Can a Weight Distribution System Install onto a Standard Ball Mount

Question:

If you have an adjustable coupler on the trailer itself and a weight distribution hitch is added, can a standard receiver hitch be used or do you also have to still add a weight distribution shank in the tow vehicle receiver? In other words does a built in adjustable coupler on the trailer supplant the necessity of a weight distribution shank? Thanks

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

The head of a weight distribution system will need to bolt to a weight distribution shank. It would have no way of installing to a standard ball mount.

The reason we sell some systems without shanks is for people who need a shank with more drop than the standard shank that comes with the systems, this way they can pick out the amount of rise/drop they need.

Since you do not have a shank you will need one to install a WD system.

I attached a page that has all of the weight distribution systems we offer.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow, this figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C