Reversing the Shank to Increase Ball Height

[MikeC]

I currently have a 16SD and the ball height (to the top of the ball) on my TV is 19 inches, exactly the height Casita recommends. Soon I'll be proudly pulling a new 17SD with a high-lift axle. Casita recommends a ball height of 20 and 1/2 inches for this unit. If I turn the shank from its usual position (with the shank logo facing up) upside down in the receiver, and of course reverse the ball as well, I can achieve a height of slightly more than the recommended 20 and 1/2 inches. This seems like a no-brainer; does anyone see any downside to doing this?

[Byron Kinnaman]

I believe that you're talking about the "ball mount". If look closely at ball mounts they'll say something like 2 1/2" drop, 3/4" rise. Indicating they are made to go either direction, depending on what the height requirements are.

Now the short answer. Yes, it's OK.

[Pete Dumbleton]

It's fine, but note that shanks than have rise or drop to them may have reduced weight limits, esp the very high/low ones. It's likely good for your range, but check it, as well as the ball itself. Each component in the tow series, truck, receiver, ball mount, ball, WDH, coupler and trailer has a limit. and like a chain, the lowest one is the controlling one.

Also, what I did was pull the pin on the mount, shove it it as far as it would go and drill a new set of holes. This shortened my overhang for sway-effect reduction and improved my backing. The reverse effect can be expected when using a longer ball mount.

[Victor Benz]

It's absolutely fine to invert the ball mount. As others have said, it is designed to go either way.

BBUUUTTT...

If your nut is a nylok locking type, use a new nut. Also check your lockwasher if it is there. If it is flattened when you remove it (doen't spring back) get a new one.

What I have is about five of these ball mounts at various heights to accomodate my three trailers and two tow vehicles.

Another option is to buy an adjustable, two piece ball mount that can be adjusted to many different heights using the two pin locations for locking. I also have one of these.

Vic

[Phil Underwood]

this is what i use, cause we pull a few different trailers with our truck

http://www.turnoverball.com/tow.asp

[MikeC]

Thanks to you all for your contributions. Even though neither of my ball mounts (one a Reese and one a Nissan-branded mount that came with my X-terra's tow pkg.), is marked as reversible, they are both of the same design as the Reese 36071, which is illustrated and advertised as the drop/rise type. I'm now confident either one of mine will do the job. Only five weeks to wait!