Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar
(16 reviews)
Price: $296.36
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Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar
Item # RP54980
Retail:$515.93
Our Price: $296.36
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- Reviews (16)
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Reese Accessories and Parts - RP54980
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Head
- Trunnion Bar
- Reese
Head assembly and adjustable shank feature a maximum rise of 6-1/2" and a maximum drop of 1-1/4". Head is designed to work with your Reese trunnion-bar weight-distribution system. Includes necessary hardware.
Features:
- Replacement weight-distribution head fits Reese systems with trunnion bars
- Forged, raised ball platform eliminates need for raised hitch ball
- Adjustable shank can be used in either drop or rise position
- Mounting hardware and serrated washers included
Specs:
- Fits: 2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers
- Tongue weight: 1,500 lbs
- Towing weight capacity: 15,000 lbs
- Distance from center of ball hole to hitch pin hole: 14"
- Rise: 6-1/2" from top of hitch receiver tube opening
- Drop: 1-1/4" from top of hitch receiver tube opening
- Shank bar length: 12-1/4"
54980 Reese Adjustable Weight Distribution Ball Mount for Trunnion Bars
Installation Details
California residents: click here
Video of Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Video Transcript for Reese Weight Distribution RP54980 Review
Today we'll be reviewing part number RP54980. This is the Reese Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems with Trunnion Bars. It's going to feature a forged raised ball platform that's going to eliminate the need for a raised hitch ball. It's also going to feature an adjustable shank. It's going to have six different mount holes on it. Center-on-center, those are going to be separated by an inch and a quarter. The adjustable shank can be used in either the drop or rise position. The mounting hardware and the serrated washers are included so you're going to get the two large bolts.
You're going to get two serrated washers, one on each side. You're going to get the lock washers and also the nuts that go on the bolts. The serrated washers are great to have because they're going to allow the head to pivot without adding any additional spacers or washers to the unit. This portion here is going to slide into the 2-inch x 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. You're going to push it in until you get your pin holes to line up with one another and then you'll need to install a hitch pin and clip or a hitch pin and lock. Those are going to be sold separately.
You can find those on our website so you can check that out for more options if you don't already have one. It's going to give us a tongue weight capacity of 1500 pounds with a weight distribution trailer weight of 15,000 pounds. We take a measurement from the distance of the center of the ball hole to the center of the hitch pin hole. Since there are two pin holes, I'm going to measure directly in between those pin holes. That's where we're going to get a 14-inch measurement from. With it installed in the rise position, you're going to have a rise of 6-1/2 inches and in the drop position, which is how it's set up, is going to offer a drop of an inch and a quarter. The shank bar length is going to be measuring from the end of the shank to the back of the upright portion of the shank and that's going to give us a measurement of 12-1/4 of an inch. This is made from a solid steel construction.
It has a really nice black powder-coated finish on it so it is going to stand up really well against rust and corrosion. That's going to do it for our review of part number RP54980. This is the Reese Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems with Trunnion Bars. .
Customer Reviews
Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar - RP54980
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (16 Customer Reviews)
Head assembly and adjustable shank feature a maximum rise of 6-1/2" and a maximum drop of 1-1/4". Head is designed to work with your Reese trunnion-bar weight-distribution system. Includes necessary hardware.
- RP54980
by: Jared06/16/2018
This year I moved my wife and I accross the continental United States to start a business. In order to do this, I had to borrow my father-in-laws awesome trailer, and with it, everything else I needed to move all our worldly possesions from Colorado to North Carolina. After arriving in Raleigh, we had the unfortunate reminder that life isn't fair when our trailer hitch was stolen off the truck. So while we moved everything into the new place, I had to scramble around trying to find the part we needed to return the trailer. I had ZERO clue about what had been stolen, and the terminology was a massive hurdle. I came here, on the good advice by the manufacturer themselves, and they answered my question so quickly. I had a back-and-forth with the wonderful customer service people (multiple, amazing customer service people. Dealt with 3, and all 3 of them were helpful, friendly, informative, and patient with my lack of trailer knowledge.). So I was missing what turned out to be a Trunnion and Shank, and not only did they help me find this peice of equipment, but they even had the cheapest price! (I know, I looked everywhere) They got the equipment to me quickly, with free shipping, and it only took a week to get to me! Now I'll never have to tell my father-in-law and maybe wait till christmas to make a fool of myself. Thanks etrailer!
