Shank length ok?

[JimmyT]

We just swapped TV to a 2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 from a similar 2003 4Runner V6. The receivers are different - V8 has more of a weight distribution receiver.

When I slipped the Reese shank - the part that slides into the receiver - into the V8 receiver it didn't slide in as far as on the V6 but it did slide as far as it could up to the spare tire. I inserted the locking pin, took measurements with vehicle and trailer parallel to the ground, raised the hitch head (ball mount?) to make sure the trailer and vehicle are level. All seems well.

Except I'm worried about the difference between this shank's position in the V8 receiver and the old V6 receiver. The shank might be in the right place for the V8 receiver, but it's farther outside the receiver by the width of the rust band on the shank from the prior setup (perhaps 1.25"?).

Can I drive with this, or is there a different Reese shank I should get? I didn't see reference to a different shank length on the Reese site; just different height adjustments and we don't need that.

See photo attached of the V8 receiver and the rust band. Is this safe?

[TG Twinkie]

The weight rating is what is important. What is the rating of the receiver hitch on your new TV. Class III or IV? What is the rating of the shank? Both should exceed the weight of the trailer as well as the tongue weight.

[J. Morgan]

I wouldn't think twice about using the receiver/shank as pictured.

It will be fine.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, repaint the rusted area, you'll be fine.

[tjdonahoe]

It is fine, hope you don't get in a hurry.

[JimmyT]

Thanks J. Morgan - we plan to do just that. And give it a spray of paint too.

[JimmyT]

Yeah, a shot of Rust-O-Leum should do the trick. Thanks.