Drop shank ground clearance—is 6” enough?

[MimiandRandy]

We recently replaced our TV with a 2020 F250 TD. We were pulling with an F150 and finally took the plunge. I had to buy an 11” drop shank and adjust it to the second to last hole to level my AS, then had the shop cut off the excess. That still leaves me with just 6” of ground clearance using my Equalizer hitch. I’ve read in other forums that 6” is acceptable, but is the minimum...please relate your experiences and knowledge about this stressful dimension.

Thank you!

[ExploreUT]

Originally Posted by MimiandRandy

We recently replaced our TV with a 2020 F250 TD. We were pulling with an F150 and finally took the plunge. I had to buy an 11” drop shank and adjust it to the second to last hole to level my AS, then had the shop cut off the excess. That still leaves me with just 6” of ground clearance using my Equalizer hitch. I’ve read in other forums that 6” is acceptable, but is the minimum...please relate your experiences and knowledge about this stressful dimension.

Thank you!

Might be too low................thinking of transition points into/out of driveways, fuel stations, parking lots etc.

If you did hit bottom, what we be the consequence of bending the shank? Catastrophic failure and coupler is also damaged ? Inability to remove shank from TB?

Found this from eTrailer's website.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-59772.html

[Mollysdad]

IMO, it's enough.
Mine is about the same, and it almost never hits. My driveway is the exception where, without the trailer, it might go bump at the curb.
It doesn't hurt anything. The safety chains are lower and the jack foot is higher.
I've never hit on speed bumps or gas station transitions.

[CRH]

I have a 2019 F350. I bought a Curt that is described as having a 5" drop when used with trunnion bars and 7" with round bars. I use trunnions. I have one hole left on the bottom. I have never dragged the bottom. I have thought about cutting the unused portion off, though.