- RP54980
by: Herb P08/27/2017
This hitch replaces an older Reese draw bar and hitch of the same type which I retired due to its age. The draw bar was 25 years old, the head was 10 years old. I'm using it in conjunction with a Reese double cam sway control to tow a 36 ft., 9000 lbs. travel trailer. I'm towing with a GMC 3500 Duramax dually and the set-up is so stable you don't even feel that you are towing. I towed in a 40 mph cross wind and was amazed by the stability. Before the GMC 3500 I used the same hitch with a Suburban 2500, which exhibited some sway in strong wind conditions with the 36 ft. trailer, but towed very stable with a 32 ft. travel trailer.
- RP54980
by: Stephen08/11/2018
Good product. Priced right. But more than that, much thanks to Brittany for keeping on contact and making sure I was informed: My order was significantly delayed due to a back order, she let me know every detail with my order. Thanks a ton, Brittany
- RP54980
by: Robert10/30/2017
I recently ordered a new truck and needed new hitch components. I asked around with local auto parts distributors but did not get any help. Draw Tight directed me to their on line distributor. Christine was very helpful. Guided through parts I would need. I placed order and parts were delivered in three days. Excellent service and reasonably priced.
- RP54980
by: Jeff B.07/25/2014
Was very pleased with how quickly order was delivered. Had obvious approximately 1/8" gap between Weight Distributing Head and hitch bar where bolts go through. Instructions said "Use the shim provided when needed to fill any gap between Weight Distributing Head ..." No shim included. Called etrailer and was told shim kit is optional and on back-order. Seems like shim should be included if needed, or at least a note in product description. RP54980 Replacement Head and Shank. Be advised, may have to make shim.
- RP54980
by: Keith B06/04/2019
I needed this hitch for my camper since we were leaving in 6 days to go on a two week vacation. I got the right hitch and got it even faster than promised! Excellent service.
- RP54980
by: S.W02/06/2015
Both items I've ordered in the last couple of weeks arrived very quickly. There were both in the 50lb plus weight range and was packaged correctly. The items were heavy steel hitch hardware so, not much to go wrong there. etrailer.com is awesome.
- RP54980
by: Steve B09/22/2015
Etrailer had a very fair price and free shipping at the time to boot. Everything was packed very well and email confirmations were sent every step of the way.
- RP54980
by: Earl10/19/2017
Quick shipping, great price and excellent product
- RP54980
Glenn - 07/18/2019
by: Glenn07/18/2018
Exactly what I ordered and I got it very fast. High quality and heavy duty.
Comments
Ive had the hitch for a year now and I pull a 3-1/2 ton camper It works great. No problems at all great price and value for such a heavy duty hitch. I only wish I would have bought the smaller ball for the friction brake at the same time. I couldnt find one local and had to order it as well.
Glenn - 07/18/2019
- RP54980
by: Casey T.06/26/2017
Ordering was easy and all my parts arrived faster than expected.
- RP54980
by: Brent S.08/01/2011
Works exactly as expected. Good quality. Fast order fulfillment from etrailer.
- RP54980
by: JHG09/27/2017
Great service, parts arrived when expec ted
- RP54980
by: Clarence T10/29/2016
Great product. Works as expected. Great quality.
- RP54980
by: Sam G12/04/2016
the part works and the nuts were installed to spec's prior to shipping thank you, I will order from you all again next time
- RP54980
by: Hitch08/02/2012
Very nicely built. A lot of adjustment available to the product.
