Will Longer Shank on Ball Mount Reduce Weight Rating

Updated 01/12/2026 | Published 09/04/2024

Question:

My camper trailer hits the corner of my tow vehicle when I make tight turns. The shank is 8.5 long from hitch pin to hitch ball. Would a longer shank help? Is there a limit to how long I should go? And does a one-piece longer shank reduce my tongue weight capacity by 50 like the extenders do? Or is the fact that it is one piece make it different in that respect. Any other issues I should consider? Any advice on this issue would be great, as I dont even know what concerns I should be thinking about. Thanks!

asked by: Dan S

Expert Reply:

Great questions, Dan!

It sounds like you're needing the 15-3/4" Long Hidden Hitch Ball Mount # 80232. As long as the 6K weight rating and 3/4" Rise/2" Drop fits your specs then this will work just fine.

That 50% weight capacity reduction has to do with there being a second piece connected to the setup. This is still a hot debate in the online community about where that weight reduction comes into play and ultimately the further away from the hitch receiver you get the more impacted that rating is, but there hasn't been a huge study done on comparing adapters and longer ball mounts and such so we are pretty much left to what the manufacturers say, and in this case the Hidden Hitch doesn't reduce your weight rating.

expert reply by: Jon G

Jameson C.

1/12/2026

Hey Dan, how did things work out with the longer Hidden Hitch ball mount for your camper trailer? Did the extra length give you enough clearance on those tight turns? Your update could make it easier for others dealing with the same issue.