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Hayman Reese Weight Distribution Hitches Buying Guide
Hayman Reese is the gold standard in weight distribution systems for caravans in Australia. If you want quality engineering, reliable materials, and unbeatable warranty, Hayman Reese is the way to go.
There are a lot of different options, and getting the correct unit for your vehicle/van combination is vital. This guides steps you through how to make the correct decision.
- Style
- Ball Weight
- Shank
STYLE - Standard or Classic
Hayman Reese Standard VS Classic WDH Bars
Classic
- T-bar / trunnion style
- Bars come straight out horizontally from the cast head
- Higher clearance under between ground and underside of head
- Less clearance between A-frame and bars
- Suitable for A-frame chassis heights up to 5.5"
Standard
- Hook / Sheppards crook style
- Bars drop down vertically under the cast head
- Increased clearance between A-frame and bars
- Use for 6"+ height A-frame
How to choose: measure the vertical height of your A-frame chassis. If it is 6" or more, go for the Standard unit.
Note: this rule is based on having the coupling plate (plate under the coupling) positioned on TOP of the A-frame (as in pictures above). Some vans, especially off-road vans, have the coupling plate positioned on the BOTTOM of the A-frame.
BALL WEIGHT CAPACITY
600 lbs
- Suit vans with ball weights between 135 - 275 kg.
- Approximate loaded van weights of between 1.3 - 2.7t
800 lbs
- Suit vans with ball weights between 275 - 365 kg.
- Approximate loaded van weights of between 2.7 - 3.6t
How to choose: weigh your van on a weighbridge to determine overall weight, and also ball load / down weight.
SHANK
Hayman Reese Shank Height Comparison
The "shank" is the L-shape or T-shape piece that goes into your vehicle's tow bar receiver. They provide the ability to raise or lower the cast trunnion head (the piece the bars go into). You need to get the correct length shank to suit your vehicle/van combination. This depends on the combination of the vehicle ride height, and the van's coupling height off the ground. The shanks can be used either way - up or down.
Standard WDH Kit Shank Heights
Hayman Reese WDH "Standard" Shank Offsets
Classic WDH Kit Shank Heights
Hayman Reese WDH "Classic" Shank Offsets
- Standard kits include the "Standard" shank (L shape fitting which goes into the vehicle's tow bar receiver). T-shape. Gives you +25 / -184mm.
- "No Shank" kits don't include the shank. Better value if you need a longer shank to suit raised vehicle or higher vans.
- 30mm drop shank (L shape)
- 95mm drop shank (L shape)
- 160mm drop shank (L shape)
- Shanks can be used up or down.
The adjustment is a measure of the vertical offset between the centre of the hitch receiver and the base of the tow ball.
How to choose:
With all gear set up correctly, van should be travelling level, and vehicle should be sitting down approx 15-20mm evenly both front and rear.
- Position vehicle and van on very level surface (e.g. shopping centre car park). Have them "almost" touching - ie ready to couple.
- Ensure caravan is level front to back - adjust with jockey wheel and measure from ground to under chassis front and back to ensure dead level.
- Measure height from ground to underside of coupling on the van (Dimension A)
- Measure height from ground to centre of the vehicle receiver (Dimension B).
- Calculate difference A-B.
- Select shank height based on this difference.
e.g. if difference is -20mm and you are using the "Standard" WDH kit, the "Standard" drop shank included in kit is fine.
e.g. if difference is +170mm and you are using the "Classic" WDH kit, you will need the 30mm drop shank (and turn it upside down). If you are buying a new kit, it is better value to purchase the "No Shank" WDH kit, and then purchase the 30mm drop shank separately.
Part #s
View our complete range here >>
Note: Left/right table scroll in mobile view
| Part # | Weight | Type Std = Crook Classic = T Bar |
With / Without Shank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76003 | 600lbs / 275kg | Standard | Shank |
| 76003-NS | 600lbs / 275kg | Standard | No Shank |
| 76003F | 600lbs / 275kg | Classic | Shank |
| 76003F-NS | 600lbs / 275kg | Classic | No Shank |
| 78003 | 800lbs / 365kg | Standard | Shank |
| 78003-NS | 800lbs / 365kg | Standard | No Shank |
| 78003F | 800lbs / 365kg | Classic | Shank |
| 78003F-NS | 800lbs / 365kg | Classic | No Shank |
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Shanks
Note: Left/right table scroll in mobile view
| Part # | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 50150 | Cast shank standard | Comes with standard kits. T Shape |
| 50151 | Cast shank - 30mm drop | 30mm lower/higher than standard L Shape |
| 50152 | Cast shank - 95mm drop | 95mm lower/higher than standard L Shape |
| 50153 | Cast shank - 160mm drop | 160mm lower/higher than standard L Shape |
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