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Ask the Experts about this Reese Accessories and Parts
- Does 27 Foot Trailer Need A Friction Sway Control UnitI'm assuming you're describing the weight distribution head, which would look like # 58333. This weight distribution head has a hole on each side of where the trailer ball would attach for mounting a # 83660 friction sway unit. If your trailer is having sway problems caused by crosswinds or turbulence caused by oncoming or passing traffic, a friction sway unit can help. For trailers longer than 26 feet, we recommend two units, one on each side. If your weight distribution head only...
view full answer... - How to Pick Out Replacement Weight Distribution System for Older Reese KitI do have a solution for you but what you currently have is an older system and unfortunately there are no longer replacement parts for it. The available replacement trunnions will either be too large or too small for the bars that you have now. What you will need to do is replace the entire system at this point. 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...
view full answer... - Correct Replacement Head and Shank for Reese 1,200 Pound TW Weight Distribution SystemAs long as your spring bar arms are Reese trunnion-style bars, the Replacement Head and Shank # RP54980 that you referenced will work great for you. The shank that is included with this head and shank kit is rated for towing capacities up to 15,000 pounds, and this shank is the same shank included with your original trunnion-style weight distribution system. This replacement head and shank will work with all of the Reese trunnion bar weight distribution systems that are rated for 15,000...
view full answer... - Reese WD Hitch Identification Based on Trunnion BarsI reached out to my tech contact at Reese and the 21210 bars are a fit for the Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems # RP54980 and are rated for up to 1000 lbs based on what we can find. They said if you look under the bars by where the chains connect there should be an imprinted weight capacity on all their bars. They believe with their cross-referenced numbers you have the 69001 system. I have sent you the installation instructions for that system to...
view full answer... - What Size Trunnion Bars To Fit On Reese High Performance Trunnion Head with 63970 Shank, # RP54980,Yes the Reese High Performance Trunnion Head with Shank, # RP54980, comes with the, # RP58167, trunnion head. You are going to need to measure the bar thickness you have. The earlier bars were 1-1/8 inches and the later bars are 1-3/8 inches. You mention the 22210D that is stamped on your trunnions. That is the casting number which does not pertain to the part numbers, so I would not worry about the casting numbers. The Reese Replacement Trunnion and Pin, # 58098, uses a spring bar...
view full answer... - How to Confirm Compatibility of New Head Assembly with Bars from Older Weight Distribution SystemWeight distribution systems can often be fitted with different spring bars to allow an existing system to be used with a new trailer that has a different tongue weight. However, sometimes the design of the latest systems can differ from older units and make the new parts not compatible with the old. It really comes down to the specific system you have, its age, and whether or not the maker has decided to alter the design since the time your unit was produced. The Reese Replacement Head...
view full answer... - Replacement Parts for Old Reese Weight Distribution SystemThe head in the picture is the Reese # RP54980 however the trunnion spring bars to fit are no longer available. Unfortunately, your best bet may be to replace the entire system. If an 800 pound rated system is enough for you I recommend the Fastway e2 # FA92-00-1000. It uses brackets for the spring bars so you don't need to mess with chains. You'll need a hitch ball to go with it so use # 63840 for a 2-5/16 inch ball or # EQ91-00-6080 for a 2 inch ball. With that being said you...
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- What is Rating of Weight Distribution Spring Bars Marked 22210I spoke with my Reese Representative, who tells me the 22210 part number you provided comes back on an 800 lb spring bar used with the Reese SC Weight Distribution System, which has been discontinued. If this is indeed the system you have, the replacement head and shank are still available as part # RP54980.
view full answer... - Will Reese High Performance Trunnion Head and Shank # RP54980 Work with 1970s Weight DistributionI spoke with my contact at Reese and the Reese High Performance Trunnion Head with RP54970 Shank, item # RP54980, will work with your trunnion bars as long as the original head is part number 54901. With the additional weight distribution shank, item # RP54970, and the additional weight distribution head, item # RP58167, you will have all of the parts needed to set the ball mount at a different height for towing with another vehicle.
