Installation • setup • care
Set up your Impact™ or Impact Max™ receiver hitch
Follow the installation steps, choose the right drop or rise, and check the limits of your hitch and attachment before towing.
Shocker Impact™ & Impact Max™ Receiver Hitch Instructions (PDF)4 pages · Revision 4 · Updated September 20, 2026 · Includes replacement-part photos and QR codes.
PDFs and videos open in a separate window or tab so you can keep this guide open.
Start with the right hitch
Shocker Impact™
14,000 lb GTW1,400 lb tongue weight (TW)
2-inch receiver
View Impact™ options
Shocker Impact Max™
20,000 lb GTW2,000 lb tongue weight (TW)
2-inch or 2½-inch receiver
View Impact Max™ optionsInstall and set the height
- Choose the correct connection. Match the receiver size, attachment and trailer coupler. Measure the drop or rise needed with the vehicle and trailer on level ground.
- Install the hitch base. Insert the shank into the vehicle receiver and secure it with a 5/8-inch hitch pin (not included). The base can be upright for more drop or flipped for more rise.
- Set the attachment height. Use the seven adjustment holes to position the attachment. Install the attachment pins and retaining clips, connect the trailer and check that the trailer is level.
Seven height positions
Remove the retaining clips and attachment pins to change the attachment or height, then reinstall the pins and clips.
Factory-set top jam nut
Do not tighten the top jam-nut bolt. It is factory-set; overtightening can make the hitch ride more stiffly.
Measure for a level trailer
On level ground, level the trailer. Measure A from the ground to the top of the receiver opening, and B to the bottom of the trailer coupler.
- A > B: drop needed. 23 − 19 = 4-inch drop.
- A < B: rise needed. 20 − 22 = 2-inch rise.
- A = B: level connection.
Connect the trailer, then recheck and adjust for a level trailer. See the drop/rise measuring guide.
Anti-rattle kit: included with both 2-inch models
The anti-rattle kit is included with both current 2-inch Impact™ and 2-inch Impact Max™ models.
- Slide the hitch to the furthest shank adjustment hole.
- Place the U-bolt over the top of the shank.
- Align the bottom plate, install the two nuts and tighten.
Care and maintenance
Grease the coupler ball to reduce ball/coupler wear. Grease the hitch regularly through the grease zerk on the pivot bolt; frequency depends on use. Do not modify the hitch; modifications void the warranty and are at your own risk.
Warranty informationWatch the Impact installation video
Installation and setup from the official Shocker Hitch YouTube channel. Use the current written instructions and equipment labels for model options and ratings.
Watch installation videoWatch this installation video on YouTube · Download the current written instructions
Attachment drop, rise and tow ratings
The ratings below are the attachment limits. Apply the lower hitch-base and vehicle limits shown above. GTW means gross trailer weight; TW means tongue weight.
On a narrow screen, swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
| Attachment | Drop / rise range | Maximum GTW / TW (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Combo Ball | 4" Rise to 4" Drop | 2-5/16" ball: 20,000 / 2,000 2" ball: 10,000 / 1,000 |
| Drop Ball | Level to 7.5" Drop | 2-5/16" ball: 20,000 / 2,000 2" ball: 10,000 / 1,000 |
| Raised Ball | 5" Rise to 3" Drop | 2-5/16" ball: 20,000 / 2,000 2" ball: 10,000 / 1,000 |
| Pintle Hook (SH-333) | 1" Rise to 6.5" Drop | 20,000 / 2,000 |
| Raised Pintle Hook (SH-335) | 3.5" Rise to 4" Drop | 20,000 / 2,000 |
| Pintle & Ball (SH-334 series) | 1" Rise to 6.5" Drop | Pintle: 16,000 / 1,600 2-5/16" ball: 16,000 / 1,600 2" ball: 12,000 / 1,200 |
| Drawbar / Cushioned Drawbar | 4" Rise to 4" Drop | 20,000 / 0 |
| Clevis Mount (SH-360) | 1.5" Rise to 5.5" Drop | 20,000 / 0 |
Discontinued: The bolt-on pintle hook SH-331-332 is not a current attachment option. For existing units and legacy bolt-on pintle/ball assemblies, follow the labels and instructions for that specific attachment.
Drawbar, cushioned drawbar and SH-360 clevis: No tongue weight (0 lb vertical tongue load). These mounts are not for use with a hitch ball.
Sway-tab mounts: Use the corresponding ball-mount ratings and range. No ball mount: A compatible, properly rated attachment is required for towing.
Replacement parts
Match the part number, existing top pin/bolt style and frame hardware before ordering. Top pin kits and top bolt kits are separate selections.
SH-160
Bump cushions
Pair of K-Prene urethane bump cushions for Impact™ and Impact Max™.
SH-IM265-2025
Standard top pin kit
Two bump cushions, 3/4-inch top pin and lock nut. No bump cap.
Bump cushions shown; top pin and lock nut not pictured.
SH-IM265
Standard top bolt kit
Two bump cushions, top bolt and lock nut. No bump cap.
SH-IM265D
Deluxe top bolt kit
Two bump cushions, bump cap, top bolt and lock nut.
SH-280
Pivot bolt kit: dowel-pin frame
Greaseable pivot bolt, grease zerk, washer, lock nut and dowel pin. For frames with a dowel pin.
SH-490-X
Pivot bolt kit: welded-tab frame
Greaseable pivot bolt, grease zerk, washer and lock nut. For frames with a welded tab.
Need help matching a part? Call 701-707-2666 with a photo of your hitch, or browse the replacement-parts catalog.
Popular attachments
Combo ball
SH-340C
2-inch and 2-5/16-inch balls in one attachment. Match the selected ball to your coupler.
Pintle hook
SH-333
For a compatible pintle ring. Maximum attachment rating: 20,000 lb GTW / 2,000 lb TW.
Pintle & ball
SH-334-25
Shown with 2-5/16-inch ball. Pintle and 2-5/16-inch ball: 16,000 lb GTW / 1,600 lb TW.
Towing capacity is limited by lowest rated component. See the attachment chart above for ball-specific ratings and drop/rise ranges.
Optional Shocker Sway kit upgrade
Friction sway arm bar kits require an attachment with sway bar mounting tabs, such as the combo ball with sway tabs, drop ball with sway tabs or raised ball with sway tabs.
Kits and sway-tab attachments are sold separately. The standard attachments pictured above do not have sway mounting tabs.
Do not use with trailer surge brakes. Never lubricate the friction slide bar. Follow the separate manual for installation, adjustment, slippery-condition precautions and backing clearance.
Optional Sway Kit Upgrade Installation Instructions (PDF)Keep the guide handy
Shocker Impact™ & Impact Max™ Receiver Hitch Instructions (PDF)
Questions about installation, your attachment or a replacement part? Call 701-707-2666, start a 24-hour chat, or contact Shocker Hitch.