Will Using a Longer Weight Distribution Shank Reduce Rear End Sag on the Tow Vehicle

Updated 05/30/2017 | Published 05/27/2017

Question:

Talking with a Curt technician about the 1 1/2 in sag in the back wheel wells compared to the pre-loaded measurement of the wheel well to ground. He mentioned that if the proper head adjustment and loaded trunions wouldnt restore the original spacing, a longer shank may help. Does this correspond with your advice / experience?

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

Is this by any chance on a 1/2 ton truck? If so then the suspension on 1/2 ton trucks can sag even when weight distribution is used. Using a shank that extends out further could help but then the weight distribution system might not be providing the most weight distribution that it can.

What I recommend is to use some helper springs to better support the stock suspension on the truck. I would need to know the year, make, and model of the truck to make specific recommendations.

It is also possible that the system is rated too low for your trailer. When choosing weight distribution you will need a system rated high enough for the total tongue weight. This is determined 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. I have included a couple of links that should also help.

One thing I noticed about your trailer in the picture is that it has a bottom-mount coupler. This can make it a little more challenging to get the system set up right. You might actually try tilting the head towards the truck rather than away from it.

expert reply by: Michael H