Shank with More Drop for a Fastway Weight Distribution System and 2014 Ford F-150

Question:

I have a 2014 F-150 4x4 and a 2008 Jayco 23B Hybrid trailer. I have a 2inch receiver. The trailer takes a 2 5/16inch ball which is ~3inch tall. The top of the trailer coupler is ~19inch from the ground when the trailer is level. Ive been towing with a 4inch coming out of the truck receiver which puts the top of the ball right at 19inch when the trailer is not attached. The truck does squat an inch maybe slightly more? when the trailer is hitched. This still results in a nearly level tow but not perfect. The sway isnt terrible but you can feel it in the wind or passing/being passed by trucks etc. So, I purchased and received shipment of a 92-00-0600 about 2 weeks ago and am attempting to install it. The hitch came with a 7inch Rise x 1inch Drop Adj. Shank Part Number 92-02-4100. Placing the hitch head at the lowest set of holes in the Drop Shank, the top of the hitch ball is ~23. That difference is surprising since I can to the trailer couple height with the standard 4inch currently. The instructions make reference to a potential need for a specialty length shank. It doesnt seem like my truck sits all that high.....do these numbers makes sense? Are there shank lengths that would work with this setup? If so, how are those acquired?

asked by: Francis F

Expert Reply:

Yes there are alternate weight distribution shanks that offer more rise or drop than the one that came with your Fastway system # FA92-00-0800. Shank number # FA92-02-4214 offers up to 5-1/2 inches of drop but it is measured differently than how you have measured.

Rise or drop needed in a ball mount or shank is measured as follows:

Park the truck and trailer on level ground and disconnect the truck from the trailer. Then measure from the ground up to the top of the hitch receiver opening on the truck. Next use the trailer's jack to make sure it is level. And then you will measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. The difference is the amount of drop you will need. Ultimately it should be about the same as what you came up with but I wanted you to know how we arrive at rise/drop measurements.

The longest Fastway shank is # FA92-02-4315 which offers up to 8 inches drop. Shanks can't be swapped out though and having an alternate or spare is a good idea for times when you may need more ground clearance or if towing with a different vehicle or using a different trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H