Is There a Difference in Shank Diameter Between the WeighSafe Safe Load and B&W Gooseneck Hitch?

Question

Question:

Difference in shank diameter Between Weight Safe Safe Load and BandW Gooseneck Hitch Balls I want to but one of these from you. Could you measure the shank using calipers for each one? I’m curious if the BandW has a tighter fit into the hitch compared to the WS. A video from Jan 2026 from BTBRV shows a lot of plat with the WS, but I’m not sure if it’s from the height difference, shank diameter difference, or both. I like the scale option in WS I had one of these in my old truck that had the square shank and would like to keep the scale, but not with a lot of slop. Thank you

asked by: Steve B

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Steve,

I went out to our warehouse for you and measured the shank of the WeightSafe Safe Load Gooseneck Hitch part # WS27MR and the B&W Gooseneck Hitch Ball from the ball and safety chain kit part # BWGNXA2061 confirmed to fit your 2025 Ford F-450 Super Duty. The shank diameter of the WeighSafe Safe Load Gooseneck ball and the B&W Gooseneck ball were exactly the same diameter at 2.22in when measured with digital calipers.

The two gooseneck balls do have a fairly significant height difference though. The WS27MR has a height of 10 inches when measuring from the ball bearing to the top of the hitch ball. The B&W gooseneck hitch ball # BWGNXA2061 is 7 1/4" from the ball bearing to the top of the hitch ball. I've included pictures showing the measurements of each for you. Potentially, the greater height could be creating greater leverage that's causing more play while towing.

Do you still prefer the WeighSafe for the tongue weight scale or do you think you'll give the B&W gooseneck hitch ball a try?

expert reply by: Claire H

0

Steve B.

4/29/2026

Thank you very much for checking and reporting on the details Claire. I think I’ll go with the B&W to keep the lever arm short. Thanks again!

Claire H.

4/30/2026

@SteveB You're very welcome Steve! I'm curious how the B&W gooseneck hitch ball will compare to the WeighSafe one. Happy towing!

Jeff

5/2/2026

@ClaireH I found the Weight Safe shaft diameter to be slightly smaller than the Ford OEM ball. When inserted in the Ford OEM puck receiver, there is a lot more chucking on the road. I use it only to measure my load under different conditions, then switch out to the original Ford ball when towing. Jeff

Claire H.

5/4/2026

@Jeff Appreciate the feedback! In our measurements using digital calipers, the Weight Safe and Ford OEM shanks came out to the same diameter. There can sometimes be a bit of variation in the hitch or puck system that may account for the extra movement you’re noticing

Answer 1

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Is There a Difference in Shank Diameter Between the WeighSafe Safe Load and B&W Gooseneck Hitch?

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