Our new Dodge is higher and we need a longer "thing-a-ma-bob"Okay...I'm not too sure what to call it? A drop tow hitch? We don't need the whole assembly...just that "L" piece that will drop the height of the ball. The question is ....what is that "L" piece called? The one we have has 4 holes...we need to drop it to a 5th or 6th hole on this "L" bracket or doolybopper....can you help us with the technical name? Yes...I am a girl...thus the "thing-a-ma-bob" terminology..LOL

It's called a Drop Shank....Pretty much any decent RV Hitch shop should have them, but they're not cheap.

sch911 wrote:It's called a Drop Shank....Pretty much any decent RV Hitch shop should have them, but they're not cheap.Thanks a ton! I was looking for them at Walmart and they had lots of tow equipment...but not the "doo-hickey"....I mean drop shank!You made my day!

sch911 wrote:It's called a Drop Shank....Pretty much any decent RV Hitch shop should have them, but they're not cheap.My new Dodge required a new $150 drop shank. But you might ask your dealer if they have old ones in the shop. Mine had a bunch, but none (of course) were the right size.

Adjustable ball mount.works as a rise or drop mount. It also allows for setting the tilt for use with weight distributing hitches.Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

I've had good luck with etrailer.com

Our new Dodge is higher & we need a new "doo-hicky"

chakatania
Explorer
Jun 20, 2013
#40Fan wrote:
You probably have something like this....

You need this...

Reese 3215

That's what I'm thinking......
_40Fan
Explorer
Jun 20, 2013
You probably have something like this....

You need this...

Reese 3215
chakatania
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
Being more educated regarding the "shank"...and yet ...more confused...we are going to: Conejo Trailer Hitch Center.

When in doubt do it right by having a pro install it...right? : )
mkirsch
Nomad II
Jun 19, 2013
chakatania wrote:
#40Fan wrote:
WD is weight distribution. I think they made a mistake and typed WS instead of WD.

We are towing a travel trailer (22 footer) with the arms (equalization set up)....will the pictured item work?

thanks!

No.

You need a drop shank for a weight distributing hitch. What you call "equalization set up."
_40Fan
Explorer
Jun 19, 2013
#40Fan wrote:
Get the Reese 3215. Been there, done that!

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Reese/RP3215.html

Get this one and you will be good to go.
chakatania
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
N-Trouble wrote:
chakatania wrote:
What I find interesting is the measurements that change are "length" (horizontal)...not vertical. Why would I need the extra horizontal length/distance from tow vehicle to trailer? Inquiring minds want to know!

I do like this page as it show the (GTW & TW) "weight ratings" :)
http://www.reeseprod.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=2&parentid=1600&catid=1635∂=0

Moves the trailer back further allowing to drop the tailgate without hitting the jack. Also tracks a bit better going around turns.

Ah!!! That's really important. We could never open the gate with the trailer attached...good reason to change the length from tow vehicle to the trailer! Thanks! :B
N-Trouble
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
chakatania wrote:
What I find interesting is the measurements that change are "length" (horizontal)...not vertical. Why would I need the extra horizontal length/distance from tow vehicle to trailer? Inquiring minds want to know!

I do like this page as it show the (GTW & TW) "weight ratings" :)
http://www.reeseprod.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=2&parentid=1600&catid=1635∂=0

Moves the trailer back further allowing to drop the tailgate without hitting the jack. Also tracks a bit better going around turns. The downside is the longer shank moves the tongue weight futher back from the rear axle which can produce more up/down movement. I run a longer shank for the reasons pointed out above but I tow a fairly short/small bumper pull with a 3/4 ton so moving the pivot point back is not a big deal. Would not do the same if I was towing with a 1/2 ton.
chakatania
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
What I find interesting is the measurements that change are "length" (horizontal)...not vertical. Why would I need the extra horizontal length/distance from tow vehicle to trailer? Inquiring minds want to know!

I do like this page as it show the (GTW & TW) "weight ratings" :)
http://www.reeseprod.com/content/products.aspx?lvl=2&parentid=1600&catid=1635∂=0
TugCE
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
#40Fan wrote:
WD is weight distribution. I think they made a mistake and typed WS instead of WD.

I just noticed my mistake and fixed it. It should have been WD not WS (what ever that this)
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
Jun 18, 2013
Also be aware that not all those type of trailer "doo hickies" :) are rated the same capacity especially the one with the bolts/thin wall tubing that are adjustable. I would stick with doo-dads like that with a minimum of 10k capacity or heavier if your trailer requires it. Or go heavier if needed.

Ball mounts are rated xxxxx lbs draw, as in pulling, and xxx to xxxx lbs of hitch weight.