The Equal-i-zer 90-02-4500 is a solid steel adjustable shank designed to pair with Equal-i-zer 6K to 14K Sway Control weight distribution hitch heads sold without a shank. It fits any standard 2" receiver tube and gives you the right combination of drop and rise to level your trailer and tow vehicle -- a critical step for weight distribution to work correctly.
Weight distribution hitches only perform as designed when the shank is correctly sized for your specific tow vehicle and trailer combination. Too much drop or rise and the hitch head sits at the wrong angle, reducing sway control effectiveness and putting uneven stress on the coupler. The Equal-i-zer 90-02-4500 delivers a 3" drop on one side and a 7" rise on the other, giving you flexibility across a wide range of receiver heights and trailer coupler heights.
The 18" shank length keeps the hitch head far enough behind the rear bumper for full spring arm articulation. Mounting holes are spaced in 1-1/4" increments to fine-tune hitch head positioning and achieve the level setup Equal-i-zer recommends. At 29 lbs., this is a heavy-duty component built for repeated use over years of towing.
Full solid steel shank with corrosion-resistant finish. Built to handle the constant flexing and load cycles of weight distribution towing without bending or cracking.
3" drop on one side, 7" rise on the other. Flip the shank to match your receiver height to your trailer coupler height -- no second shank needed for most setups.
Mounting holes centered in 1-1/4" increments let you fine-tune the hitch head angle for a level tow vehicle-to-trailer relationship before tensioning the spring arms.
Manufactured domestically to Equal-i-zer's quality standards. Compatible with the full 6K to 14K Equal-i-zer hitch head lineup and many other adjustable hitch heads.
Equal-i-zer sells hitch heads both with and without shanks. If you purchased a shank-less hitch head, the 90-02-4500 is the correct 2" receiver shank to complete your setup in the 3" drop / 7" rise configuration. It is also the right upgrade if you are moving your Equal-i-zer hitch head from one tow vehicle to another with a different receiver height, avoiding the cost of buying an entirely new hitch.
While this shank is engineered specifically for the Equal-i-zer 6K, 10K, and 14K weight distribution hitch heads, the head mounting pattern is compatible with many other brands of adjustable weight distribution hitch heads that use the same shank interface. If you are unsure whether your hitch head will mate to this shank, check the head's mounting hole pattern and bolt spacing against the 1-1/4" increment pattern on the 90-02-4500.
Measure the vertical distance from the inside top of your receiver tube to the center of your trailer coupler ball socket when the trailer is on level ground and both axles are loaded. If the coupler sits below the receiver, you need drop. If it sits above, you need rise. The Equal-i-zer setup guide recommends the tow vehicle sit 1" to 1.5" lower at the rear before attaching the hitch, so factor that into your measurement before selecting a shank.
Insert the shank into the 2" receiver tube and secure with a hitch pin or receiver lock (not included). Torque the hitch head mounting bolts to the spec listed in your Equal-i-zer hitch head instruction sheet. After the first 50 miles of towing, re-check all fastener torque values. The shank itself requires no lubrication, but keeping the receiver tube clean and free of rust ensures smooth insertion and removal.
After washing your tow vehicle or towing in wet conditions, dry the shank and apply a light coat of anti-corrosion spray to the shank body, especially around the mounting hole edges. This extends the life of the corrosion-resistant finish and prevents binding inside the receiver tube.
The 18" shank length is required for proper spring arm operation on Equal-i-zer hitches. Do not substitute a shorter shank -- insufficient clearance between the hitch head and the rear bumper or receiver can prevent the spring arms from being installed or removed safely.