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12-03-2014, 05:59 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Ann Arbor
Posts: 14
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Cutting hitch shank?
Hello,
We have a 19h with equalizer hitch that we tow with a Ford Fled. The hitch shank is properly mounted but extends about 4 in from the bottom of the hitch. This becomes an issue when pulling over rolling terrain where the shank bottoms out. I stopped into Camping World and spoke with them about this and we agreed that I need a 6 in shank or that I can cut the bottom of the shank off. The employee assured me this would be safe but had no knowledge of anyone doing this. Has anyone here had this issue?. Found a more appropriately sized shank or cut their existing shank?
Thanks!
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12-03-2014, 07:18 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Orange County, N.Y.
Posts: 675
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I had a friend with a band saw cut off the 2 inches that hung below my hitch.
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12-03-2014, 07:20 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: James Island, SC
Posts: 22,843
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Agree, a band saw or a machinist shop. Don't try it with a hack saw, that is some hard metal.
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12-03-2014, 10:19 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sparwood, BC
Posts: 2,800
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Even if you want it more forward towards the axle you can drill a new 5/8 hole.
How closer to the axle how better the tow. Mine moved 4" forward.
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12-03-2014, 01:13 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Morris
Posts: 250
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If you don't have a reciprocating saw, get one. Very useful, also get some Lenox metal cutting blades 1 might be enough, but get 2 or 3. Use some lubricating oil while cutting and saw off whatever is needed.
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12-03-2014, 06:58 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Spicewood, Texas
Posts: 913
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Just stay under the welds.
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12-03-2014, 07:04 PM
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#7
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Lost in the Woods
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: N/A
Posts: 567
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Don't cut it with a torch. The heat will weaken the metal.
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12-03-2014, 07:26 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 3,208
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The tag on my Reese Titan shank clearly states do not cut, alter in any way.
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12-03-2014, 08:03 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Ann Arbor
Posts: 14
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Is anyone familiar with a 6 in shank?
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12-04-2014, 05:52 AM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 68
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You can order a shorter shank from a number of places but they can be over $100. Can you flip your shank over? Is your shank hitch head mounted in the to set of holes?
This is probably the shank you want if you dont need the drop. http://www.etrailer.com<br />
/Acces...e/RP54970.html.
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12-04-2014, 01:00 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: northern Il.
Posts: 138
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Flip it over is your best bet. Had to do that when I went from f150 to 2500HD. Shank would be expensive and heat treated as others have said
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12-04-2014, 07:29 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Boise
Posts: 201
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If you decide to flip it and you Tow with a pickup. Make sure you test lowering your Tailgate slowly. Could put a nasty dent in a Tailgate.
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12-09-2014, 04:01 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: oneonta ny
Posts: 534
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I have a horizontal bandsaw. I would be glad to cut it for you .If its extremely hard or treated I dont know if my blade would do it. Maybe you could see if a hacksaw would mark it or start into it at all just to see. Not sure if shipping back and forth from michigan would be worth it but the offer stands
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12-09-2014, 05:59 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Ann Arbor
Posts: 14
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Rick - thank you, that is very nice of you. However, I spoke with a friend who is a member at Tech Shop and he is going to help me cut it in the spring.
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12-15-2014, 07:02 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kalamazoo, West Michigan
Posts: 1,817
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Take a good file and make a stroke across the area where you want to cut the shank. If the file teeth bite in easily then it's soft enough to cut with a saw. If the teeth don't bite in, then it's probably heat treated.
Take a stroke across the shank of a drill bit to get a feel for hardened metal.
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