Need a Shorter Weight Distributing Hitch Shank
Question:
I recently was given a camper and complete WD Hitch system as a gift. Its old, and the current WD hitch setup sticks out too far on my Nissan Xterras receiver. This is an anomaly due to the types of Class III receivers that get installed on Xterras. The current shank setup is 8 inch between the hitch pin hole and the nearest hole on the Vertical rise/ portion of the shank center to center. I need a new shank with 6 1/2 inch to 7 inch max distance between the hitch pin hole and the hole on the Vertical rise/ portion of the shank center to center. Any recommendations for a shank with those dimensions?
asked by: Adam
Expert Reply:
We do have a few options for replacement WD shanks that have a distance shorter than 8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the adjustment holes.
The Convert-A-Ball Cushioned Weight Distribution Shank # AMAC1 fits 2 inch hitch receivers, measures 6-3/4 inches from center of hitch pin hole to the center of the adjustment holes, and has a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) capacity of 10,000 lbs with a Tongue Weight (TW) capacity of 2,000 lbs. The distance between the adjustment holes, center on center, is the standard 1-1/4 inches.
Since a WD system levels out your towing setup there really is no need for a shorter shank for your system. A WD system takes the weight that is exerted on the rear axle of your Nissan Xterra and distributes it evenly among the axles of your setup which, if you have the proper system, should level out your towing setup. If you do not have a level towing setup then you will want to check what your WD system is rated for before replacing parts on it.
To make sure that your WD system is correct for your towing setup you will first want to determine what the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your towing setup is. This includes the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo that is placed behind the rear axle of your Xterra. You will want to make sure that your TTW falls in the middle of the WD system that you have.
If your WD system is not rated properly then I recommend looking into a different WD system. A rating too high will cause your towing setup to be stiff, while a rating too low will be ineffective. The Reese Strait-Line systems are my favorite to recommend because they have a built-in sway prevention system that works to prevent sway before it happens and they allow you to back up. As long as your current WD shank it rated properly you could just look at the options that don't have a shank, like part # RP66072. Then you would just need a hitch ball like part # A-90 or part # 19286.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 6K GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 300 lbs
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Convert-A-Ball Cushioned Weight Distribution Shank for 2" Hitches - 10,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Shanks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Round - 3 Inch Drop
- Trunnion - 2 Inch Drop
- Round - 6 Inch Rise
- Trunnion - 7 Inch Rise
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Search Results: equlizer hitch
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 16,000 lbs
- Video: Equal-i-zer Hitch Ball - Trailer Hitch Ball - EQ91-00-6140 Review
- Shop: 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel
- Shop: Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Round Bar - 11,500 lbs GTW, 1,150 lbs TW
- Video: Equal-i-zer Thin Walled Socket Review
- Video: Review of Equal-i-zer Hitch Ball - Weight Distribution Ball 2-5/16 - EQ54FR
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-1/2" Long Shank - Chrome - 16,000 lbs
- Search Results: thin wall socket
- Search Results: equalizer 1400
- Q&A: How long is the shank on 61-00-6140
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Article: Best Air Bag Suspension (2023)
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: RV Jack Pads
- Q&A: How Much Air Pressure to Use in Airbags While Towing
- Article: Top Weight Distribution Hitches for a Buttery Smooth Ride
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Can Air Lift Air Bag Kit for 2017 Nissan Titan be Used with Weight Distribution
- Shop: Vehicle Cargo Control
- Shop: Side Window Vents
- Search Results: equlizer
- Search Results: grease
- Q&A: Dimensions of the 2-5/16 Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems EQ91-00-6140
- Q&A: Replacement Clearance Lights Needed for GLO-BRITE 122R and 122Y Lights
on Accessories and Parts
