Equalizer hitch

BigB10774 · 07-20-2012, 09:44 AM

We have a 2010 F150 & 1995 Alju 2210. It tows nicely but I think I should invest in an equalizer hitch. My question is what's involved in installing one? It seems like it should be pretty simple if the directions are used. Camping World wants $200.00 to install one. If I'm missing something please advise. Thanks

sherdep · 07-20-2012, 10:23 AM

the manual is pretty straight forward
basic tools and if you know how to read a tape measure.

you can also call equilizer for support

the main issue you may run into is tourqueing the ball on the head because it takes a special socket which you can buy from equilizer like I did

and the height adjustment of the hitch head on the shank.
I had to get a longer drop shank to get the heights I wanted it to be at.

if you are installing at camping world and bring it home - you will most likely have to make adjustments to the hitch after you get it loaded as if you were taking it camping so keep that in mind as well

Dave_Monica · 07-20-2012, 10:49 AM

What the length, tongue weight and total loaded weight of the camper?

Dave

bayouboys · 07-20-2012, 08:34 PM

Just replaced my Ez-Lift with one and WOW what a difference. Very easy to install took about 30 minutes. The instructions are fool proof. You will have to make adjustments once loaded and towed for the first time, then just bring it by your local repair shop and have them torque the hitch head and ball.

Mr. Vic · 07-23-2012, 08:14 AM

I have the E2 hitch and had the Equalizer. They are both great. The E2 is cheaper and very easy to install. You'll never tow without one again, it makes a huge difference.

MtnGuy · 07-23-2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigB10774

We have a 2010 F150 & 1995 Alju 2210. It tows nicely but I think I should invest in an equalizer hitch.

Many campers put the entire line of WDHs into "equalizer" hitch. Equal-i-zer is a name brand and seems to be a great hitch. There are other WDHs with integrated sway control, such as Blue Ox Sway Pro, Reese Dual Cam, and a some other makes. Do the research on here or on the net before making the purchase. If indeed Camping World is going to install and Equal-i-zer, then all is good. But they also carry another brand that does not have integrated sway control. Just make sure you know what you are getting.

Mr. Vic · 07-23-2012, 08:32 AM

I had the Equal-i-zer, it's about $500. A good system.

pwrstroke2012 · 07-30-2012, 04:26 PM

If you can read instructions and use tools it is easy to set up. Just takes time and patience. Follow the torque recommendations closely especially the bolts that hold the sockets for the spring arms on the hitch.

padave65 · 07-30-2012, 04:35 PM

biggest problem is having the right torque wrench...if you have one great...otherwise one of the previous posters has a good idea about getting one torqued by someone else. I love my Equalizer....make sure you get the better 4point sway and not the 2 way.....

chuckmedic · 08-03-2012, 10:21 PM

I have the E2 hitch and purchased it due to sway encountered on our first trip. While I no longer experience any sway I was wondering if upgrading to an Equalizer hitch might reduce or eliminate the "washboard effect" felt on some highways? I've been told this is not avoidable and is just a characteristic of some highways. Is it sound advice or are there other alternatives such as varying the cargo location?

Thanks in advance for your experience.

wyo700 · 08-04-2012, 01:09 AM

I have the eqiulizer 4 point sway control. I tow a 26 foot toy hauler with my half ton Titan. I would never tow without it or get another hitch. I love it.

**Herk7769** · 08-04-2012, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckmedic

I have the E2 hitch and purchased it due to sway encountered on our first trip. While I no longer experience any sway I was wondering if upgrading to an Equalizer hitch might reduce or eliminate the "washboard effect" felt on some highways? I've been told this is not avoidable and is just a characteristic of some highways. Is it sound advice or are there other alternatives such as varying the cargo location?

Thanks in advance for your experience.

