SHANK question

Huntindog wrote:

Huntindog wrote:
Years ago when this was discussed, Ron Gratz weighed in withthe following comment.
" A first year enfgineering student would think that the longer drawbar would reduce capacity due to more leverage on the reciever. A second year student would know that the WD bar force is increased by this leaverage"

Ron Gratz comment

Here is what you are missing. It is not only about WD hitches. Many people don't use them, for one thing. The other is the effect on emergency handling. Imagine which is more stable in a hard swerve to avoid an accident. Moving the ball farther from the rear axle increases the chance of the "tail wagging the dog". A five foot lever will have more effect than a four footer. Pretty simple. Just because some people get by with their setup doesn't prove anything, Some people tow without brake controllers for years. Ron had some good ideas but missed the effect on lateral stability not just weight distribution. The closer one can keep the ball to the rear axle, the better. Move the jack if it interferes with tailgate.