What size shank dodge 2500 4x4

[McDonald256]

I got a new dodge today and will need to replace the shank on my equalizers. I want to get the 2.5” but what should the drop be?

[ExploreUT]

My 2020 Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 has a 2.5 inch receiver. Pretty sure all 2500 series models for the past few years have the 2.5 inch version. 3500 series may have the 3.0 inch size.

The truck came with an adapter sleeve to accommodate 2 inch shanks on ball mounts, but I ended up buying a new 2.5 inch ball mount sized shank. Mine has the 6 inch adjustable drop.

But I also have the auto leveling air suspension on the rear axle. Getting it close with a 4-6 drop is all that’s needed.

[Jim J]

I have the same truck as you and an equalizer hitch for towing a 30 ft Flying Cloud. I bought this product from E trailer since it works with my equalizer hitch head. Cost was about $140

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 2-1/2" Hitch - 10" Rise/6" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW

[oldenavy]

We ended up using the 2" shank with the 10" rise/6" drop for my '18 RAM. You'll find that the 2-1/2" shank doesn't have enough drop for the height of the truck unless you have a lift on the trailer. Also, the standard length shanks won't allow you to open the tailgate with the trailer hitched up. We ended up buying an extender from e-Trailer to move the ball out about 3".

[BayouBiker]

Know that moving the hitch point out 3" has about a 5-8% effect on stability critical speed and degrades handling performance about the same. The trade off may well be worth it but you have impacted maximum safe speed by about 4-7 mph.

The Ram 2500 4x4 has fairly compliant rear springs, mine settles 2 1/2 - 3 inches when hitched with gear in the bed. My base zero offset ball height is 24 3/4 so I use about 3 1/2 - 4 inch drop.

[McDonald256]

Originally Posted by Jim J

I have the same truck as you and an equalizer hitch for towing a 30 ft Flying Cloud. I bought this product from E trailer since it works with my equalizer hitch head. Cost was about $140

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 2-1/2" Hitch - 10" Rise/6" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW

Perfect, we sold the FC25 and are waiting on our FC30. That gets you to tow level? I really did not want to buy a complete new hitch if I can just get a shank and I like the idea of a 2-1/2 shank. Any trouble with your tailgate opening and closing?

[BayouBiker]

Depending on your planed travel speed, you may want a shank the has the ball close to the bumper, but then the tail gate will hit the jack housing. What was you speed range with the 25'? Will you keep the same speed with the 30'?

[Jim J]

My trailer is level with this setup, like Bayou Biker said, the truck will settle a little as the tongue comes down, so you set the ball up a little higher when trailer is not on it. I found I do not have to use very much WD tension to get the axle weights and sway control right.

I have the stock 285/60x20 in. tires and stock suspension. It is a 4x4 with Cummins.

The tailgate can open a little bit but not fully before it hits the trailer tongue jack. This is not a problem for me since I am tall and can reach most of what is in the bed by reaching over the side. I use the bed step if i need to get in there and root around for something before I unhitch.

[McDonald256]

Never over 65 really. The camper will sit at a permanent camp spot most of the time, but we will take some trips

[BayouBiker]

There are some 2 1/2 inch 6 inch drop (as defined by the equalizer ball mount geometry) shanks that extend further out than what equalizer brands directly. The shank equalizer uses is industry standard, it is not custom in any way, so there are many brands with slightly different dimensions so if you look you can find one that will just barely allow the tailgate to clear. And since you don't rocket down the road, the 3 or so inch difference while does affect ride quality and stability you still have a good margin. Measure from the receiver pin hole center to the end of the tailgate on the new truck and I'l help you with dimensions for a shank so you are ready when you go to get the new trailer. Also measure the elevation of the top of the receiver hole to confirm the required drop.

A word about "drop". each hitch maker has different ball mount designs so the ball elevation relative to the shank adjustment holes varies. Zero drop is defined as the bottom of the ball being level with the top of the receiver hole.

