Across the trailer and towing world, the terms “ball mount” and “Hitch” come with a certain level of understanding that is surface level at best. Even when terms are discovered, many suffer from misconceptions and misunderstanding due to the esoteric nature of the information. Case in point, what exactly is a hitch shank? Should you be concerned about it? And what purpose could it possibly serve in saving you from a massive headache?

What does “Receiver” mean in Towing?

A hitch receiver is the square-shaped tube that’s mounted to the frame of your vehicle, usually at the back. It’s the part of a trailer hitch that receives (accepts) the shank of a ball mount or weight distribution hitch.

For visual learners, the receiver is the image to the right. As you can see, its not only identifiable but also ubiquitous. Most trucks and SUV’s in the United States come with receivers by default. These are not only used for towing but also can be used to mount a bike rack, very useful for a full family in an SUV!

Although hitch receivers are the default on larger vehicles, they can also be added manually to smaller cars like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. This typically involves bolting it directly on so you don’t need to worry about welding. That said, a mid-sized camper weighs over 3,000lbs. A Honda Civic can’t handle that weight, so its best to use a vehicle that comes with a receiver by default.

What does “Shank” mean in Towing?

The hitch shank is a heavy steel piece that slides into the square receiver opening on your vehicle’s hitch (usually a 2” x 2” opening). Once it’s inserted, you secure it with a hitch pin — just like any regular ball mount. The holes along the shank allow you to adjust the height and tilt of the hitch head so your trailer sits level when towing. In short, the shank is the link between your vehicle’s receiver and your weight distribution system. It ensures you can mount the system securely and fine-tune it for proper balance and stability.

As you can see by the accompanying image, the shank slides right into the receiver. The photo to the right is of a standard Equal-i-zer hitch shank, which slides into the receiver and connects to the Equal-i-zer hitch head. Knowing the drop or rise you may need to level the towing vehicle and trailer is essential to purchasing the best possible shank for your needs.

What does “Hitch” mean in Towing?

A tow hitch, otherwise known as a trailer hitch, is the object on the back-end of a vehicle chassis, used for towing. The most basic hitch is the simple tow ball, however, the word “hitch” can refer to a wide variety of other concepts including a weight distribution hitch or anti-sway hitch.

In practical terms, if a tow ball is used, its typically called a ball mount hitch. When someone talks about buying “a hitch” however, they almost always are referring to something beyond a simple ball mount.

If you’re just using a standard ball mount, then the shank is already part of that mount. A ball mount is a one-piece unit: it has a shank that slides into the receiver, and the hitch ball bolts directly to the flat platform on the end. You insert it, pin it, and you’re done. A weight distribution system, on the other hand, is modular. Its shank is a separate component, designed to support the much larger and adjustable hitch head that connects to spring bars.

In other words, the term hitch shank is almost exclusively used when talking about a full weight distribution hitch, not a ball mount.

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Choosing the correct hitch shank is key to achieving a level, stable, and safe towing experience. Whether you’re hauling a camper, utility trailer, or boat, the right shank ensures proper weight distribution and smoother handling on the road. Now that you know all about hitch shanks, you’ll be better prepared to make the right choices for your towing setup.

Knowing what a hitch and shank are is essential for beginning your journey into the trailer and towing community. To stay up to date and learn more about hitches and related topics; follow Equal-i-zer Hitch on Facebook Today!