Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

Ask the Experts about this Reese Accessories and Parts

• Using Weight Distribution Shanks in Rise or Drop Orientation
  There are a few shanks that are specifically designed to be used in the rise or drop position only, but it will be clearly stated in the product description. The vast majority of the weight distribution shanks, like the # RP54970 you mentioned can be used in either the rise or drop orientation. The procedure for determining the necessary rise or drop needed is much like that used for a ballmount, see the linked FAQ article.
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• What is the Weight Capacity of the Reese Weight Distribution System Drop Shank
  The Reese Weight Distribution Shank, # RP54970, is designed to be used with Reese adjustable weight distribution systems, with 15,000 pound gross trailer weight and 1,500 pound tongue weight capacity or less. The spring bars are the item that determines the capacity of the weight distribution system, so you will need to check the capacity of your existing spring bars to determine the capacity of the system you are using the weight distribution shank with. If your weight distribution...
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• Can One Reese Weight Distribution Shank Replace Another
  Weight distribution shanks are essentially universal, so both the Pro Series Weight Distribution Shank # 63911 and the Reese Weight Distribution Shank # RP54970 will work as replacements for your current shank # RP3214. That said, since you have a set up rated for 14,000 lbs you will need to use the Reese Shank # RP54970 because it is rated for 15,000 lbs whereas the Pro Series is only rated for up to 12,000 lbs. In regards to other hints, it would be nice if there was something we...
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• At What Point is Ball Height Set When Setting Up Weight Distribution
  You will want to set the preliminary ball height as close to level as possible, set up the weight distribution system properly to eliminate the squat as much as possible with spring bar tension, and then set the ball height again to get everything level trailer-wise. Changing the ball height at this point should not affect the spring bar tension setting.
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• Recommended Weight Distribution System Shank for 2-1/2 Inch Trailer Hitch Receiver
  The Reese Weight Dist Shank # RP54970 you referenced does have the same 1-1/4 inch on center height adjustment holes that is the standard for weight distribution systems. These shanks can be mixed between manufacturers. For your 2.5 inch hitch, I recommend using a shank made for that receiver like the Curt Weight Distribution Shank for 2-1/2" Hitches # C17131. This will allow your weight distribution system to connect to your 2-1/2 inch hitch receiver.
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• Will Pinhole Placement on RP54970 Affect Performance?
  The pinhole that you were using with Reese Shank # RP54970 is simply one that is going to provide more weight capacity. As for your tow ball and coupler, you want to be as level as possible. It is an important number because a level trailer is going to handle better, and reduce the amount of strain on your vehicle, trailer, and tires. I have added a link to a help article on weight distribution systems for you which you may find helpful. If you are dealing with rear squat, there are...
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• Replacement 1,200 lb Trunnion Reese Weight Distribution Spring Bars
  The part # RP54970 that you referenced is actually a weight distribution shank. If instead you have the part # RP54980 that would include the head of a trunnion bar system as well. Which then for a set of 1,200 lb bars for that you would need the part # RP66009.
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• Available Weight Distribution Shanks for Use with Reese Weight Distribution System
  Reese weight distribution shank # RP54970 allows for up to only 2-inches of drop so for a similarly-rated Reese shank that will give you more drop you can use # RP3215 or any other brand of 2-inch shank since all use the same standardized hole diameter and hole spacing. Curt part # C17123 would work well too. These and all other 2-inch shanks appear on the page I linked for you.
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• Hole Dimensions of the Reese Weight Dist Shank # RP54970
  The distance between the mounting holes of the Reese Shank part # RP54970 is 1-1/4 inches and the diameter of the holes is 3/4 of an inch.
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• Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation for a Starcraft Star Stream 24QB Trailer
  When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want one that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I did some research and found that the Starcraft Star Stream 24QB has a tongue weight around 380 pounds. If you go by that rating and assume nothing is behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle, then I recommend a system that is rated...
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• Weight Distribution for a 2012 Ford F-150 and 9,300 Pound Trailer
  To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. So if the 1200 to 1280 pounds includes any weight behind the rear axle of your 2012 Ford F-150 then I recommend going with the Reese Strait-Line system rated for 800 to 1500 pounds, # RP66130. The dual-cam...
