Shanky Ground (lol)

[Brewstercrew]

Hi,

This is my second post in 24 hours, We just towed our new to us 2010x213 home. The Reese hitch that came with the camper was set up for a F150. I own an ford expedition. The shank that came with it is 16 inches long from end to end. The previous owner told me it was a longer shank so he could open his tail gate while the camper was hitched to his truck.
I think having a longer shank increases my tongue weight (but is it anything negligible?). I'm considering re-drilling it and shortening it to get it closer to the bumper.. Has anyone done this before? I don't think it will effect anything from a safety stand point. My question is how far from the back bumper should I make it?

thanks in advance
Tom

[RedHorse1]

The long shank won't change the hitch weight but does give more leverage and may unload the front end more. Rather than drilling I'd look for a replacement. A visit to the CAT Scale will show you how you are loaded and what the weights are.

[ALJO]

How closer the ball to the rear axle, how less the sway will be.
Just drill a new 5/8 hole to shorten the distance.

[Crabman]

Is your trailer level when you are hitched up? Level to slightly nose down is preferred. If you are high in the front you are more prone to sway.

[oldmanAZ]

If you do decide to drill it, make sure there is enough room for the shank to slide forward in the receiver.

I have a long shank on my hitch and thought about sliding it further into the receiver to stow it when I wasn't towing (it's a real shin killer!). It looked good on paper, but there isn't room on my truck to slide it far as I wanted.

[Sundancer330]

I also tow with an Expedition and the total length of the shank is 10 inches on mine. If you have the tools to do the job I would cut it and drill a new pin hole it won't hurt anything its just steel. I would not try this unless I had a drill press, it would be very hard to drill such a hole straight.

[Brewstercrew]

The shank is correct as far as the trailer being able to be level. I towed it home with then nose a bit high but i can adjust that. I don't like how far out it is from the back of the car. I think it needs to be closer.

Tom

[Brewstercrew]

Sundancer330 is your shank 10 inches from front to back? what's the distance that extends out past the hitch when its mounted to the SUV.
Thanks
Tom

[Brewstercrew]

I'm going to have to sawzawl some off the end after I re-drill. It will hit my spare tire if I don't. Thanks for the help Tom

[Sundancer330]

My shank is 10", I measured from the center of the pin hole to center of the ball and its 12", I have about 4" of shank behind the pin hole and it doesn't hit the spare tire.