How to Determine Correct Drop for Weight Distribution Shank

Question:

My issue is the WD is 8" by itself. So with an 8" drop, it makes the ball level. I need the ball 7" lower.

asked by: Jonathan S

Expert Reply:

To find the correct rise or drop what you need to measure is the from the ground to the top of your hitch receiver opening, which it sounds like you have done and got 25-1/2". You also need to measure from the ground to the bottom of the coupler. You said the trailer is 18-1/2" off the ground so you just want to be sure this measurement is to the bottom of the coupler.

The correct drop for a weight distribution shank will be the difference between the hitch height and coupler height, which in your case would be 7" of drop, which is the important spec you need as opposed to the entire height of the shank.

Assuming you have a 2" receiver, the correct shank will depend on if you have a round bar or trunnion bar system.

Round Bar System:

- Curt Weight Distribution Shank - 12" Long - 7-1/2" or 7" Drop # C17121
- Curt Weight Distribution Shank - 14" Long - 7" or 7-1/2" Drop # C17122

Trunnion Bar System:

- Curt Weight Distribution Shank 13" Long - 10" or 9" Drop # C17124

I have added links to video reviews and a help article on ball mount rise and drop for you which I recommend taking a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Jonathan S.

8/2/2019

My issue is the WD is 8" by itself. So with an 8" drop, it makes the ball level. I need the ball 7" lower.

Kyle S.

8/2/2019

Thanks for that added info, There is one shank that can provide you with the drop you are looking for, the Curt Weight Distribution Shank - 12" Long - 15-3/4" or 16-1/4" Drop # C17125 which if you have a trunnion bar system will give you 15-3/4" of drop.