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• What are the Heights of Reese Weight Distribution Shanks RP54970, RP3215, and RP3344
  On Reese shank # RP54970, the height of the vertical part is approximately 7 inches. For Reese shank # RP3215 the vertical part is 12 inches. And on Reese shank # RP3344 the vertical part is approximately 16 inches. If you need a specific rise or drop, let me know how much rise or drop you need and if you are using a round bar or trunnion bar system. I have including a link to our FAQ article that will explain how to measure for rise or drop.
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• What is the Purpose of the 2 Hitch Pin Holes on the Reese Weight Dist Shank # RP54970
  The separate bolt holes on the Reese Weight Dist Shank # RP54970 exist in case you need a little bit of an extension. With less shank in the hitch receiver your tongue weight capacity is reduced so if you don't need that extra space simply use the higher weight tongue capacity.
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• Recommended Weight Distribution Shank With a 6-8 Inch Drop
  The Reese shank # RP54970 you referenced is designed to work with round-bar or trunnion-bar weight-distribution but will only have a 2-inch drop. What I recommend is the Reese shank # RP3215. It has a 10-1/4 inch rise and 6-3/4 inch drop when used with round-bar systems. On the other hand, we currently offer a shank # RP3344 that has a 8-5/8 inch drop when used with a round-bar system. It is our maximum drop shank we carry at this time. You are unable use this shank in the rise position...
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• Why Does the Reese Weight Distribution Shank # RP54970 Have Two Pin Holes
  You are absolutely right. The pin hole used on the shank determines whether or not the # RP54970 has a 1,000 or 1,500 lb tongue weight capacity. I attached a picture that shows which one has either capacity.
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• Which Pin Hole to Use on Weight Distribution Shank # RP54970 with a 600 Pound Tongue Weight Trailer
  For up to 1,000 pounds tongue weight you should use the pin hole closest to the rear of the shank, # RP54970. The difference is that with the first hole there is less of the shank in the receiver so the capacity is rated lower. And with the second hole used there is more of the shank in the receiver which accounts for the higher capacity. But for 600 pounds or anything under 1,000 you could use either pin hole.
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• Best Weight Distribution With Sway Control for 11,300 lb Travel Trailer
  From how you're describing the issue - with your Chevy Silverado being "pushed around" - I agree that your current weight distribution hitch isn't providing the best sway control, and may not be rated correctly either. The right weight distribution system depends on your total tongue weight (TTW), which is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to go trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. For an 11,300 lb GVWR trailer, your TTW will...
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• Can Curt Weight Distribution Shank # C17123 Be Used to Replace Reese # RP54970
  If you've found that the Reese # RP54970 didn't offer enough rise or drop, the Curt # C17123 would work great for you. Both weight distributing shanks have identical bolt hole spacing, 1-1/4 inches on center.
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• Can an F-150 Tow a Travel Trailer that Weighs 6,900 lbs
  There are many factors that affect towing capacities of vehicles. Nearly every component in the power-train and suspension is a factor for the overall towing capacity. The distance between the axles will make a difference also. The longer the wheelbase the less the front suspension of the vehicle will unload when there is weight on the rear of the vehicle. With that being said, the easiest way to determine if your vehicles are capable of towing your 6,900 lb travel trailer would be to...
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• Weight Distribution Drop Shank Recommendation for a GMC Yukon Towing a Trailer
  One explanation could be that the softer suspension of your Trailblazer was causing the rear of the vehicle when loaded to lower down enough that you did not fully need the 5 inches of drop. The GMC Yukon you have will have much stiffer suspension and since I would hate to see you order the wrong part and have to return it I would recommend you go ahead and get the Reese Weight Distribution Shank # RP3344 since it will definitely have enough drop. Check out the review video I attached...
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• Replacement Chains and Chain Hanger for Reese Weight Distribution System
  The part number you listed of # RP54970 is just the shank of a Reese weight distribution system. This shank can fit basically all Reese weight distribution systems so with just knowing that it's hard for me to determine exactly which kit you have. That said the chain kit part # 3216 fits all of the Reese kits that use chain hangers so it will work well for you. For chain hangers you can use the part # RP6637 for a clamp on style, or if you have clearance issues above the trailer frame...
