Recommendation For A Weight Distribution System With A 2-1/2 Inch Adjustable Shank

Updated 04/09/2018 | Published 04/06/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Round Bar Weight Distribution System w/ Friction Sway Control - 14K GTW, 1.4K TW

(456)

$402.58

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

(2621)

$23.85

Curt Weight Distribution Shank for 2-1/2" Hitches - 6-3/4" Rise - 3-1/4" Drop

(40)

$166.73

Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - 12 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(76)

$874.39

Question:

This Item comes with a 2 inch adjustable Shank. Can I order it with a 2 1/2 inch Adjustable shank with the 2 5/16 Ball?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

The Curt MV Weight Distribution System with Friction Sway Control System, Item # C17063, comes with a shank for a 2 inch receiver. You will have to add a shank for a 2-1/2 inch receiver like the Curt Weight Distribution Shank, Item # C17131. The Curt system has a tongue weight range from 1,000-lbs to 1,400-lbs and a gross towing weight of 14,000-lbs.

In contrast, the Reese Strait-Line Distribution with Sway Control System, Item # RP66130, works with 2 inch and 2-1/2 inch trailer hitches. It has a tongue weight range from 900-lbs to 1,400-lbs and a gross towing weight of 15,000-lbs. The Reese Strait-Line also comes in a "little brother" version, Item # RP66074, which has a tongue weight range from 700-lbs to 1,100-lbs and a gross towing weight of 12,000-lbs. For both Reese systems, the shank and the hitch ball are sold separately. For a shank for a 2-1/2 inch hitch, I recommend something like the Curt shank mentioned earlier, Item # C17128. For a 2-5/16 inch ball, you will need something like Item # 19286.

Determining which system is best for you depends on your tongue weight. For weight distribution systems, the ideal situation is for the tongue weight to land in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system. If the tongue weight is below or at the bottom of the tongue weight range then the ride will be stiffer and you can have too much weight distribution which will not help your ride.

Tongue weight should be between 10 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight when you are fully loaded and ready to tow. The tongue weight also includes any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. You can use something like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale, Item # e99044, to determine your actual tongue weight when fully loaded and ready to tow and then find the best system for you. For example, if your tongue weight is 1,200-lbs then the Curt system, Item # 17063, or the Reese Strait-Line system, Item # RP66130, would work well for you.

I have attached articles and videos to assist you with your project.