RonNN
Wisconsin
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Joined: 10/31/2007
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I have an Equal-i-zer with a standard shank, 3"drop. now with careful measuring I find out I should have one with a 4" drop.
I just towed the TT home, 400 miles with the original shank without any problems although occasionally I thought the front end of the TV felt slightly light.
Will an additional inch drop make any difference in handling. The extra money for the new shank doesn't matter if it makes a difference and is the right thing to do.
Also, why do they have a shank with a 18" length. Is that any better than the standard 12" length, must be some reason for it.
Thanks in advance for all the knowledgable answers.
RonN
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havedreamwilltravel
Southern California
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Joined: 08/15/2006
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Ron -
On the Equalizer website you can plug in some numbers from your tow vehicle and trailer and it will tell you which shank you should have - Scroll down the page to the bottom, follow the directions, plug in the numbers and see what it tells youClick here
If you are still unsure, give them a call or an email with your question. They have amazing customer service and are good honest people and will get back to your email or answer your question very quickly.
* This post was
edited 05/07/08 09:28am by havedreamwilltravel *
2007 GMC Yukon Denali - 6.2L 380hp/417ft-lbs,0-60 in 6.2 seconds
2007 Jayco Jayflight 27BH
Equalizer Hitch, Prodigy Brake Control
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Visited a lot of states, haven't camped in many...yet. 
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Earl E
Klamath Falls, Oregon
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Ditto the above answer. Just contact Equalizer. They are great folks and you will get THE answer instead of a bunch of our opinions.
2008 Keystone Springdale 252
2004 Chevy Silverado, 5.3 L V8
Prodigy brake control and Equal-i-zer
Retired and traveling all we can!
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Rob_315er
Rochester, NY
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The only thing the drop will do is change the angle of the TT. It will not affect weight distribution.
What were your measurements on your front and rear fenders before and after the hitch? Was there a rise on the front and a drop on the rear? If so, you don't have enough angle on the head and need to add washers.
If your TT is level or slightly nose-down when hitched up, then you don't need a larger drop shank.
What is your TT and TV?
Post a pic of the setup hooked up.
2008 8317SS
2004 Excursion V10
Equalizer 1200lb
Tekonsha P3
Retired:
2004 Expedition
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RonNN
Wisconsin
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Thanks for the help. The trailer rides level but I suspect the front of the truck is slightly higher. If I ever start to figure out this digital world I will post some pictures.
Thanks again, Ron
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Rob_315er
Rochester, NY
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Sounds like you need to put more tension on the bars.
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havedreamwilltravel
Southern California
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Rob_315er wrote:Sounds like you need to put more tension on the bars.
Actually, on the Equalizer, it is recommended that you add washers to the hitch head FIRST before adding tension to the bars. The bars should be parallel to the A-Frame on the trailer.
If you need more weight transferred to the front of the vehicle, add an additional washer or two and then re-measure and test drive.
We left the hole in the L-Bracket at #5 and ended up adding 3 more washers to our hitch head - and it tows like a dream.
Also make sure to weigh your trailer and tongue and have your tongue weight at 13% of the trailer weight. This in combination with bringing down the front end of the truck will help a LOT.
PM me if you have any set-up questions or measuring re: the Equalizer - i'm glad to help.
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Rob_315er
Rochester, NY
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Yep.... told him above to add tension to the bars by adding washers. You should not try to add tension by moving the "L" brackets. You want to keep those bars parallel.
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