Best Shock Absorbing Shank and Weight Distribution Combination for a Trailer with GVWR of 6000 LBs

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Question:

I have an 2021 Airstream 23’. GTW=6000 pounds and TW=664 pounds. Can I use the Gen Y 325-GH-12006 or would the larger GY54FR be more effective? I will be adding a weight distribution hitch to it, probably the Curt Tru Trac #C17500. Would this be a good combination with the Gen Y, or do you have another recommendation? Thank you Jon R.

asked by: Jon R

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2021 Airstream, the important thing to consider when choosing a weight distribution system and a shock absorbing shank is the tongue weight.

Yours is currently at 664 pounds, but this could change depending on what's in the trailer and how it's loaded. It can range anywhere from 10 to 15 percent of the GVWR, making your target tongue weight range 600 - 900 pounds. As such, there is a different combination that I recommend for your setup.

Rather than the Gen-Y Shock absorber with the part # 325-GH-12006 (which has a target tongue weight range of 200 - 700 pounds), I recommend the larger one with part # GY54FR since its target tongue weight range is 400 - 1100 pounds. I've linked to a video review of this one for you to look at again.

As for the weight distribution itself, rather than the Curt TruTrack with the part # C17500 (which has a target range of 800 - 1000 pounds), I recommend the one with part # C17499 since its target tongue weight range is 500 - 800 pounds. I've linked to a video review of this one as well.

The combination of # GY54FR and # C17499 will be ensure that you're in the correct range for both systems to perform their best.

expert reply by: Kef G

1

Answer 1

The Electric Jack w/ Footplate and 7-Way Plug #EJ-3527-BBX uses a 7-way RV-style plug. I have included a diagram that shows the pin-out for RV style 7-way plugs. This will show you what each pin does. I have also listed the functions below and…

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Answer 2

The hitch weight of the 2014 Airstream Sport 16 is 350 lbs while dry. This will likely increase to around 500ish while loaded. While towing the 2014 Airstream Sport 16 with your 2016 Volkswagen Touareg, a weight distribution system will be a good…

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Answer 3

The Electric Jack w/ Footplate and 7-Way Plug #EJ-3527-BBX that you referenced has a height of 20-1/2 inches from where it mounts to your trailer frame to the top of the jack.

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Answer 4

The etrailer electric tongue jack #EJ-3527-BBX has a pre-wired 7-way plug like part #H20046 that saves you the hassle of hard-wiring the jack to its power source. It can receive its 12V operating power either from your tow vehicle's 7-way…

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Answer 5

You could technically wire an electric trailer jack directly to your truck's battery, but that isn't really the most practical setup. I've seen one guy pull out his jumper cables every time he wanted to use the jack in this…

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Answer 6

When wiring up a jack like the Electric Jack w/ Footplate part #EJ-3520-BBX on your trailer and you already have a junction box like the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector part #HS381-9000 I highly recommend…

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Answer 7

Gen-Y actually has cushioned weight distribution shanks that work with standard load leveler/weight distribution systems. For a 2 inch hitch we have the #GY54FR which can do a drop of up to 6-1/2 inches and for a 2-1/2 inch hitch version we have…

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Answer 8

While I can certainly understand wanting to add an extension for your clearance issues, a hitch extender cannot be used with a weight distribution system, though there is an option that can help, which is a longer shank for your weight distribution…

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Answer 9

The Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank part #EQ90-02-4500 has a 1,400 lb tongue weight capacity. If you are using this shank on a system rated for less, this won't increase the capacity of the system but it can decrease the capacity of the system if…

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Answer 10

That's a very cool bike so I can see why you want to bring it but the issue is that any type of extension is going to reduce your tongue weight capacity by 50 percent which is not something you will be able to do. The only thing you can do to add…

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Answer 11

You can try using quick-links to add length to your safety chains, but your best option is going to be to use a different set of chains that are longer. For a 27 inch long chain rated at 5K, go with the #2118-605-04. For a 48 inch chain with the same…

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Best Shock Absorbing Shank and Weight Distribution Combination for a Trailer with GVWR of 6000 LBs

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