How to Measure to Find Weight Distribution Shank with the Right Amount of Drop to Tow Trailer Level

Updated 04/26/2016 | Published 04/24/2016

Question:

Just purchased 2016 Chevy 2500HD LTZ Z71 20inch tires and towing a 35inch bumper pull travel trailer. Have ProSeries round bar that we used with our old truck 1500 Chevy Silverado. The 2500HD is much higher than old truck. Which shank should we get to replace the one on it? if it measurement driven can you please tell us how to best measure the trailer and truck. saw the video but was unclear on should the trailer be level? and where should the level be over the tires or where the hitch is?

asked by: Eric R

Expert Reply:

Measuring to find the right rise or drop needed to tow the trailer level is easy. First park the truck and trailer on level ground and uncouple the trailer from the truck. Use the trailer's jack to make the trailer level.

Measure from the ground to the bottom of the trailer's coupler. Then measure from the ground to the top of the receiver opening on the truck. The height difference is the amount of drop you will need (since the truck is taller). I have linked a help article that explains these measurements. It is on regular ball mounts but the process is the same.

I have also included a link to the weight distribution shanks that we carry that fit 2 inch trailer hitches. If there isn't one that is an exact match I recommend going with one that offers a little less drop than needed because the tongue weight of the trailer can pull it downward a little.

expert reply by: Michael H