Will I Need a Longer Weight Distribution Shank if I Switch to a Lifted Truck?

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Question:

i had a f150 with a blue ox sway bar set up for my camper. I just bought a 2014 f350 superduty diesel that lifted. #1- how big is the f350 hitch ?? #2- how do i go about ensuring my truck and camper will be leveled? Do i need a longer shank? If so, what brand?

asked by: Ryan R

Expert Reply:

If you only have the shank that came with your Blue Ox SwayPro system, then you will almost definitely need a longer shank to tow with a lifted F-350. The good news is the brand isn't all that important because most shanks are interchangeable between brands and we can help you figure out what size shank you will actually need.

I attached a help article to this page that talks about how to find the correct rise or drop for a ball mount. Basically, you will just want to get your truck and trailer level and not connected. Measure from the ground to the bottom of your coupler and from the ground to the top of the inside portion of your trailer hitch on your new truck. The difference will be the amount of drop that you will need.

For example, if your hitch height (ground to top of inside edge of truck hitch receiver) is 25 inches and the coupler height (ground to bottom of trailer coupler) is 17 inches, then you will need a shank that will give you an 9-1/4 inch drop such as the Curt Shank, # C17132 if your truck has a 2-1/2 inch receiver (which is likely the case on your F-350), or the Reese Shank, # RP3344 if your truck has a 2 inch receiver.

To determine which size hitch receiver you have on your truck, you will just have to measure the inside dimension of the receiver (see photo). I've listed a few other shanks that will work with your Blue Ox SwayPro system. If you have a 2-1/2 inch hitch, then you can still use a 2 inch shank, you will just need a hitch reducer like part # C45405.

Curt Shank # C17125 - 15-3/4 Inch Drop - 2 Inch Receiver
Curt Shank # C17124 - 9 Inch Drop - 2 Inch Receiver
Husky Shank # HT30859 - 7-1/2 Inch Drop - 2 Inch Receiver
Fastway Shank # FA92-02-4315 - 9-3/4 Inch Drop - 2 Inch Receiver
Curt Shank # C17121 - 7 Inch Drop - 2 Inch Receiver