What to expect with a longer shank on the hitch?

[Adiredneck]

I really like my combo. With the extra length between receiver and ball, you can actually make sharper turns when backing up. I think my backing issues are more a result of operator error than hitch length...

[JJTX]

Originally Posted by bweybright

My question is: what should I expect adding 6 inches of tongue length? Is having the trailer an inch lower on the tongue but with a shorter tongue length better?




Bob

Your shank lengths are not real relevant. What is important is a level trailer ride. Or if anything slightly down, never up.

[FredWilma]

Originally Posted by JJTX

Your shank lengths are not real relevant. What is important is a level trailer ride. Or if anything slightly down, never up.

I believe longer shank length lengthens the distance between the ball and the TV rear axle, which in turn then adds to the amount of front end lift and rear squat when the trailer weight is added. This then means more weight distribution is required to restore the TV from axle load.

[gblackburn]

Originally Posted by Adiredneck

I use a combination of an Equalizer and AirSafe hitches, which puts my ball almost 21" behind the receiver. I've noticed no change in handling (other than the improved comfort of making the suspensions independent). It might make it a little harder to back up, but I sucked at that even before the AirSafe...


I tow a 27 FB Classic with a 2015 Ram 3500 diesel, so I hardly notice that I'm towing, anyway.

Can you provide a picture of your setup with both the Equilizer and AirSafe hitches?

I have an Equalizer Hitch with an 18" shank length that I used for my 27FB and F150.

New Tow Vehicle. F250 Crew Cab 2.5" receiver needs advise on setting up the equalizer hitch and Airsafe.

Still want to open the tailgate so I need a longer shank or will the AirSafe hitch solve that problem?

[uncle_bob]

Hi

There are two very different measurements on a shank.

One is how far above or below the receiver it can go ( = vertical measure).

The other is how far *behind* the receiver it puts the ball ( = horizontal measure).

Moving the ball further back ( the horizontal number) will impact sway. That's just the basic physics of how sway works.

Bob

[Silvr_Bullet]

I haven’t measured the distance with the Hensley Hitch that puts the receiver well back from the ball, but no sway there.

[rmkrum]

Ditto on any Propride system…

[Andy543]

Increasing shank length is generally not a good idea, as it gives the trailer more leverage with which to push the tow vehicle around. The greater the distance from the tow vehicle's rear axle to the hitch ball, the less stable your rig will be.

[Hermes]

Originally Posted by Silvr_Bullet

I haven’t measured the distance with the Hensley Hitch that puts the receiver well back from the ball, but no sway there.

The geometry of the Hensley/Pro Pride prevents sway and compensates for whatever effect shank length could have. The loading of the trailer is also a factor with rear loading increasing sway conditions.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Hermes

The geometry of the Hensley/Pro Pride prevents sway and compensates for whatever effect shank length could have. The loading of the trailer is also a factor with rear loading increasing sway conditions.

Hi

Exactly.

With a "normal" hitch setup, moving the ball back *is* a problem.

Bob

[Andy543]

Originally Posted by Hermes

The geometry of the Hensley/Pro Pride prevents sway and compensates for whatever effect shank length could have. The loading of the trailer is also a factor with rear loading increasing sway conditions.

Unfortunately, this is untrue. Yes, a Hensley hitch will prevent trailer sway, but the stability problem affected by shank length is not trailer sway, it's tow vehicle oversteer. A Hensley hitch does not prevent oversteer.

[waninae39]

longer shank length lengthens the fulcrum length
that is the main item to reduce in stable towing.

the fulcrum length for 5th wheel or big truck is ZERO

its best to reduce this for more stable towing

[Silvr_Bullet]

Originally Posted by Andy543

Unfortunately, this is untrue. Yes, a Hensley hitch will prevent trailer sway, but the stability problem affected by shank length is not trailer sway, it's tow vehicle oversteer. A Hensley hitch does not prevent oversteer.

Maybe not, but the trailer will track with the vehicle, no sway, less chance of loss of total control.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Andy543

Increasing shank length is generally not a good idea, as it gives the trailer more leverage with which to push the tow vehicle around. The greater the distance from the tow vehicle's rear axle to the hitch ball, the less stable your rig will be.

Hi

..... welcome to why we need a much better set of terms to sort all this out. I've always wondered why some bunch of papers didn't get written defining new terms for these effects.

Bob