Need a Shorter Weight Distributing Hitch Shank

Published 09/21/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Convert-A-Ball Cushioned Weight Distribution Shank for 2" Hitches - 10,000 lbs

(28)

$167.69

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2634)

$20.89

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3914)

$20.94

Question:

I recently was given a camper and complete WD Hitch system as a gift. Its old, and the current WD hitch setup sticks out too far on my Nissan Xterras receiver. This is an anomaly due to the types of Class III receivers that get installed on Xterras. The current shank setup is 8 inch between the hitch pin hole and the nearest hole on the Vertical rise/ portion of the shank center to center. I need a new shank with 6 1/2 inch to 7 inch max distance between the hitch pin hole and the hole on the Vertical rise/ portion of the shank center to center. Any recommendations for a shank with those dimensions?

asked by: Adam

Expert Reply:

We do have a few options for replacement WD shanks that have a distance shorter than 8 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the adjustment holes.

The Convert-A-Ball Cushioned Weight Distribution Shank # AMAC1 fits 2 inch hitch receivers, measures 6-3/4 inches from center of hitch pin hole to the center of the adjustment holes, and has a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) capacity of 10,000 lbs with a Tongue Weight (TW) capacity of 2,000 lbs. The distance between the adjustment holes, center on center, is the standard 1-1/4 inches.

Since a WD system levels out your towing setup there really is no need for a shorter shank for your system. A WD system takes the weight that is exerted on the rear axle of your Nissan Xterra and distributes it evenly among the axles of your setup which, if you have the proper system, should level out your towing setup. If you do not have a level towing setup then you will want to check what your WD system is rated for before replacing parts on it.

To make sure that your WD system is correct for your towing setup you will first want to determine what the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your towing setup is. This includes the TW of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo that is placed behind the rear axle of your Xterra. You will want to make sure that your TTW falls in the middle of the WD system that you have.

If your WD system is not rated properly then I recommend looking into a different WD system. A rating too high will cause your towing setup to be stiff, while a rating too low will be ineffective. The Reese Strait-Line systems are my favorite to recommend because they have a built-in sway prevention system that works to prevent sway before it happens and they allow you to back up. As long as your current WD shank it rated properly you could just look at the options that don't have a shank, like part # RP66072. Then you would just need a hitch ball like part # A-90 or part # 19286.