Equalizer HELP

[First trailer]

Hi everyone - I need some help with the setup of my equalizer hitch. The dealer initially setup and I was getting almost no weight distributed from rear. I added a washer (dealer had 5 and I added a 6th and raised the bracket one notch and still just about nothing. I haven't gone to the scales by here are the measurements to the wheel wells as outlined in the manual:

Vehicle with no trailer - front: 35 5/8 Rear:35 3/8
With trailer no weight distribution engaged - front: 36 3/8. Rear: 33 5/8
Trailer with weight distribution engaged - front: 36 2/8 Rear: 33 7/8

Any suggestions? Should I add additional washers as the manual says to use up to 8. If so does anyone know the size because it only came with 6.

[KFX450RXC]

I didn't have eight so I just found some in my barn with a similar inside diameter. It took eight to make the difference and the bars were bent pretty hard but once I did, it became a perfectly performing hitch. Sway control was awesome due to the tension on the bars.

I honestly think most people are afraid to really bend the bars yet that's what it took to get my hitch to work like it was supposed to.

That Work & Play had a tongue weight of close to 1500 lbs.

[shorthorn]

By your measurements your hitch isn't doing much. I would add washers and recheck. You want your front end to come as close back to the measurement with no trailer as possible.

[thebrakeman]

Go straight to 8 washers (which is the max) before you start moving the L-brackets. That's what I did, and it did the trick.


I don't remember the size, but since I had to take the hitch apart anyway, I did it before I went to the hardware store, so I could take a washer with me to match.


If 8 washers does not work, then you need to raise the L-brackets 1 space. This will likely have your bars angled upward, which would require you to raise the ball to get them level again. Then maybe too much weight distribution, having to back down to 7 washers.


Sort of have to chase your tail until everything is balanced correctly:
-Front wheel well back to stock height
-Trailer level (or close to it)
-Spring bars parallel with trailer frame (so they slide flat on the L-brackets in turns).


You'll get there!

[First trailer]

I've added the additional washers to get to the max total of 8 and left the L bracket up 1 level from middle. Improved results but didn't restore original height. With the additional washers the distance from the from ground to fender are as follows:
No trailer: Rear 35-1/4" Front 35-3/4"
Trailer no sway bars engaged : Rear 33-3/8" Front 36-1/4"
Trailer with sway bars engaged: Rear 33-3/4" Front 36"

Also posted a pic.
Attachment 114899

[shorthorn]

Hmmm... I can't get the pic to open on my mobile but 1/4" from unloaded heights might not be bad. On my 3/4 ton I could never get the front fully back to unloaded state...

[lbrjet]

Should be fine with those measurements. Enjoy.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[DaGrinch]

The problem, as I see it, the rear (with trailer/bars engaged) is still 1 1/2" below the measurement with no trailer. I had to play around with my equalizer when I had my last trailer - L-brackets wound up almost to the highest point (I had a Nissan Armada for a TV) before I could get the back-end up and the front almost level - even with airbags.
I suggest up one more on the L-bracket and take a couple of washers out to get the TV back to as close to the original measurements.

Just my $0.02

[jgourlie]

I wouldn't be concerned with where your back end gets to. The rear of your truck should have some sag, there is weight hanging off the rear bumper. The most important thing is getting the front close and you have it to within a 1/4 inch. I say go enjoy your trailer

[thebrakeman]

Originally Posted by jgourlie

I wouldn't be concerned with where your back end gets to. The rear of your truck should have some sag, there is weight hanging off the rear bumper. The most important thing is getting the front close and you have it to within a 1/4 inch. I say go enjoy your trailer

x2