Newbie is back with equalizer ques

[foretm]

Originally Posted by mj0528

With the right wrench, the ball isn't too bad. The shank bolts were a little tough. 2 people to hold the bolt and nut. All in all I'm very happy I did it myself. Adjusting will be a breeze now that I understand how it works

The DW and I did it in about 1.5 hours. The socket is fairly cheap as is the ball from etrailer.com. I think combined it was less than $40 for the ball and socket. Then get to harbor freight and get you the 3/4" breaker bar for about $20. I figured I could have someone do it for me, but then I wouldn't know anything about it. This way I can adjust it and tighten everything since I have the tools. It's all in what your comfortable doing.

I agree.... made a world of difference for me and I wouldn't travel without it now.

[mj0528]

So I know dw is wife from context but what is D? Designated?

[mj0528]

Daily? Dumb? Dreadful?

Lol

[doc73]

Dearest, darling, or as I call it, designated!

[mj0528]

Ah, gotcha. I guess it all depends on the moment though!

[mj0528]

Maybe damn lol

[geedavell]

Originally Posted by mj0528

I'll probably get a 3/4 torque wrench from harbor fright that goes to 300 and then use a breaker bar for a little more torque. I weigh 190 almost 200 so it'll be close.

Those are insane amounts of torque. I own a 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 inch torque wrench so why not add one more to the collection

You do not want to put a cheater bar on a torque wrench.

If you add a cheater bar, you will still only be torquing to the limits of the torque wrench. You will only be using half the effort to get there

If you have to, look for a torque multiplier. They are cheaper than a $900 Snap on


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Torque-Multi...-/222305706101

[itat]

A cheater bar, or an extension (I used a 2' - 3' long piece of galvanized fence post), can be used with a breaker bar, not a torque wrench.

[The_Rhino]

Originally Posted by itat

...I never trust the dealer to set it up. Even if they did set it up right when you pick up the trailer, it needs to be adjusted once you have your 1000# + worth of stuff loaded in it.

My dealer, 10 min. from work, had online prices nearing wholesaler pricing... However, during negotiations they also included a "free" Equalizer 4 1200 & installation. During our 2.5 hour PDI a 2nd knowledgeable mechanic asked me how much I planned to load in the front storage areas. I said, "We have a family of 5, so it will likely be full". He nodded & said he would set it up for the extra weight but that the ride home would not "feel" right.

He was right. On the way home I felt the TT was pulling up on my 2500's rear axle. I have driven a lot of construction trailers & IMO the whole setup felt like I didn't have enough weight on the hitch. As soon as we loaded our gear, the first trip was rock-steady.

He also acknowledged that my 2500 would be more "forgiving" than 1/2 tons towing the same TT... I have a fiberglass cap with a bunch of stuff loaded in the PU bed. I can fill the FW tank & my TV/TT setup is still level. You can't get-away with that type of excess towing with a 1/2 ton...

[mj0528]

Moved the l bracket back to 2 holes and below. Front well is exactly what it was with no weight. I'll try that and see how it goes on the way home

[foretm]

Originally Posted by mj0528

Moved the l bracket back to 2 holes and below. Front well is exactly what it was with no weight. I'll try that and see how it goes on the way home

That sounds like it may be a decent setup... curious to know how it handles.

[mj0528]

Originally Posted by foretm

That sounds like it may be a decent setup... curious to know how it handles.

A semi passed me on the way home and I didn't realize it until it was almost passed me. Had no influence on the truck/trailer at all.

[mj0528]

I do have a question. The link plate on the inside is slightly bowed. The top and bottom bolts are right on the top and bottom of the frame


Normal?

[mj0528]

Torqued to spec as well. Checked and rechecked a few times with the adjustments

[JCDMeyer]

Originally Posted by mj0528

So I have a torque wrench that goes to 250 so I guess I'll eye ball it. Is that what most folks do?

You can rent/borrow/buy a torque wrench from AutoZone and return it within 30 days for 100% refund or keep it. My Sears 1/2" impact is rated for 450ft pounds at 90psi.

My Curt weight distribution hitch 1000lb tongue weight....torque specs = The ball was 450ft lbs. The two main bolts 200# and the adjustment bolt 50#.

Hope that helps. Check YouTube.

This is my hitch. https://youtu.be/mkewkvU8Ot8

I also saw videos for Reese hitches.

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by mj0528

A semi passed me on the way home and I didn't realize it until it was almost passed me. Had no influence on the truck/trailer at all.

You had better watch your mirrors at least by glancing at them so a semi cannot sneak up on you. Otherwise that is how you can understand the phrase "too late". Just my idea of keep aware of what is going on.

Safe Travels...

[mj0528]

Originally Posted by Wobbles

You had better watch your mirrors at least by glancing at them so a semi cannot sneak up on you. Otherwise that is how you can understand the phrase "too late". Just my idea of keep aware of what is going on.



Safe Travels...

This is true. I was tired but no excuse

[Wobbles]

I like the 4pt hitch. Since I got mine, my butt no longer leaves hickies on the seat. lol...

[mj0528]

Originally Posted by mj0528

I do have a question. The link plate on the inside is slightly bowed. The top and bottom bolts are right on the top and bottom of the frame
Attachment 133183

Normal?

Sorry to repost, just want to be sure it gets seen

[lbrjet]

Link plate is over tightened. Just leave it alone and check those nuts every 500 miles or so because they can loosen. Be careful not to bend it any further.