view full answer... - Replacement Head and Shank for 1970s Reese Trunnion Weight Distribution HitchSorry to hear about your truck being stolen. It sounds like your Reese trunnion weight distribution system's shank and head assembly were both probably stolen. Your 1970s trunnion bars WILL work with replacement head part # RP54980; I confirmed this with Reese. This includes the head and 2-inch shank; for a 2-inch ball use # A-90 or for a 2-5/16-inch ball use part # 19286.
view full answer... - Will the Reese Replacement Head and Shank Work with Reese Trunnion Style 1,700 lb Spring BarsI checked with my technical contact at Reese and he said that as long as your trunnion bars are the Reese branded bars, like part # 66010, they can be used with the Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems, # RP54980. He also mentioned that that newer bars cannot be used in older heads that have Latch Pins, like part # 58025, for securing the spring bar, see photo. Since the system you are replacing the head on is designed for 1,700 lbs tongue weight and 17,000...
view full answer... - Weight Distribution System to Replace Older Reese 1,000 Pound System w/o Available Replacement PartsI do have a solution for you but what you currently have is an older system and unfortunately there are no longer replacement parts for it. The available replacement trunnions will either be too large or too small for the bars that you have now. What you will need to do is replace the head and the bars. When you do that though it is almost the same cost as a whole new system. So what I recommend is a system rated the same as what you have now but will cost a little less than a whole...
view full answer... - Fitting Older Reese Trunion Spring Bars with New Trunion HeadsI spoke with my contact at Reese, and according them, older trunnion spring bars should fit current heads like part # RP54980.
view full answer... - Will Reese Weight Distribution Shank and Head 54994 Fit In Place of the Original 54980Most weight distribution heads have mounting holes spaced 3-3/4 inches apart on center. The shanks have holes spaced 1-1/4 inches apart on center. The head part as far as where the trunnions fit is the same as # RP54980. The exact replacement shank and head for a Reese trunnion system with dual-cam sway control that you have is going to be # RP54980.
view full answer... - Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution SystemsThe replacement parts you are seeking is the Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar # RP54980. This will work with your Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System. If you need more drop in the shank, then you can use the Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System - Trunnion Bar # RP58167 along with the Reese Weight Dist Shank - Drop Only - 11" Long - 7-5/8", 8-5/8" Drop - 1,400 lbs TW # RP3344.
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- Replacement Head and Shank for Draw-Tite Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution SystemThe most likely head that will fit your Draw-Tite system was 62167 (discontinued) but it does not come with or use pins to hold the trunnion bars in place. If the pin latches look like # 58025 then the head will not be compatible with your spring bars. I have linked a video review of this head for you. For a shank you can use a Reese shank. I have included a link to them for you. If your system is old enough then replacement parts will not be available and the system should be replaced....
view full answer... - Shank and WD System Head Availability as Replacement PartsSounds like you are in need of a weight distribution shank and head assembly. Without knowing what brand you have it would be hard for me to make the proper recommendations. Most shanks are universal though. They typically will have 3/4 inch diameter holes that are spaced 1-1/4 inches apart measured on center. I attached a page that has all of the shanks we offer as well as an FAQ article that details how to pick out the correct rise/drop ball mount for a setup. I also attached a...
view full answer... - Can I Use a Weight Distribution Hitch on a Large Aluminum TrailerWhen it comes to using a weight distribution hitch on your aluminum trailer, the main concern isn't only the interaction of the two metals but a lot of occasions the aluminum frame isn't strong enough to be used with a steel weight distribution system. You will want to consult with the trailer's manufacturer to determine if your trailer can be used with a weight distribution system. For a trailer with a larger frame size you would need a weight distribution hitch that used chain hangers...
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- Fit of Replacement Trunnion Spring Bars on Reese Weight Distribution Head 54936I checked with my technical contact at Reese on the weight distribution head part number 54936 and this item is no longer active. None of the current trunnion bars will work on that head so you'll need to choose a new system for your new trailer. When you select a new system for your new trailer you will want to measure the trailer's fully-loaded TW using a scale like # 5780 (or using the methods shown in the linked article). To this you need to add the weight of anything in the truck...
view full answer... - Replacement Head for Reese SC Weight Distribution System with Bar Part # 22210I've actually spoken with Reese in the past about the part number you have 22210 and they told me that based on that you have an SC system and the replacement head you can use is the part # RP54980.
view full answer... - Measuring a Trunnion Weight Distribution Bar and Where is the Friction Sway Control on Head RP54980You would be measuring the bar thickness by measuring the opening it fits into on the trunnion itself to make sure you get the right bar depending on the age of the system. If the trunnions are old and have worn some then that opening might be larger than what it actually was when new. Also, the opening has to be a little larger than the bar itself so the bar can fit in the trunnion. On the replacement head, # RP54980, there is an ear on the passenger side of the head that has a hole...
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- Replacement Weight Distribution Head and Shank for Reese 750 Pound Trunnion Spring BarsI spoke with my contact at Reese regarding the Replacement Head and Shank for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Trunnion Bar, # RP54980. He stated that it will work with your existing spring bars. I have included a link to the installation details for this part below.
view full answer... - If Tongue Weight is at the Spring Bar Max Capacity Does a Weight Distribution System Still WorkIf your tongue rating is right at 1,200 lbs you estimate then I would recommend going to a 1,500 lb spring bar like the Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar # RP58369 since you are probably over your 1,200 lb rating in actuality. A weight distribution system over its capacity will not be effective at all. If you are right at your capacity it's probably a good time to upgrade. I would recommend you determine your tongue weight. Check out the FAQ article I attached that details how to do this.
view full answer... - Drop Shank Recommendation for Reese Weight Distribution SystemYes we have drop shanks that will fit your Reese weight distribution system and allow your setup more drop to tow your trailer level. The Curt Shank part # C17123 can do quite a bit more drop and will fit your Reese head. From the top of the shank down to the bottom of the shank measures 13-1/4 inches.
view full answer... - Replacement Draw-Tite Weight Distribution Head Assembly and ShankWe do offer a replacement weight distribution head and shank from Draw-Tite's sister brand Reese, their part # RP54980, that is usable with trunnion bar weight distribution systems. We also offer a weld-on sway control tab, part # 3442, that can be added.
view full answer... - 800 Pound Spring Bars for a Fastway E2 Weight Distribution SystemIf your tongue weight is 667 pounds then I recommend the 800 pound spring bars, # FA94-02-0899 for a single bar on an E2 round bar system or # FA92-02-0899 for a single 800 pound bar for trunnion bar systems. If you were to use 600 pound bars the system would be overloaded and it will not be effective. I have included some helpful links on weight distribution for you.
view full answer... - What is the Gross Trailer Weight of the Replacement Head and Shank, # RP54980The gross trailer weight for the Replacement Head and Shank, # RP54980, is going to be 15,000 pounds. When choosing a weight distribution system you will need one that has a tongue weight capacity range than encompasses the trailer tongue weight when loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control.
view full answer... - Can Equalizer E2 Trunnion Weight Distribution Spring Bars Be Used on Reese Head UnitI can appreciate your interest in re-using your Equalizer trunnion bars with a different brand of weight distribution head but I cannot recommend doing this. It is unlikely that they will fit properly. But more important, this combination of components will never have been tested together, so their actual combined capacity will be unknown. Neither Equalizer nor Reese would advise to mix their components with those from any other manufacturer. In the event that such a set-up suffered a catastrophic...
view full answer... - Is it Possible to Use a Weight Distribution Replacement Head as a Simple Adjustable Ball Mount?I contacted the manufacturer and it technically can be used as an adjustable ball mount, relying on the non-weight distribution ratings of your hitch receiver. This may not be the most visually pleasing option, but it will work. It has a rise of 6-1/2 inches or a drop of 1-1/4 inches and the distance from center of hitch pin hole to the center of the hitch ball is 14 inches. The hitch ball does not come with this replacement head, so you'd need to purchase a 2 inch ball like # 40038 or...
view full answer...
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