Equalizer WDH adjustment question

[wmuav8tor]

Hello, I bought my new Salem 196BH a couple months ago and the dealer set up the hitch for me. I have the trailer loaded for a trip and I think it needs adjusting. Just looking for advice on what exactly to adjust.

Truck uncoupled:
Front - 33.5"
Rear - 34 1/4"

Trailer uncoupled and parallel to the ground - 17.5"

When uncoupled, the top of the hitch ball is 20" and the top of the coupler is 23.5"

Truck coupled:
Front - 33.5
Rear - 33"

Trailer coupled:
Front - 15"
Rear - 19"

Top of hitch ball coupled:
19 1/4"

So with those numbers in mind, if i'm reading the manual correctly, my weight distribution is spot on, but I should flip my hitch shank (Its on the top hole now) and raise the ball up 1 notch correct?

I struggle at understanding instruction manuals so I always like to confirm with more knowledgeable people before doing something from a manual

[rmac04401]

Your hitch ball should be higher than your coupler by an inch so when you have that inch drop in back your trailer will still be level.

I think you may need to raise your hitch ball 3"

[snapper]

The ball on the truck should be as close as possible to the tp of the trailer hitch connection. For example if the trailer hitch connection is 33" then the truck ball height should be as close as possible. The front of the truck should be about 1 inch higher than the rear wheel well measurements. If it is set up correctly.

[pbrown1988]

Originally Posted by snapper

The ball on the truck should be as close as possible to the tp of the trailer hitch connection. For example if the trailer hitch connection is 33" then the truck ball height should be as close as possible. The front of the truck should be about 1 inch higher than the rear wheel well measurements. If it is set up correctly.

I'm not trying to argue but the rear should not be lower than the front wheel well.

It sounds like your on the right track, just move your hitch up a hole (even if it means flipping the shank). Like said, you should start with the couple and ball hitch as close as possible. Once you do that, it sounds like you have rest under control.

The idea is to get the front wheel well as back close as possible to your original measurement. I believe the equalizer suggestion is to get the measurement unloaded, then loaded without wdh, and with those two numbers, get at least halfway back to the unloaded measurement. The rear will do what it's going to do.

[rmac04401]

All his measurement were on except his trailer is not sitting level. If he does what he says and adjust ball and shank to raise ball and keep the same measurement on his TV he should be golden.

[awellis3]

Originally Posted by rmac04401

All his measurement were on except his trailer is not sitting level. If he does what he says and adjust ball and shank to raise ball and keep the same measurement on his TV he should be golden.

I agree 100%.

[GL1800Rider]

Agree the hitch ball should be slightly higher before hooking up. This is from the manual in case you don't have it

The hitch ball should initially
be placed as close to this height as
possible. Insert the adjustable shank
into the receiver on the tow vehicle
and secure it with hitch pin and clip.
Insert the spacer rivet with
washers into the back of the hitch
head to pre-load the angle of the hitch head. Start with 5 spacer washers for
longer wheelbase tow vehicles like pickup trucks, and 4 spacer washers with
shorter wheelbase vehicles like an SUV. Slide the bolt channel around the
shank and hold the hitch head so that the top of the hitch ball measures from
Figure 1
the ground as closely as possible to the coupler height. This is generally a
step that requires two people.
Observe where the top slot in the bolt channel aligns with the holes in
the shank. See Figures 2a - 2b. If you can see any part of the shank hole that
is lower than the bolt channel slot, drop the head down to align these holes
for the initial setup. See Figure 2a. If you cannot see the lower hole in the
shank, raise the hitch head so that the top slot aligns with the shank hole
slightly above it, and use this hole for the initial setup. See Figure 2b.

[GL1800Rider]

After you have done that, hook up and check the height again and adjust per the manual. Again from the manual here are the instructions

Difference between highest and lowest
If the difference between the highest and lowest measurement is 1-1/4”
or more, you should try adjusting the hitch ball height. If it is less than
1-1/4” different, complete Step 8 and tow a short distance with this setup to
see how it handles before making any adjustments.
If the higher measurement is the front of the trailer, move the hitch head
down 1 hole position on the shank. If the lower measurement is the front of
the trailer, move the hitch head up 1 hole position on the shank.
Adjustments made to ball height affect how weight is distributed. Moving
it up slightly reduces the amount of weight distribution you get from a
particular setup. Moving it down slightly increases the weight distribution
from that same setup.
After making an adjustment to the ball height, return to Step 6
and check the weight distribution measurements again. Re-adjust the
weight distribution if necessary until it falls within the instruction
guidelines. Re-check the trailer angle again to see what difference has
been made. You may need to try several setups before you get one that
shows good weight distribution and trailer angle.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Be aware that when you adjust the ball height this could change the number of waters that you need. Also be aware the weight support arms should be roughly parallel to the frame. You may have to adjust the arm support heights for this. Finally, note the high torque requirements on the bolts.

[locogk]

that was so confusing the whole post lol i am trying to figure out my husky wdh

[Ridgerunr]

Go to YouTube...Equalizer hitch has some very good videos on how to set up one of their hitches. Very informative step by step directions...

[wmuav8tor]

Thanks everyone!