Longer Shank with Lower Rise for Use with 2.5 inch Hitch for Blue Ox Weight Distribution

Question:

I have a Northwood Nash 26N Trailer and a 2014 Ram 3500 with the 2.5inch tow system. When I bought my blue ox, I had a F150 with a 2inch tow system, so I ended up buying the BlueOx 2inch Shank, 9 hole. Due to the height of the northwood trailers, even with the Ram, I have to flip the hitch to raise it to where it will level properly with the trailer. Unfortunately, this makes the hitch hit my tailgate if I try to lower the tailgate to access my truck bed. Im trying to find a shank thatll work better for my application, I dont need 9 holes of adjustment, Im currently setup in the middlefoot of the 9 hole system. Blue Ox used to have the BXW4018, which is a 2.5inch shank with 7 holes, however it has been discontinued for the BXW4028 with a 2.5inch shank and 9 holes. I like the idea of moving over to a 2.5inch shank so I dont have to use an adapter sleeve, however I dont want to run into the same problem I have now. Are any other brands shanks compatible with the blue ox tow system? I dont want to set myself up for failure by using something thats closeinch - I want to ensure Im using the right parts.

asked by: Rob M

Expert Reply:

The good news about the weight distribution shanks is that the brands are all interchangeable since they are made to same specs. So for a longer 2.5 inch shank with fewer adjustment holes the Reese # RP54976 would work great. It is 16-1/2 inches long and has a rise of 5-1/4 inches. This has 6 adjustment holes.

expert reply by: Jameson C