Recommended Shank For More Rise or Drop With Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch

Question:

Hi, I’ve got a 2018 BMW X5 that I’m towing a 25’ Winnie Minnie with using an ehitch stabilizer hitch. I have it set to the highest setting but the trailer still sits angled quite low vs the 22” height that would make it parallel. Is there a taller hitch I should consider or any other reco aside from buying a truck? This one looks the most like what I have FA94-00-1061

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you don't have the correct rise or drop with your weight distribution hitch which is why you aren't level, and you don't need a brand new hitch, you can simply get a new shank. You didn't mention the exact one model you have, but so long as your current shank has 1-1/4" adjustment between the holes, you can use any brand.

You mentioned # FA94-00-1061 looking like yours, and that's a round bar system, so here are the options for the maximum rise or drop for round bar weight distribution systems:

- Maximum 7-1/2" Drop/11-3/4" Rise: Curt Weight Distribution Shank # C17121

- Maximum 8" Drop/12" Rise: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Shank # FA92-02-4315

The Curt shank has a 15,000 lb towing/1,500 lb tongue weight capacity while the Fastway has a 12,000 lb towing/1,200 lb tongue weight capacity.

If you aren't 100 percent sure what your rise or drop is just measure from the ground to the top of your BMW's receiver opening, and also measure from the ground to the bottom of your coupler and get the difference. If your hitch height is greater, you need that amount of drop; if your coupler height is greater, you need that amount of rise.