Can Longer Equalizer Shank be Used When Towing without Reducing Towing Capacity

Updated 02/10/2026 | Published 02/07/2026

Question:

Had coupler replaced on car trailer with a tool box up front. New coupler length is much shorter than old tongue and coupler. Was previously set up for old Atwood surge brake. Am concerned about truck bumper contacting trailer tool box on tight turns and backing up. Have Equalizer 4 10K WDH with 90-02-4100 12 inch length shank. Equalizer shows 90-02-4500 18 inch shank. Would there be any towing or WDH issues using the longer shank ?

asked by: Rick S

Expert Reply:

Hey Rick, yes you can use the longer Equalizer shank part # EQ90-02-4500 that you referenced in place of what you have now to get a little more length from your towing setup. While this is longer and would in theory apply more leverage it doesn't do so to the point of it affecting your towing capacity.

How did you like the Atwood coupler? Did you replace it with another surge coupler?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Rick S.

2/9/2026

Old obsolete Atwood system was nonfuntional. Complete system was removed & replaced by electric brakes

Jameson C.

2/9/2026

@RickS Makes sense! The Atwood has been obsolete a while now.

Scott L.

2/10/2026

I bought the longer shank because I needed more distance away from the spare tire on my 1996 Bronco with a 351, factory HD cooling and tow package. I use a load equalizer hitch with a friction sway control while towing a 24', 7500 lb. travel trailer. I have no issues and it tows fine. Yes, the Bronco is not the ideal vehicle for this and an F-250 diesel would be more appropriate but it's what I drive and it works.