16 in Shank on WDH
I currently have a 12 in shank coming out of my receiver on my truck, I need about 4 more inches to be able to lower my tailgate without hitting my trailer jack. Several companies offer a 16 in shank ...
Forum Discussion
TomG2 wrote:hprince wrote:
I ordered the 16in shank from Amazon, should be here by Tues. I will get it mounted and setup and report back if I see any changes in the way affects my WDH setup or towing.
It will work well. Unless, you get in an emergency situation where that little bit of extra sideways leverage swings the trailer around on you. There is a reason that fifth wheels and any other hitches that keep the tow point close to the rear axle are more stable.
Typically, the ball mount is about 48" from the rear axle. Increasing this to 54" results in a 12.5 percent increase in the side force that the trailer can apply to the rear tires of the tow vehicle. Not much during normal situations, I agree.
Tom, I see your point, but I think your points are better made for extensions (like those used for towing a boat when the truck has an 11' camper on it), rather than a 4" longer shank. While I don't disagree that a longer shank changes the forces, I would say that longer shanks are designed to handle what they are rated for. I would also suggest folks make sure the receiver is up to the task, along with the rest of the setup.
I didn't order a longer shank to clear my tailgate, I just installed the shank that I ordered and it happens to clear. The shank I have is the one recommended by the company that makes my receiver. I think I will be okay.
