When installing a Shocker Air Receiver Hitch, the need for a spacer block ultimately comes down to the angle at which the hitch sits inside your specific truck’s receiver.
What “Angle” Means Here: Referring to the pitch or tilt of your truck’s receiver tube. Because every truck brand (Ford, Chevy, RAM, Toyota, Nissan, GMC) has a slightly different receiver design, some sit perfectly level, while others might tilt slightly upward or downward.
The Problem: If your receiver tube has a steep angle, the “paddle” (the upper mounting plate for the air spring bag) won’t sit level.
The Consequence: If that paddle is tilted too far, the airbag can’t compress straight up and down. This reduces the “squish” and makes the ride stiffer or less effective.
When your air receiver and trailer are hooked up, and the air receiver has the proper air pressure, the metal paddle above the air spring bag should be level with the air spring bag. If the paddle has more than a 10-degree angle when the air receiver hitch is aired up, a spacer block can be installed on top of the paddle to level the paddle and air spring bag. A spacer is needed when the angle between the bottom of the vehicle receiver and the top paddle above the air spring bag on the hitch is excessive. (A spacer block is used with 20K HD Air Receiver Hitches with a 2″ receiver (already installed) and some HD air receiver hitches with a 2-1/2″ receiver (Spacer comes in box). It is generally not ever needed with a 14K air receiver hitch, as the air spring bag is 1″ taller than the HD air spring bag.)
The Primary Function
The main purpose of the spacer block is to level out the upper air bag mounting plate, which is referred to as the “paddle” or floating paddle to keep the airbag at its proper operating height.
Why Angles Matter
Because truck receiver tube designs vary, the way the hitch fits into your vehicle will also vary. Some 2″ and 2.5″ receivers can cause the paddle to have “too much angle”. If this angle is too steep, it can take away the benefits and effectiveness of the airbag.
Do You Need the Spacer Block?
| Observation | Action Required | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive Angle over 10 degrees | Install Spacer Block on Paddle | Keeps the air spring bag at its proper operating height. |
| Good Level Angle | No Spacer Needed | The Paddle is generally level without intervention. |
Compatibility & Installation Specifications
Download Installation Guide Here
- The spacer block is pre-installed standard with HD air receiver hitches with 2″ shank. If is in the box in case it is needed on HD air receiver hitches with 2.5″ Shanks.
- These HD Air Hitch models are easily identified by having 8 or 12 holes of adjustment with 3/8″ thick side plates.
- The 8K, 10K & 14K air spring bag is 1″ taller than our 20K HD air spring bag. That is why the spacer block is included with the HD air receiver hitches.
- To install the block, use the included Allen wrench and the two 3/8″ x 3/4″ bolts that retain the top of the air spring bag.
- Note: Every once in a while a spacer block maybe needed for your vehicles receiver on a 8K, 10K or 14K air receiver. If that is the case you, you can order a Spacer Block for your Shocker Air Receiver Hitch.
Why You May Need A Spacer Black Short Video
FAQ
- FAQ: What’s the Benefit of an Air Hitch?
- FAQ: Towing Capacity Explained
- FAQ: Types of Trailers
- FAQ: How Do I Measure My Receiver Hitch Size?
- FAQ: How to Level Your Trailer for Better Towing
- FAQ: Do I Need Sway Control?
- FAQ: How Much Drop or Rise Do I Need?
- FAQ: Do I Need a Weight Distribution Hitch?
- FAQ: What Receiver Hitch Size Does My Truck Have?
- FAQ: Why Grease Your Hitch Ball?