Can an Adapter be Used to Drop Height of Weight Distribution to Tow a Trailer Level

Question:

Can I get some sort of a drop for the hitch on my truck that would drop it six inches, so that I could then slide my equalizer hitch into that lower square hole? Are there any issues with doing this?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you want to use an adapter with the weight distribution shank to drop the ball 6 inches so you can tow the trailer level. The problem with that is an adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch by 50 percent and because of the forces associated with weight distribution this could lead to damage to the hitch, vehicle, and trailer. The adapters that do have a drop are for flat towing vehicles and not for trailers so its a double-whammy.

An alternative shank might work for you. Curt shank # C17123 has a maximum drop of 8-1/4 inches. The holes to attach the head are spaced 1-1/4 inches apart and they have a 3/4 inch diameter.

If you are unable to replace the shank then the other option is to replace the weight distribution system with one that will allow you to use a different shank. If you want a recommendation for a new system I would need to know the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow.

expert reply by: Michael H