[Wheelshed]

Originally Posted by McDonald256

I got a new dodge today and will need to replace the shank on my equalizers. I want to get the 2.5” but what should the drop be?

My 07 cummins 2500 4x4 has a 2 inch reciever and I need a 6 inch drop for Airstream but I also have 35 inch tall tires, stock suspension.

[Electronut]

All,

I just wanted to resurrect this thread and get your feedback as I too just purchased a new 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie with Factory Ram Air in the rear. I also leveled this truck with a 2 inch leveling kit so it's now actually sitting 1 inch higher in the rear than the factory height. Front is 2-1/4 inches higher because I changed the coils there plus new Fox shocks all around but these points don't effect the rear.

I prefer to get the 2.5 inch shank for strength instead of using the Mopar sleeve adapter to accommodate the 2 inch shank which I heard there could be slop and want the setup solid. However I know if I want more distance for the tailgate use to clear the AS electric hitch and full opening I need to use the 18" length shank from Equalizer and that only comes in the 2 inch size and max 4 inch drop sizing so forced to use the sleeve. That shank I'm guessing is likely not enough drop with my suspension height but thought I'd ask. I may not have a choice of not being able to use the tailgate. I wanted to be able to lower the tailgate to have access into the bed and also for motorcycle transport in the bed when hooked up to the AS. From reading these post it appears I will need a 6 inch drop? I will need to measure everything to be sure but thought I would ask in here for input.

There is a product called Gate King Adjustable Truck Bed Extender which has settings where you can lock the tailgate bed into different folding positions that may help my case. We can see.

[jeffmc306]

Have you considered adding a Dexter Axle Lift to your Airstream? That would give you back 3”.

Our 2019 RAM 2500 Laramie needed a longer drop shank to level our trailer. I found a 2 1/2” CURT 8” drop gave me enough to level the trailer. In fact, I cut off about 1.5” from the bottom. We’ve got a Blue Ox SwayPro but your Equalizer should fit on the drop shank. Check with the good folks at eTrailer first.

Fast forward to today and I bought a Shocker air hitch but found the 10 hole XR Mount (shank) leaves the trailer 2 1/2” high. We’re headed to JC in June to get the Dexter lift installed to level the trailer.

Hope you find a solution for yours.

[Piggy Bank]

Anyone do a Receiver change out?

Want to know what folks think about this.

We are moving from an F-150 with the standard 2 inch receiver, to a new-to-us F-250. The F-250 has the 2.5 inch receiver.

Right now we use an equalizer hitch with a 2 inch shank.

I purchased a 2.5 to 2 inch sleeve adapter and longer pin from e Trailer, and although it fit OK, there was some play in it (some "jiggling") and it was a major PITA to line up all the holes to get the hitch shank in, and the hitch pin inserted.

So looking at options.

We didn't really like the idea of changing to the 2.5 inch shank because they are heavier. With the 2 inch shank and ball, either of us alone carry and insert the 2 inch shank with good maneuverability without feeling like we are going to strain our back.

We talked to our local Ford dealer that also sells RVs and decided to switch out the receiver on the truck to a different one that accepts the 2 inch shank. This should allow us to continue to use the same shank and ball, and just adjust the shank height to fit the new taller truck.

Anyone see any issues with this?

[jeffmc306]

Piggy Bank, changing out the hitch receiver to a 2” would downgrade your Class 5 to a Class 3 or 4 depending on which hitch you choose.

Either will still do the job for you but won’t have the overall capacity of the original Class 5.

Here’s an explanation of the differently classes.

[Jim J]

I use the Gen Y BOSS (TORSION-FLEX) WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION (2.5 in SHANK) and equalizer WD hitch now. The GenY has enough adjustment range to allow me to position my hitch correctly (with a couple of extra holes below the lower hitch bolt) and extends the ball back far enough that I can open the tail gate for loading the bed, but I would not be able to drive with the tail gate down.

