into Complete WDH System
    Thank you for providing that information. Based on the tongue weight you will want the Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Reese Weight Distribution System - 1,500 lbs TW # RP58369. These have a tongue weight range of 800-1,500 lbs. You may also need the Reese Replacement Weight Distribution Chain Kit # 3216 and the Replacement Lift Brackets with Handle for Reese Weight Distribution Systems # RP6637. If you want sway control, you can add the Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control...
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  • Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution System
    Thank you for the pictures. The correct replacement head and shank is the # RP54980. This uses a ball with a 1-1/4" diameter shaft so you can use the # 19286 for a 2-5/16" ball or the # A-90 for a 2" ball.
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  • Weight Distribution Recommendation to Replace a Fastway E2 System
    We do not carry Fastway products currently so we don't have a head and shank that would work with your E2 trunnion bars and brackets. You would have to find a Fastway dealer to track down the correct parts to match what you have. A Curt head wouldn't work. By the time you replace those parts you might be better off just buying an entire new system. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready...
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  • 1,200 lb Trunnion Spring Bar Recommendation for Reese Weight Distribution
    For Reese 1,200 lb Trunnion spring bars the part # RP66009 is what you are going to need. This will work well with the shank part # RP54970 that you said you have which I believe with the head is # RP54980.
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  • How to Confirm Compatibility of New Head Assembly with Bars from Older Weight Distribution System
    Weight distribution systems can often be fitted with different spring bars to allow an existing system to be used with a new trailer that has a different tongue weight. However, sometimes the design of the latest systems can differ from older units and make the new parts not compatible with the old. It really comes down to the specific system you have, its age, and whether or not the maker has decided to alter the design since the time your unit was produced. The Reese Replacement Head...
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  • Replacement Head and Shank for a Weight Distribution System
    It sounds like you are looking for the head and shank to a weight distribution system. If this is the case then we have several for you to choose from. However, they are not universal so I would need to know which system you have in order to make sure you get the correct replacement. If there are any part numbers on the spring bars or frame brackets then please send them to me but if not, a photo of the unit would also be very helpful. I have also attached our list of replacement weight...
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    Image 1 for Image 2 for Image 3 for
  • Will Reese Weight Distribution Shank and Head 54994 Fit In Place of the Original 54980
    Most weight distribution heads have mounting holes spaced 3-3/4 inches apart on center. The shanks have holes spaced 1-1/4 inches apart on center. The head part as far as where the trunnions fit is the same as # RP54980. The exact replacement shank and head for a Reese trunnion system with dual-cam sway control that you have is going to be # RP54980.
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  • How to Pick Out Replacement Weight Distribution System for Older Reese Kit
    I do have a solution for you but what you currently have is an older system and unfortunately there are no longer replacement parts for it. The available replacement trunnions will either be too large or too small for the bars that you have now. What you will need to do is replace the entire system at this point. The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes...
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  • 800 Pound Spring Bars for a Fastway E2 Weight Distribution System
    If your tongue weight is 667 pounds then I recommend the 800 pound spring bars, # FA94-02-0899 for a single bar on an E2 round bar system or # FA92-02-0899 for a single 800 pound bar for trunnion bar systems. If you were to use 600 pound bars the system would be overloaded and it will not be effective. I have included some helpful links on weight distribution for you.
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  • Replacement Weight Distribution Head and Shank for Reese 750 Pound Trunnion Spring Bars
    I spoke with my contact at Reese regarding the Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar, # RP54980. He stated that it will work with your existing spring bars. I have included a link to the installation details for this part below.
    view full answer...
  • Weight Distribution System to Replace Older Reese 1,000 Pound System w/o Available Replacement Parts
    I do have a solution for you but what you currently have is an older system and unfortunately there are no longer replacement parts for it. The available replacement trunnions will either be too large or too small for the bars that you have now. What you will need to do is replace the head and the bars. When you do that though it is almost the same cost as a whole new system. So what I recommend is a system rated the same as what you have now but will cost a little less than a whole new...
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  • Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems
    The replacement parts you are seeking is the Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar # RP54980. This will work with your Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System. If you need more drop in the shank, then you can use the Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System - Trunnion Bar # RP58167 along with the Reese Weight Dist Shank - Drop Only - 11" Long - 7-5/8", 8-5/8" Drop - 1,400 lbs TW # RP3344.
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  • Does 27 Foot Trailer Need A Friction Sway Control Unit
    I'm assuming you're describing the weight distribution head, which would look like # 58333. This weight distribution head has a hole on each side of where the trailer ball would attach for mounting a # 83660 friction sway unit. If your trailer is having sway problems caused by crosswinds or turbulence caused by oncoming or passing traffic, a friction sway unit can help. For trailers longer than 26 feet, we recommend two units, one on each side. If your weight distribution head only has...
    view full answer...


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