Longer Weight Distribution Shank Recommendation for Rear Door Clearance

Question:

Gentlemen, I just bought a new travel trailer and took delivery yesterday. We live far from the RV dealer, when went to pickup the trailer last week, we were told the hitch that was installed with the tow package was not good enough . OK I agree! I went to a trailer hitch company who removed the factory hitch and installed a draw tight 4000/400 hitch. I returned to pick up the trailer and found, the weight distribution hitch is an equalizer 0600. good for 6000/600 lbs. The thing that I dont really like is that equalizer had included a link attachment which had several holes for adjustments from the trailer to the van, but the technician changed it for another one which is much heavier. This setup left ZERO Clarence from the bumper thus, prevented the rear door on the van from being opened when the trailer id hooked up, it needed at least 4 inches on order to open. I refused to leave with that setup, so they called around and found an extender at Canadian tire which extended from the bumper approximately 7 inches. I can now open the rear door, but for some reason I feel i have too many things going on in order to hitch and unhitch the trailer. Can you shed some light on this I need to feel comfortable with this setup? Any help or recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Please help...

asked by: Richard T

Expert Reply:

Sounds like you are using a hitch extender with a weight distribution system. Some extenders can be used with a WD system but nearly all of them are not rated for it so it's not a good idea at all.

Your best bet for gaining clearance between your new truck's tailgate and your weight distribution system is to use a longer shank instead of a hitch extender. We offer the 18-inch Equal-i-zer shanks # EQ90-02-4500 and # EQ90-02-4600, both of which are 6-inches longer than most stock shanks. Please note that these offer different amounts of rise or drop.

expert reply by: Jameson C