[Electronut]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Have you considered adding a Dexter Axle Lift to your Airstream? That would give you back 3”.

Our 2019 RAM 2500 Laramie needed a longer drop shank to level our trailer. I found a 2 1/2” CURT 8” drop gave me enough to level the trailer. In fact, I cut off about 1.5” from the bottom. We’ve got a Blue Ox SwayPro but your Equalizer should fit on the drop shank. Check with the good folks at eTrailer first.

Fast forward to today and I bought a Shocker air hitch but found the 10 hole XR Mount (shank) leaves the trailer 2 1/2” high. We’re headed to JC in June to get the Dexter lift installed to level the trailer.

Hope you find a solution for yours.

I don't have the need or desire to lift the AS. I just used the calculator on Equalizer's website and took the measurements at home on the Ram 2500 receiver height. It's 24-1/4 inches high from ground to top interior of receiver lip. The coupler height leveled on our 2022 FC 27FBT is 19 inches right from AS site. Hitch ball is 3 inches high from base of hitch. They recommend the 9 inch drop - 2.5 inch shank. That's only having the typical 12 inches long neck though on the shank. I still have the issue to clearing the tailgate when opening. Is there an alternate and compatible shank that will fit the Equalizer hitch to give me 18 inch total length out of the receiver?

[Electronut]

Originally Posted by Jim J

I use the Gen Y BOSS (TORSION-FLEX) WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION (2.5 in SHANK) and equalizer WD hitch now. The GenY has enough adjustment range to allow me to position my hitch correctly (with a couple of extra holes below the lower hitch bolt) and extends the ball back far enough that I can open the tail gate for loading the bed, but I would not be able to drive with the tail gate down.

Thanks Jim. Good to know however that's a tough pill to swallow after checking the price just to get tailgate clearance. What's your TV and did you get this 9.5" drop or the 6.5" drop model?

The BOSS TORSION-FLEX 2.5″ Weight Distribution Shank 9.5″ Drop 1.1K TW 10K Hitch - $745.00!

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by Electronut

I don't have the need or desire to lift the AS. I just used the calculator on Equalizer's website and took the measurements at home on the Ram 2500 receiver height. It's 24-1/4 inches high from ground to top interior of receiver lip. The coupler height leveled on our 2022 FC 27FBT is 19 inches right from AS site. Hitch ball is 3 inches high from base of hitch. They recommend the 9 inch drop - 2.5 inch shank. That's only having the typical 12 inches long neck though on the shank. I still have the issue to clearing the tailgate when opening. Is there an alternate and compatible shank that will fit the Equalizer hitch to give me 18 inch total length out of the receiver?

I didn’t have the need or desire to lift our AS until I got the Shocker hitch. But, it’s a way to make the two work.

With the CURT drop shank I can open the tailgate on our RAM and Blue Ox. Could be the Equalizer’s head is shorter which is causing the interference you’re experiencing?

[CharlesinGA]

Every hitch manufacturer uses the same dimensions, on shanks, the vertical bar being 2 inch to accept the hitch head and having 3/4 inch holes spaced 1-1/4 inch on center. You can use a Reese, Curt, Equalizer, Blue Ox, etc shanks and they will work fine, so long as they are rated for the weight.

My travel buddy uses a Bulletproof shank (special design) with a weight distribution hitch head adapter. This allows on the fly adjustments to height and allows the hitch to be taken apart, lessening the weight you have to handle. It also projects the ball a little further out to help with tailgate clearance. I'm not sure which one he is using (length wise) but he has a '17 RAM 2500 4x4 with the 2-1/2 receiver. This has worked well for him on a 24 foot or so Forest River Surveyor of 7000 lbs or so GVWR.

https://www.bulletproofhitches.com/

Bulletproof 2-1/2 in shanks of various drops and weight capacities

Medium Weight distribution adapter

Heavy weight distribution adapter



Charles