Compatibility of Resse Shank 54970 With Trunnion Bars 54946 and Hitch Head With Patent 5375867

Updated 08/06/2025 | Published 09/07/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System - Trunnion Bar

(130)

$242.71

Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

(63)

$179.77

Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Reese Weight Distribution System - 1,200 lbs TW

(91)

$177.14

Question:

Replacing head and shank that is missing from my 12,000 lb. WDC . Picked up shank and head used but not sure if it will work with my bars I have a 54970 shank, and 54946 trunnion bars, can not find P/N on head just a PAT.Pending no. 5375867. Can someone help me figure this all out .

asked by: Ronald M

Expert Reply:

I was able to find a document with Reese which shows the Head # RP58167 having the PAT Pending NO. 5375867. This is compatible with the Shank # RP54970 you found. As for the trunnion bars, the part 54946 relates to the end of the trunnion bar that would mount inside the hitch but for 1,500lb bars. Since you mentioned 12,000lbs that would use the Trunnion Spring Bar # RP66009

expert reply by: Bud M

Chuck

8/6/2025

Bud, Like Ronald I have the 54946 trunnion bar and head with patent number 5375867. I upgraded the shank to 54977 when Ford went with the larger receiver. I'm looking for another trunnion bar and can't seem to find 54946. I did find one that looks like the 54946: 58358. I have a couple of questions. As an FYI, I needed to permanently mount the lift brackets (6637) to my trailer so the length if the trunnion bar needs to be the same as 54946. Is 58358 a replacement for 54946? I'm wondering if 2 66009's will work? Will either of the Curt trunnion bars (17336 or 17337) work as a replacement? Thanks!!

Jesse M.

8/6/2025

@Chuck Hey Chuck. Based on my research, the 58358 would be a suitable replacement for the 54946. We no longer carry the 58358. We sold our last one about 8 years ago. I do not show the 66009 or the Curt bars as being compatible with what you have. Honestly, due to the age of your WD system I would probably recommend getting a whole new WD system.

Jessem

8/6/2025

@JesseM, My problem is that I needed to permanently affix my lift brackets to the tongue of my trailer. Over the years the set screw in the lift brackets ate holes in the tongue of the trailer. I drilled out the other side of the tongue and the lift bracket, then stuck a bolt through the lift bracket and both sides of the tongue to secure the lift brackets to the tongue. Over time both holes on both sides of the tongue became elongated. I welded 4 pieces of 3.8" T304 stainless steel to the tongue, bought 2 of those stainless steel grade 9 yellow-chromate plated bolts and peened the hell out of the end of the bolt permanently securing the lift brackets to the tongue. Threw some red lock tight on the end of the bolts and on the nuts for good measure. That was 5 years ago and may have contributed to the chains on the trunnion bars to wear. Trunnion bar 66009 or 58369 sure look like they will work with my shank (54977), head (58167) and lift bracket (6637). If I look at the comparable WD hitch (66022) the components including the front of the trunnion bars appear to be identical. The only difference I see is the back end of the trunnion bar which has a downward bend to it. Is there anyway to get a measurement of trunnion bars 66009 and 58369? if I stick the end of a tape measure on the round part of the trunnion bar that goes into the head I get 31" when I measure to the space between the holes where the U bolt bolts onto the trunnion bar. Thanks again for your time, Chuck