Excessive Play in a Reese Weight Distribution Head Between Head and Shank

Updated 03/31/2014 | Published 03/29/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Shim Kit for Heavy Duty and High Performance Weight Distribution Systems

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$6.08

Question:

We have the Reese round bar WD hitch with 800 lb bars, used when towing our 2012 Flagstaff Microlite 21FBRS travel trailer the hitch was purchased with the TT in 2012. Upon arriving back home from our last trip out, I noticed what seemed to be movement of the ball mount head, relative to the shaft. I cannot recall ever noticing this. Upon visual inspection, I see nothing amiss, no cracks, tight 3/4-inch bolts, etc. Is it possible that the spacer bushings over these bolts have worn to allow such movement? Do we have a defective head assembly? What are your recommendations? Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thanks much!

asked by: Don G

Helpful Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Reese who said there should not be any play in the head once the bolts are properly torqued down. When installed it is possible that the bolts were not torqued to the right specs according to the installation instructions.

If they were then my contact said that there is a shim kit you can use to remove that excess play, # 58207. The shim kit is included with most Reese systems but if you do not have it then you can use # 58207 as a replacement. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you.

expert reply by: Michael H