Shocker Hitch Frustration: Ball Height

[jeffmc306]

I recently purchased a Shocker Air Equalizer for Weight Distribution Hitch for our 2019 RAM 2500 4x4 and 2019 Globetrotter 27’ FBT because I want to reduce stress on the trailer. It’s going back to JC this June for a 2nd front end separation repair (first one was Oct. 2020).

I measured my current setup’s ball height - 22 3/4” with a CURT drop hitch before calling Shocker Customer Service to ensure I ordered the correct hitch. The agent pointed me to their 2 1/2” XR Mount, 5” rise / 4” drop which I ordered.

It arrived in a few days but with a 2” XR Mount instead (outside of box read 2 1/2”). Before calling them I used the reducer sleeve that came with the truck to check the ball height at the lowest setting: 26 1/2”.

I called Shocker CS again and spoke to a different agent and explained I received the 2” mount instead of the 2 1/2” and the ball height is 4 1/4” too high. He apologized and offered to send a 2 1/2” XR Mount in their 10 hole model (instead of the 8 hole). There’s no mention of a 10 hole mount available on their website.

I asked if that would be enough to make up the difference; he said “that’s the only other option”. It arrived a few days later and I assembled the hitch to measure: 25”.

While still too high, I held out hope it would work. Before dropping the trailer on the ball I measured the truck’s rear fender height - it settled about 2”. I hooked up the trailer, drove to a level parking lot and measured the tongue with a level and used our Level Mate Pro which showed the tongue 2.5” high. A level on the tongue confirmed the “nose-up” attitude.

I called Shocker again and asked if they had any other ideas. The agent asked me to send photos and he would pass it along to their engineering team. He did and they replied today:

“After speaking with the engineering department, unfortunately that is going to be the only offering as of right now for drop.
Thank you,
The Customer Service Team”

So, in summary they do not have a solution for 3/4-1 ton 4x4 trucks and stock Airstreams. Sounds like they’re missing a pretty significant opportunity.

At this point I figured we have two options: 1) Install a 3” Dexter Lift Kit at the cost of $1700 (JC quote) or 2) Return everything and forget it.

I could make a case for the lift kit for the extra clearance when towing but this will be our 4th season and have gotten by without it so far.

I hesitate to keep the unit and reward them with my business when their product won’t work without a $1700 lift installed.

Thoughts?

[Life is a Highway]

1: Your pictures are frustrating because the Hitch works from other reports but they were all on 1/2 ton trucks or 3/4 trucks with a SOB trailer that are stock about 3 inches higher than our stock Airstreams. I would say they have no $$$$ for Rand D and new shank certification.

2: I ordered this hitch, it's parked in a box in the garage and i’m pondering a return. Our trailer was lifted 3 inches by Ronnie Dennis so the hitch would JUST work. I have not hooked it up yet this weekend will tell.

3: Most important (Mr. Smooth ride Shocker Bob ) the infamous original owner and designer behind this hitch has sold out. Bob would pick up the phone and work with us. Bob I hear is still in the shop background but is WAYYYYYYY in the background leaving the end users like us behind the multi-business new owner who obviously is not getting the feedback or do not care-

4: Had a long sit down talk with Vinnie this summer at North Bay on hitches. Was like a Master Jedi moment. He uses the red shocker hitch that does not have weight distribution on it. You would have to use that with sway bars and install Air Bags to level the truck. Being a 3/4 ton your axle can take this.

Will be interesting to heard some help from any who are running this exact hitch

[Dtrentr]

I’ve had a shocker hitch for 6 years. 5 years on a 2017 F250 CCLB and almost a year on a 2022 F350 CCLB pulling a 27 FCFBT. No front end separation and no weight distribution. Has worked well for me for 60k miles.

[GOUSC]

Following

[tjdonahoe]

My 17 ram 4x4 3/4 ton pulls a 13 31’ classic ..using a Reese duel cam hitch , no separation on the trailer and very stable at all speeds…70,000 miles

[Jim J]

I also Have a 2019 RAM 2500 4x4 and use the following combination

Gen Y "Boss" 2.5 in shank 10 K, 9.5 in drop. With an Equ i lzer WD hitch

I am pulling a 30 ft Flying Cloud and it sits nearly level when hitched.

I could go down another 3 Inches on my ball if I needed it.


The Gen Y Torsion flex Hitch provides cushioning to the trailer but I do not know how it compares to the Air Ride.

My Review is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ0s...ZYNVxy&index=3

[Life is a Highway]

I have not seen ft end trailer problems yet with a Tow Vehicle without weight bars. Do you use Airbags or extra Springs ? My trailer will squat a 250 3 inches

Originally Posted by Dtrentr

I’ve had a shocker hitch for 6 years. 5 years on a 2017 F250 CCLB and almost a year on a 2022 F350 CCLB pulling a 27 FCFBT. No front end separation and no weight distribution. Has worked well for me for 60k miles.

