Recommended Weight Distribution System and Extended Drop Shank for a 18,000 lbs Trailer

Updated 10/15/2025 | Published 10/03/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2-1/2" Hitch - 20K GTW, 2K TW

(540)

$809.24

Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank - 2-1/2" Hitches - 7" Drop/Rise - 2,400 lbs TW

(3)

$1169.95

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

(4026)

$19.12

Question:

Looking for a weight distribution and sway bar trailer hitch setup 2 and 5/16 ball 18K trailer weight also need an adjustable my truck is lifted, adjustable s about 4 to 5 in. Please send link.

asked by: Bob W

Expert Reply:

Hey Bob, thanks for the information! For a weight distribution system that fits an 18,000 lbs trailer, you'll want the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control item # BXW2000. This system works with tongue weights from 1,500 - 2,000 lbs so it'll give you some range when loading up your trailer. This system comes with a 2-5/16" hitch ball. You'll need item # A-90 if you want to swap in a 2".

Please note you'll need to have space on your trailer's tongue 27" - 29" back from hitch ball to mount the chain hanger brackets.

The shank included with the SwayPro item # BXW2000 fits a 2-1/2" receiver and provides a 2" drop. For the tongue weight capacity you're needing you will need to purchase an extremely heavy duty shank for 4" - 5" of drop. The Gen-Y Torsion Weight Distribution Shank item # 325-GH-1302 is our only option for that high of a capacity. It fits a 2-1/2" receiver and provides up to a 7" drop. The bolt spacing is the same so you'll have no issues using it with the SwayPro item # BXW2000.

What kind of trailer do you have and does your 2500 have a 2-1/2" hitch receiver? You can add this information and any other questions you have where it says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Gen-Y WD Shank
(click to enlarge)

Bob W.

10/15/2025

Thank you for the detailed response yes the truck has a two and a half inch receiver I have a 26 ft Stacker 20K GVW although my truck supposed to not hold anything more than 16k. One question is the frame rails at 8 in coming off of the hitch that's 8 in high or thick however you would explain it will the sway bar connection fit to those pieces of Steel ?

Jerred H.

10/15/2025

@BobW Thanks for the additional information. The SwayPro item # BXW2000 is not going to work with a 8" tall frame. You'll need to use the Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control item # RP66075 instead. It works with tongue weights up to 1,700 lbs. This system will fit trailer frames up to 2-1/2" wide and does not require a specific height since it only mounts to the top and sides of the trailer frame. If you find that you need the hangers to sit lower on your trailer frame because height is an issue you can use the bolt on chain hangers item # RP58305. If you can keep your tongue weight no more than 1,600 lbs you can use the Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank item # EQ90-02-4900 instead of the Gen-Y item # 325-GH-1302. It will provide you with up to 6" of drop. You'll also need the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball item # C40085. I recommend checking with Stacker before you use a weight distribution hitch on your trailer.

Bob W.

10/15/2025

One more question please I need two locking pins one for the tow bar and one for the hitch and receiver what do you recommend thank you

Jerred H.

10/15/2025

@BobW To secure the weight distribution system to your truck, I highly recommend the etrailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2-1/2" Hitches item # e98881. There isn't a locking hitch pin to secure the weight distribution system to the shank. Is this what you meant by needing two locking pins for the tow bar?