Long shank question...

[jonmad]

I would like to be able to drop my truck tailgate while connected to my TT. I have a long shank but was wondering if there is any reason not to use it?

[4X4Dodger]

ScottG wrote:
Nope. I installed one that was several inches longer for the same reason on my Reece DC and had no problem.
A few years later my buddy got the same DC setup and the new shank (or drawbar) that came with it was longer just like the aftermarket one I bought.

Where did you find this Ball Mount/Shank that is several inches longer? I have searched the internet and stores from Tractor Supply to the Uhaul place to no avail. I have a class V Reese Titan and Reese does not make them in longer lengths. There are reducers but I want to stay with the 2.5 x 2.5 class V. I only need about three inches longer.

I do find all kinds of those crazy Rube Goldberg over complicated setups for sway control systems but I simply do not need that.

Any help will be appreciated. Otherwise I need to change the location of the tongue Jack.

[fallsrider]

wing_zealot wrote:
Why should it? The payload capacity doesn't change if you are towing a 5th wheel (with the payload directly over the axle) compared to a TT (with the load out a ways from the axle). So why should it change if the load is at 36" away from the axle vs. 34"?

The payload capacity does not change, but the further aft of the rear axle that your ball is located increases the weight on the rear axle, and further decreases the front axle weight more than a normal hitch setup. This is due to increased leverage on the rear axle.

Consequently, your WDH will have to be set up tighter to return the proper weight to the front axle.

[jonmad]

Thanks, I will check if that would work for me....

[Dog_Trainer]

"I had a similar problem. The tailgate was hitting the tongue jack motor. I turned the jack about 120 degrees. This cured the problem. Had to drill one additional hole in the jack base to line up with the hole in the trailer tongue. Very easy modification."
X2

[Bigbird65]

jonmad wrote:
Tailgate hits the tongue jack.

I had a similar problem. The tailgate was hitting the tongue jack motor. I turned the jack about 120 degrees. This cured the problem. Had to drill one aditional hole in the jack base to line up with the hole in the trailer tongue. Very easy modification.

[jonmad]

Tailgate hits the tongue jack.

[Bigbird65]

Just curious, what is the tailgate hitting when you try to put it down?

[jonmad]

Turns out the shank I have is not a hi low... Just an L. If I turn it down I can't get the ball high enough and if I turn it up I can't get it low enough... It's within an inch and a half if I turn it down.... It might work. Suppose to be level or slightly down right? Might give it a try...

[wing_zealot]

Why should it? The payload capacity doesn't change if you are towing a 5th wheel (with the payload directly over the axle) compared to a TT (with the load out a ways from the axle). So why should it change if the load is at 36" away from the axle vs. 34"?

[lanerd]

Doesn't lengthening the shank reduce the towing and payload capacities.

Ron

[jonmad]

Thanks for the help Scott and Roy. Heading out to make the change...

Thanks cool breeze.

[coolbreeze01]

Opening the tailgate fully, while hitched to the trailer is SOP. I do it every time I'm hooked to the trailer for one reason or another. No downside I'm aware of.

[RoyB]

Check out how long this shank is on one of MELLO MIKEs Adventure photos. If you want to tow something behind the Truck Camper you have to get an extended shank setup to get past the camper overhang. Notice this one is really long and it has chains added to it for support from the truck bumper.



Roy Ken

[ScottG]

Nope. I installed one that was several inches longer for the same reason on my Reece DC and had no problem.
A few years later my buddy got the same DC setup and the new shank (or drawbar) that came with it was longer just like the aftermarket one I bought.