[AlIslander]

Originally Posted by Life is a Highway

I have not seen ft end trailer problems yet with a Tow Vehicle without weight bars. Do you use Airbags or extra Springs ? My trailer will squat a 250 3 inches

If you’re on FB, there is a front end separation group where you’ll find folks who have it without weight distribution.

[blacklab]

Originally Posted by AlIslander

If you’re on FB, there is a front end separation group where you’ll find folks who have it without weight distribution.

Do you have a link to that FB page? I did a quick search and didn't see it.

Thank you.

Cheers,

Bryan

[Tyler2you]

Sounds like my experience with the Shocker almost to a tee.

I ended up going with the Gen-Y like Jim J. Only around 1K miles with it so far, but other than the weight, it's been great.

[Brainodo]

Just putting another option for consideration out there. I have had an airsafe class VI hitch for about a year now and it helps. I had a camera setup to watch the hitch and it is obviously cushioning the connection.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by Tyler2you

Sounds like my experience with the Shocker almost to a tee.

I ended up going with the Gen-Y like Jim J. Only around 1K miles with it so far, but other than the weight, it's been great.

I’m curious what your experience with Shocker was Tyler2you. Did you have the same issue I’m having where you couldn’t get the ball low enough to level your Airstream?

[Tyler2you]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

I’m curious what your experience with Shocker was Tyler2you. Did you have the same issue I’m having where you couldn’t get the ball low enough to level your Airstream?

Yes, not enough drop. I bought through etrailer, but went to the company when I couldn't find a way to make it work. They did offer to send me the 10 hole version, but the person I talked to told me it probably wouldn't be enough, so I just returned it.

[Dtrentr]

Originally Posted by Life is a Highway

I have not seen ft end trailer problems yet with a Tow Vehicle without weight bars. Do you use Airbags or extra Springs ? My trailer will squat a 250 3 inches

It’ll squat a couple inches. My truck is bone stock

[Life is a Highway]

I’ve seen them work from rigs at JC. People loved them except for the weight. I can’t justify that much weight of the assembly. My Chiropractor bills are high enough lol

Originally Posted by Brainodo

Just putting another option for consideration out there. I have had an airsafe class VI hitch for about a year now and it helps. I had a camera setup to watch the hitch and it is obviously cushioning the connection.

[Life is a Highway]

Well today I went out to set up my Shocker on the F-250 everything was going well with the new 10 hole Shocker shank until I tried to transfer my 14,000 equalizer head unit. It would not line up with the Shocker Pre drilled holes. It’s 1/4 inch to long will not align. I’m sure a 10,000 equalizer head would fit. Took pictures sent them to Shocker awaiting the engineer response.

[TrvlngTinTin]

Hope I Don’t Have the same problem?
I have a blue ox on the way as well.
All New Truck and Trailer.
I do have 3 inch lift Done on trailer.
Maybe that helps?

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by TrvlngTinTin

Hope I Don’t Have the same problem?
I have a blue ox on the way as well.
All New Truck and Trailer.
I do have 3 inch lift Done on trailer.
Maybe that helps?

Wow, you might be okay with the 8 hole mount. If not, they will send you a 10 hole 3” XR Mount (they‘ll send a prepaid label). I have no idea why they don’t mention it in their online order form.

My truck’s 2 1/2” receiver is about 24 1/4” to the center and with the 10 hole mount, my trailer is 2 1/2” too high (without the lift). I wish it was the same as your truck’s ~21” on center.

With the 8 hole mount in the lowest position the ball on my Blue Ox was at 25 1/2” (using the 2” mount and a receiver sleeve). Take 3” off for your lower receiver and 3” more for your trailer lift and you’re right there!

I’m leaning towards getting the lift installed at JC this June. Very disappointed Shocker doesn’t have a solution for most 3/4 - 1 Ton trucks and unlifted Airstreams.

Let us know how yours works out! Fingers crossed for you.
-Jeff

[Tyler2you]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

My truck’s 2 1/2” receiver is about 24 1/4” to the center

Jeff--do you have 20" wheels? Thinking that might account for a bit of the height.

My 3500 is spot-on 23" to the center of the receiver with 18" wheels. I was still over 2" too high.

Get that 3" lift, some 18" wheels and it's sure to work

[Life is a Highway]

With the 3 inch trailer lift you should be OK, And unlike myself the Blue Ox fits the hole alignment my equalizer is to large for it or at least the 14,000 head. If I keep the Shocker I am most likely going to have to buy a Blue Ox head or buy a 10,000 Equalizer Head. My friend above is going to have to have his trailer lifter, which is not a bad idea.

Originally Posted by TrvlngTinTin

Hope I Don’t Have the same problem?
I have a blue ox on the way as well.
All New Truck and Trailer.
I do have 3 inch lift Done on trailer.
Maybe that helps?