I recently purchased a 2003 25' Coachman TT. I just bought a WDH for it due to quite a bit of sway. The drop I needed before the WDH was about 6 1/2". With the WDH I could probably get away with a 4. The 6 1/2" drop just doesn't look safe to me with the WDH. Any thoughts on what I have now and what you guys use would be appreciated.

The rise or drop is determined by whatever it takes to make the trailer tow level. If it requires 6-1/2 inches, 4 inches is going to be WAY off and bad things will be likely. I would highly recommend you find somebody local who knows what they are doing who can both help you set it up right and explain it as they do it. It takes a lot more info than the pictures you provided to get it right.

My first thought is to get rid of the drop adapter, turn the weight distribution shank over and then adjust the ball mount position as needed. Looks like you can get where you need to be withou a lot of trouble. Other than the torque on the bolts which is pretty high, don't remember the value though.

I guess I wasn't clear in my post. Without the WDH I just bought I needed the 6 inches of drop. Now with the WD I don't need that much because I get some of my drop out of the WD. Thats why its reversed on the WD because otherwise its to much drop. I'm wondering if I should purchase a 4 inch drop and flip my WD back over to get the exact drop I need. I just don't think the 6 inch drop I have now looks very safe. I haven't zeroed the whole thing in yet because I have to get the truck and trailer to flatter ground than what is in my yard.

Traver8 wrote:My first thought is to get rid of the drop adapter, turn the weight distribution shank over and then adjust the ball mount position as needed. Looks like you can get where you need to be withou a lot of trouble. Other than the torque on the bolts which is pretty high, don't remember the value though.I would still need about 3 inches of drop if I eliminated the adapter and flipped the WD.

Regarding sway only, what’s the weight of your loaded and wet TT and what’s your current tongue weight?

Need hitch advice please. | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Sep 16, 2020
If you don’t want to use your home made adapter, don’t have enough drop with the adjustable height hitch head plugged in direct to receiver and can’t get the trailer level enough with the drop shank you have, then yes you need a longer drop shank.
Kelpike
Explorer
Sep 15, 2020
Sjm9911 wrote:
Im not understanding this whole thing. You can take the extention bar thing off and put the wdh on normally. Or if the wdh can be put in upside down( mine can) then unbolt it and move it up to get less drop. What am i missing here?

I have the right height with the adapter. I don't get enough drop without the adapter no matter which way I put my wdh. I need to eliminate the adapter which means I have to buy a longer drop shank. I'm not sure if all drop shanks are universal in the spacing of the holes. Mine now are 1 1/4" apart.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Sep 15, 2020
In your photos of your setup, you have THREE components pictured.
1. The shank - that portion that inserts into the trucks receiver. In your case you have a double shank, possibly homemade. TorkLift also makes one very similar. You need one as shown by Mitch150.

2. Another shank - the portion that the hitch head bolts onto. This is the only shank part you need, only you need to get one with the proper drop to level your trailer.

3. The hitch head - the part that bolts onto the shank with two large bolts (usually torqued to around 260ft/lbs or so) and which the ball mounts onto.

What this whole thing amounts to is that you need to purchase a new shank with the proper drop to level your trailer, mount your hitch head on it in the proper position to level your trailer, install the ball and then attach the trailer and go camping! :)

Unless you have need for a multiple shank mount to carry a bike or other item while towing your trailer, I would sell or otherwise dispose of that shank you have now.
Barney
jdc1
Explorer II
Sep 15, 2020
Dump that extension. Use ONLY the WD hitch section. Sway is going to happen. It's a matter of minimizing it.
Sjm9911
Explorer
Sep 15, 2020
Im not understanding this whole thing. You can take the extention bar thing off and put the wdh on normally. Or if the wdh can be put in upside down( mine can) then unbolt it and move it up to get less drop. What am i missing here?
ppine
Explorer II
Sep 15, 2020
get rid of the adapter, extension.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Sep 15, 2020
You need one like Mitch150 posted. They make them in various drops. You should be able to find 6,8 and 10" drops.
Kelpike
Explorer
Sep 15, 2020
Tal/IL wrote:
Looking at the photo, is the adapter upside down? Isn’t the reinforced adapter the tow receptacle and the one you are plugged in an accessory receptacle for things like a bike rack?

Yes, it is upside down. I had it reinforced so I could use it as a drop with my old hitch. I do not want to use it with the weight distribution system.
Tal_IL
Explorer
Sep 15, 2020
Looking at the photo, is the adapter upside down? Isn’t the reinforced adapter the tow receptacle and the one you are plugged in an accessory receptacle for things like a bike rack?
Kelpike
Explorer
Sep 15, 2020
My hitch is made by Valley Industries. Are the drop hole spacing universal throughout different brands? Mine are 1 1/4" apart.