What do you think of my before-and-after numbers with the Equal-i-zer?

[pg_rider]

Finally was able to measure the front and rear heights of my Honda Ridgeline with and without the Equal-i-zer hitched up. I was afraid the technician at RVW hadn't optimized my setup when he hastily installed it on a cold winter day at their lot. However, after measuring the effect of the weight distribution, as well as the level-ness of the trailer, I'm pretty sure I'm right where I want to be.

Truck alone:
Front: 32 5/8"_________Rear: 33"

Trailer hooked up with no bars:
Front: 33"____________Rear: 32 1/8"

Trailer hooked WITH bars:
Front: 32 5/8"_________Rear: 32 5/8"


So basically the weight of the trailer caused a 7/8" sag at the rear and a 3/8" rise at the front. After engaging the bars my rear came back up 1/2" (leaving a 3/8" sag) and the front came back to it's unloaded height. The trailer measures perfectly level when hitched up. Thoughts?

[acadianbob]

Your measurements look good! But, I thought that Honda did not recommend use of a WD hitch on the Ridgeline?

[lbrjet]

Perfection.

[Triguy]

IIRC the info from Progressive, Equal-i-zer specs say the bars should be adjusted to eliminate at least 50% of the rise and the rear should be no higher than the loaded but unhitched height. So both are good.

How much of the rise does Honda specify should be eliminated? Different manufacturers have different recommendations.

[Triguy]

Another thought:

If you want to go the extra mile with checking their work, re-torque the L-Brackets to 65-75lbs, link plates to 50-70lbs.

Finally, make sure the link plates are flat against the frame.

[sherdep]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Your measurements look good! But, I thought that Honda did not recommend use of a WD hitch on the Ridgeline?

this was posted ona forum about the ridgeline

The manual states that they do not recommend a weight distributing hitch because "an improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability and braking performance." If they actually need a weight distributing hitch, there is a good probability that they are also exceeding the recommended towing weight.

to the OP - your measurements look pretty good - I suspect that when the hitch was installed it was without any of your gear or water so you would have most likely had to adjust it again - in which this case you did and did a good job I might add

[steeleshark2]

Perfect!!

[sherdep]

Originally Posted by Triguy

Another thought:

If you want to go the extra mile with checking their work, re-torque the L-Brackets to 65-75lbs, link plates to 50-70lbs.

Finally, make sure the link plates are flat against the frame.

Thats a good idea

after a few trips with my equalizer I had to re-tighten the bolts -
I have also noticed after a few back ups at a weird angle the brackets have moved a little so am guessing I need to fix that before it becomes an issue.

to the OP - I suggest getting Max Air II Vents for the air vents so you can keep them open when it rains - you'll be glad u did - my 2306 has them and I keep the vents open all the time without issue

[pg_rider]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Your measurements look good! But, I thought that Honda did not recommend use of a WD hitch on the Ridgeline?

They don't, but as sherdep quoted it's likely a CYA statement due to the "chance of misadjusting the hitch and causing handling problems". Of course, there's no mention of the benefits to using a PROPERLY ADJUSTED hitch. Lawyers -- grrrrrrrrr....

[pg_rider]

Originally Posted by Triguy

How much of the rise does Honda specify should be eliminated? Different manufacturers have different recommendations.

Honda makes no mention of recommended sag / rise adjustments...

[pg_rider]

Originally Posted by Triguy

Another thought:

If you want to go the extra mile with checking their work, re-torque the L-Brackets to 65-75lbs, link plates to 50-70lbs.

Finally, make sure the link plates are flat against the frame.

Good point -- I forgot to put a wrench on all the bolts.

Funny you mention the link plates being flat -- one of them is slightly bowed, likely from the technician overtightening the bolts.

[pg_rider]

Originally Posted by sherdep

to the OP - your measurements look pretty good - I suspect that when the hitch was installed it was without any of your gear or water so you would have most likely had to adjust it again - in which this case you did and did a good job I might add

Actually I didn't adjust it all, but I DO have more stuff in the front of the trailer now than when the hitch was installed. When it was installed, it appeared that it was distributing too much weight to the front of the truck. Now, with the additional weight in the trailer from me loading stuff into it, it appears to be right on. I consider myself lucky, cuz I really didn't want to start playing with washers and plate height adjustments.

[pg_rider]

Originally Posted by sherdep

Thats a good idea

to the OP - I suggest getting Max Air II Vents for the air vents so you can keep them open when it rains - you'll be glad u did - my 2306 has them and I keep the vents open all the time without issue

Guess what I did for two hours today -- installed two Camping World brand vent covers! For $20 each I couldn't resist.

Bit of a snag installing one over the Fantastic Vent in my bathroom. The holes for mounting the vent cover brackets to the vent surround weren't accessible from the roof of the trailer. So, I had to drop the fan down from inside the bathroom in order to gain access to the hole locations. Once that was done the rest of the job was a cinch. How did you install your cover over your bathroom vent?

[sherdep]

Originally Posted by pg_rider

Guess what I did for two hours today -- installed two Camping World brand vent covers! For $20 each I couldn't resist.

Bit of a snag installing one over the Fantastic Vent in my bathroom. The holes for mounting the vent cover brackets to the vent surround weren't accessible from the roof of the trailer. So, I had to drop the fan down from inside the bathroom in order to gain access to the hole locations. Once that was done the rest of the job was a cinch. How did you install your cover over your bathroom vent?

the Max Air's have a latch that allows you to flip them up to get access to install and be able to clean inside of them as well

When I purchased my trailer I paid the $75 a vent to just have the dealer install them so if anything ever happened to them they would warranty them

[pg_rider]

Originally Posted by sherdep

the Max Air's have a latch that allows you to flip them up to get access to install and be able to clean inside of them as well

When I purchased my trailer I paid the $75 a vent to just have the dealer install them so if anything ever happened to them they would warranty them

I considered the benefits of the hinged mount on the MaxxAir, but honestly the basic vent cover comes off in literally one minute -- four easy nuts is all it takes. Definitely worth saving the ~$30 per cover for me...

I wonder if your dealer had to take a similar approach I did, with lowering the fan to access the vent surround. I'll take some pics next time I'm in my trailer so folks can see what I mean.

[sherdep]

Originally Posted by pg_rider

I considered the benefits of the hinged mount on the MaxxAir, but honestly the basic vent cover comes off in literally one minute -- four easy nuts is all it takes. Definitely worth saving the ~$30 per cover for me...

I wonder if your dealer had to take a similar approach I did, with lowering the fan to access the vent surround. I'll take some pics next time I'm in my trailer so folks can see what I mean.

I am unsure if they did or not cause they were installed when I took delivery. Seems straight forward of an install though.

Did you go with a Fan in front as well?
I have the fan in the bathroom and the standard vent in front

[pg_rider]

Originally Posted by sherdep

Did you go with a Fan in front as well?
I have the fan in the bathroom and the standard vent in front

No, I put a basic cover over the fan vent in the bathroom. I'd read that many people have used a basic cover (vs one made for fans) and still get good airflow. Seemed pretty good to me when I checked mine...