WD Drop Shank Recommendation for Ram 1500 Towing Airstream to Allow Trailer to Sit Level

Question:

I have a new tow vehicle, Ram 1500. Installing my current hitch the top of the ball sits at 23.5. My airstream spec states the top of the ball should be 17.25. I have a Reese 54970 Shank now. The WD hitch is in the bottom hole and the top of the ball is slightly higher than the top of the receiver. The Ram has a rake where the rear wheel well is 3.5 inch higher than the front. I can maintain the rake with the load distribution bars or let the truck take some of the difference- no WD bars - the ball is at 20inch and the truck is level no rake Questions: Should I let the truck to make up some of the difference? What would be the best Drop Shank - part number to use. Thanks every time I add an image - this text goes away ... and not sure if it is being submitted... so yo may have multiple copies of this .. or none!

asked by: Bill Z

Expert Reply:

Ideally your trailer will sit as level as possible and your truck will maintain the same amount of rake that it has when unloaded. So to accomplish that your best option is to go with a drop shank that has more of a drop than what you currently have so that your trailer can be level and the system properly installed.

Since you have the part # RP54970 which doesn't allow much of a drop and you are reasonably close to allowing the trailer to sit level the part # RP3215 would be a great option as it can do up to a 6-3/4 inch drop.

expert reply by: Jameson C