How Can I Tow w/ the Tailgate Down Using a Weight Distribution System?

Updated 03/19/2026 | Published 03/05/2026

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

Curt MV Weight Distribution System - Round Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(358)

$329.34

Question:

I have Chevy 1500short box. I want to put my atv in my bed and pull my trailer aslo. Need to keep the tail gate down. Trailer Gross is 5400lb TW is 500lb. Have a curt system now. What do you recommend?

asked by: John K

Expert Reply:

Hey John. The 18" long Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank item # EQ90-02-4600 you were looking at, is exactly what you need. It'll extended the connection point out 18" from your Silverado'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. It is compatible with Curt weight distribution systems like item # C17050.

What kind of trailer are you pulling?

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 K.

3/9/2026

Jerred, I am pulling a No Bo 18.2. Plan on some off road camping where a quad would be great to have.

Jerred H.

3/12/2026

@JohnK Right on! That's a nice set up! That sounds like a great time! The Weight Dist Shank item # EQ90-02-4600 is exactly what you need!

John

3/12/2026

@JerredH Thanks. Does this shank come in shorter lengths? I don't think I need that much of an extension after looking at my set up.

Jerred H.

3/13/2026

@John You're welcome! It does and I have a Curt one as well. The Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank item # EQ90-02-4100 is 12" long. The Curt Weight Distribution Shank item # C17122 is 14" long. However, it has twice the drop at 7-1/2". If you're running stock suspension and tires this will most likely be excessive.

See All (12) Replies to John K. ∨

Richard B.

3/10/2026

J., I was able to get by with a 14in shank, 2 in longer than the 12in I had. The 18in was just a too long... do an eyeball measurement to see how much more length you need..

Jerred H.

3/12/2026

@RichardB Great tip Richard!

John

3/12/2026

@RichardB Thanks, I looked at it and I think a bit shorter would be better.

Steve

3/10/2026

The reason I bought the extension is because the tailgate would not go down with my travel trailer connected. I guess the newer travel trailers use a very short tongue. Also my turn radius wasn’t good.

Jerred H.

3/12/2026

@Steve Thanks for the feedback Steve!

Joe

3/10/2026

Hi John. Love the 18 in shank. Lots of room with tailgate down even with moderate turns of about 30 degrees. I tow a 28 Ft travel trailer and often leave the truck and trailer attached because my wife brings her own car.

Jerred H.

3/12/2026

@Joe Really happy to hear you're enjoying the item # EQ90-02-4600 so much! Thanks for sharing your story.

Curty

3/10/2026

Jarred is right on. I bought one for the same purpose and it does the trick. In my case, i do post a spotter to be sure i don’t hit the tailgate while backing. Turning my jacking post 90 degrees may help, i haven't done that yet. The beauty of this shank is you don't lose any weight capacity. I haul a 6k lb. 26’ Lance TT and a CanAm Outlander Max -2-up - In the bed.