Longer Shank to Increase Clearance for Weight Distribution Hitch

Question:

My 06 f150 has two holes for the pin. New WD distribution hitch does not allow to use hole most forward. It sits about 3inch further back. Is that ok. Seems like it may effect hitch weight being more aft. Towing about 5500lbs.

asked by: Mj

Expert Reply:

If your factory hitch has two hitch pin holes and you do not have enough room to install your weight distribution shank in the preferred forward hole (for more metal-to-metal contact) you can install it at the rear hole. This slight shift in the placement of the trailer tongue weight will not matter since the WD system is there to compensate for that TW anyway.

You can also simply swap out the WD shank for a longer one. All 2-inch WD shanks are standardized for head mounting hole size and spacing so any brand of shank will work with any brand of head (although other parts typically cannot be mixed between brands).

You can see all replacement shanks on the linked page. These are available with various rise/drop dimensions for each bar type (round or trunnion style) and in different lengths. A longer one will give you more clearance. For instance, Curt shank # 17120 is 10-inches long, Reese shank # RP3344 is 11-inches long, part # RP54970 is 12-inches long and Reese # RP3215 is 13-inches.

All parts above can handle your trailer weight.

expert reply by: Adam R