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• Will Pro Series Replacement Weight Distribution Bolt-Together Round Bar Head Fit Reese Shank
  The Reese Weight Dist Shank, part # RP54970 has 1-1/4 inches spacing between the holes and will work great with the Replacement Weight Distribution Bolt-Together Round Bar Head, part # PS58442. I verified this with my contact at Reese.
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• What is Gross Trailer Weight Rating of Reese Weight Distribution Shank RP3210
  Weight distribution shanks like the Reese RP3210 and the others shown on the linked page usually have a gross trailer weight (GTW) rating that is 10 times their tongue weight (TW) rating. This holds true in the case of the Reese RP3210 which carries a GTW rating of 14,000-lbs. For a shank rated to 15,000-lbs you can use any of those shown on the other linked page, such as Reese # RP54970 which offers similar rise and drop heights.
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• How To Select Weight Distribution Shank To Keep Trailer Level When Towing
  The Reese Weight Distribution Shank, part # RP54970 you referenced offers a 2 inch drop to a 5-1/4 inch rise. If you are still sitting too high when you attach your hitch ball in the lowest position, you need a shank that has more of a drop. We offer several weight distribution shanks that have more drop you can choose from. One shank I recommend is the Curt Weight Distribution Shank, part # 17120. This shank has a 15,000 lb weight capacity similar to the # RP54970, but has a maximum...
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• Replacement Weight Distribution Shank for Reese Strait-Line System
  Reese weight distribution shank # RP54970 provides 1-1/4-inches of drop when used with trunnion style bars like those in the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution system # RP66074. It sounds like you need a shank that will give you more like 4 or 5-inches of drop. Pro Series, sister brand to Reese, offers their shank # RP63971 which provides 4-3/4-inches of drop when used with trunnion style bars. Reese part # RP3215 will also provide enough drop but it's overall height of 12-inches...
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• Troubleshooting Trailer Side to Side Shifting While Towing Nose High
  It sounds like the root of your problem is actually that your ball mount has too much rise and because of that your trailer is nose high and you are encountering sway because of it. I attached a help article on picking out the correct rise/drop ball mount for you to check out. Getting your trailer level should fix your problem. A weight distribution system would not help much though so I wouldn't recommend it.
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• Can Curt Weight Distribution Shank be Used with Reese Weight Distribution System
  Yes, the Curt Weight Distribution Shank part # 17120 that you referenced can be used with a Reese Weight Distribution System. Thankfully all of the WD manufacturers decided to make the shank dimensions the same so that they all can be interchanged. The part # RP3215 that you referenced basically can do an additional 1-1/4 inches of drop when compared to the # 17120.
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• Compatibility of Reese Weight Distribution Shanks for 2-1/2 Inch Receivers with Ford OEM
  I cannot say for certainty if one of the shanks designed for a Class V hitch would work. There are sometimes fit problems using aftermarket ball mounts and shanks in the 2010-2012 Ford OEM Class V hitches. The OEM hitch uses a more rounded radius in the corners of the receiver tube, which sometimes can prevent aftermarket accessories from being installed in the hitch. The Reese # RP54977 is designed and tested with Reese, Hidden Hitch and Draw-Tite hitches. Reese has found that the Ford...
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• Shank Option for 2-1/2 inch Hitch Used with Strait Line Weight Distribution
  We can help you find a shank that offers a drop that is 2 inches lower than the part # RP54970 that you have. The part # RP54977 though cannot be used with weight distribution heads that use serrated washers to change the angle of the bars like the part # RP58167 that you have. The part # EQ90-02-4900 is a fit for 2-1/2 inch hitches like you have and will offer around 5 inches more of a drop than what you have. Or for more drop we have the part # C17123 but it fits a 2 inch hitch...
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• Choosing the Correct Rise for Weight Distribution Shank
  To choose the correct weight distributing shank, you will just need to determine the height of the top of your Expedition's hitch receiver as well as the height of the bottom of the trailer's coupler. The difference between these two measurements will be the rise (or drop) that is needed. You did mention the height of your trailer hitch receiver at 20 inches in your question. For the most accurate measurement, I recommend also measuring the height of your trailer tongue when it is level....
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