Recommended Replacement Shank for Reese Weight Distribution System

Question:

Hello there. I have a Reese Weight Distribution hitch and I need a new shank for it. I currently have a 2inch and its not quite enough. It looks like I need 3-4inch of to level out my trailer. My current shank has 3/4inch holes on 1inch centers. All I can find are 1.25inch centers on your site. Do they still make the 1inch center version or am I looking at a whole new setup? Thanks for your help,

asked by: Marc B

Expert Reply:

You are correct that most current weight distribution shanks from Reese and other brands use 3/4-inch diameter holes that are spaced at 1-1/4-inch centers. I checked with my technical contact at Reese for a replacement shank for your older system but unfortunately these are no longer available.

If you're ready to get a new system you can click on the link provided to see all weight distribution (WD) systems we offer, including round and trunnion style bar systems as well as systems that include sway prevention.

You'll want to measure your trailer's fully-loaded tongue weight (TW) and add to that the weight of anything in the tow vehicle that will sit behind the rear axle, such as a generator or loaded cooler. With this total TW you can choose a system rated high enough to move some TW forward onto the front axle without being so stiff that it creates odd handling. We offer a handy scale from etrailer, part # e99044.

Let's say you want sway prevention, have electric brakes and have a total TW of 500-lbs. In this instance a great choice is the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 which features trunnion bars for excellent ground clearance and that allows you to back up the trailer. All you need to add is the hitch ball, either 2-inch # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch # 19286.

You can use the filters on the page to select your type of brakes and the other characteristics you need to then see suitable systems.