I am thinking that airbags in the truck might help with that better. (FYI, When I towed my Travel Trailer. I loved my Equal-i-zer as well.)

sherdep · 08-04-2012, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckmedic

I have the E2 hitch and purchased it due to sway encountered on our first trip. While I no longer experience any sway I was wondering if upgrading to an Equalizer hitch might reduce or eliminate the "washboard effect" felt on some highways? I've been told this is not avoidable and is just a characteristic of some highways. Is it sound advice or are there other alternatives such as varying the cargo location?

Thanks in advance for your experience.

what vehicle and trailer do you have?

explain what you mean by washboard effect?

does it mean the front end bounces?

Maybe upgrading to Bilstein shocks and a rear sway bar may help

I know when I did these two things it helped my Dodge alot

wyo700 · 08-05-2012, 12:47 AM

One thing when making adjustments that surprised me is how much difference putting one washer in the hitch will make. The dealer only put the minimum of four washers in mine which was fine when the trailer was empty. I have ended up adding three more after adding all supplies and then with putting quads inside. Very easy to adjust though.

chuckmedic · 08-20-2012, 08:42 PM

Sorry, been away for a while. The TV is a 2006 Expedition with 5.4L V8 and 7300 GVWR and a current weight of 5900. The TT is a 30' Coachman with a GVWR of 7518 and current weight of 6600. Hitch weight is 680. I'm told the hitch weight should be between 10-15% of the GVW, which it is.

The washboard effect is an up & down motion like driving over a "washboard". The WD hitch is an E2 with 2-way sway control.

I'm just not sure if it is just caused by the road conditions, if it can be improved by some air bags in the rear suspension or if adjusting the WD hitch will make a difference.

MtnGuy · 08-21-2012, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckmedic

The washboard effect is an up & down motion like driving over a "washboard". The WD hitch is an E2 with 2-way sway control.

I'm just not sure if it is just caused by the road conditions, if it can be improved by some air bags in the rear suspension or if adjusting the WD hitch will make a difference.

I get the washboard effect on some roads. I think it is due the slight rise at the expansion joints on concrete roads. They joints seem to be spaced exactly the same distance as my front axle and camper axles. The front of the truck goes up, the camper goes up, but the rear TV axle stays the same. The spring bars tend to bring the rear TV axle up about the same time as that axle hits the joint. Continue repeating that scenario.

If your tow vehicle and trailer don't have any kind of handling issues during these wild rides, I don't think you need be concerned about it........I'm not.

**bikendan** · 08-21-2012, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckmedic

Sorry, been away for a while. The TV is a 2006 Expedition with 5.4L V8 and 7300 GVWR and a current weight of 5900. The TT is a 30' Coachman with a GVWR of 7518 and current weight of 6600. Hitch weight is 680. I'm told the hitch weight should be between 10-15% of the GVW, which it is.

The washboard effect is an up & down motion like driving over a "washboard". The WD hitch is an E2 with 2-way sway control.

I'm just not sure if it is just caused by the road conditions, if it can be improved by some air bags in the rear suspension or if adjusting the WD hitch will make a difference.

IMHO, the E2 is not an adequate WDH for that long of a trailer and that close to the Expy's max. you should at least have the 4-way.
is the 680lbs. hitch weight the actual weighed amount, on a scale?
or is that the brochure "dry" weight?

chuckmedic · 08-21-2012, 07:21 PM

The 680 is the actual scale weight.

Walke · 08-21-2012, 07:39 PM

Yes, I agree Mtnguy, this effect is all about the road not the hitch. This effect occurs mainly on concrete roads, predominately in NY state. The only cure is slowdown or stay off this road. The effect is usually just a few miles.
On another note, if you ever want to stop "controlling sway" and ELIMINATE sway, try a Hensley type hitch, it eliminates the ball and the sway, and all you feel is the weight that you are towing, the same as a fiver.

sherdep · 08-26-2012, 07:47 AM

I do not get the up and down with the equalizer - truck and trailer are level

I bet alot of it has to do with the wheel base of the vehicle and the trailer length

when you measure the corners of the trailer loaded with the hitch hooked up to the truck - are the heights very close to the same or is the front of the trailer lower then the rear of the trailer?

You may also like: