Does Going With a Longer Ball Mount Cause Trailer to Handle Differently

Published 08/19/2015

Question:

I have an 8 inch shank right now. Will a 12 _ inch make the trailer handle differently? Also will it change the tongue weight?

asked by: Victor

Expert Reply:

Going from an 8 inch long ball mount shank to a 12 inch long one like the part # D-26 won't make any noticeable changes in handling. It might be somewhat easier to back the trailer up as you basically have increased the length between the trailer axle and your vehicle axle, but it would be hardly noticeable.

There will be a slight increase in leverage of the tongue weight to the hitch of your vehicle, but it wouldn't be enough to reduce the capacity of your trailer hitch.

expert reply by: Jameson C