Recommended Weight Distribution System for Towing a Motorcycle with a Lightweight Trailer

Published 01/06/2017

Products Featured in This Question

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.62

Reese Weight Dist Shank - Drop Only - 11" Long - 7-5/8", 8-5/8" Drop - 1,400 lbs TW

(43)

$262.95

Reese Weight Distribution - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(62)

$671.47

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW

(238)

$722.27

Question:

I have a lightweight tear trailer with a motor cycle that rides up front. Total tongue wt with the bike is around 350 lbs. EQ37041ET sounds perfect but the problem is I need about 7 1/2 inch . I know the head of the EQ37041ET has 5/8 inch holes. Could I drill them out to 3/4 inch so I could use a Curt shank or or a shank that will give me enough ? What do you think? By the way total weight of trailer and bike is roughly 1500 lbs. Thanks in advance.

asked by: Scott P

Expert Reply:

I have some solutions for you, but I cannot recommend drilling out holes in a weight distribution system. If you are trying to get parts to match up it is always better to purchase something that was made to fit rather than cutting and drilling to fit your needs. The danger with modifying things at home, especially when they deal with towing, is that it can change the weight capacities and could cause your equipment to not work properly.

Since there are no weight distribution shanks that use a 5/8 inch bolts with a 7-1/2 inch drop, I recommend looking into a different system.

The Reese Weight Distribution System # RP66020 is a great option and will get the job done. The Reese Weight Distribution Shank # RP3344 will provide the drop you are needing. If you are still needing a weight distribution system with sway control, then I recommend using the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66558. This system uses a hitch ball with a 1 inch shank diameter like part # 63845. For this system you will need a separate shank to get the drop you are wanting as well. I would still go with the Reese Weight Distribution Shank # RP3344 either way. Both of these weight distribution systems have shanks that will fit in a 2 inch receiver.

I have attached some help articles and demonstration videos for you.