Recommended Extended Weight Distribution Shank to Tow w/ the Tailgate Down

Updated 02/15/2026 | Published 02/10/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 18" Long - 8" Rise, 4" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW

(503)

$175.36

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(177)

$550.00

Question:

Is there an extended WDH I can use on a 2020 Ram 1500, 6.5 bed BUT tailgate is down all the time motorcycle in bed? I need clearance for RV tongue jack even tho jack head has been rotated. Not sure how much clearance I actually need to safely turn? Hope this makes sense! Oh yes, 4,500 trailer with 560 of TW. Many thanks!

asked by: Michael S

Expert Reply:

There sure is Michael! The 18" long Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank item # EQ90-02-4600 is exactly what you need. It'll add an additional 6" of length from your Ram's hitch pin hole to the Fastway e2 item # FA94-00-0600 system you purchased from us a couple years back. The item # EQ90-02-4600 has got a higher capacity and a 1/2" extra drop so it'll definitely be compatible. It's also got the standard 1-1/4" adjustment holes so it's going to work with almost all weight distribution systems in case you replaced yours.

I'm not sure how long your trailer's tongue is or what jack you have but the Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank item # EQ90-02-4600 is designed to extend the connection point out 18" from your truck's hitch pin hole. This shank is commonly, and successfully, used to get that extra length needed to drop the tailgate and not hit the jack. I see no reason why you wouldn't have plenty of turning clearance.

I found some pictures on our site of a customer with a Ram 1500 hauling a golf cart in his bed with the tailgate down and the item # EQ90-02-4600 installed. You'll be able see how much clearance he was able to gain using the extended shank.

What kind of motorcycle are you hauling around?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

EQ90-02-4600
(click to enlarge)

John

2/15/2026

I have a 2024 Ram 2500 and it worked for me. I haul a 4- wheeler camping. Did the trick for sure. I was able to put the e-2 WDH head on it no problem

Joseph C.

2/15/2026

Hi Michael, use the 18in equalizer shank on my 2025 Silverado HD towing an Airstream Travel trailer. Lots of clearance between my tailgate when down and the housing in the front of the trailer for propane tanks; even with the truck at a 45 degree angle to trailer. Only consideration is that you may need to adjust your weight distribution a bit since you are moving your tongue weight back 6 in from standard 12 in shank.