Which Equalizer weight hitch was you get?

[HemiCab]

I have visited the Equalizer site and used there tools to get an idea but I am very close from one version to the other with just small differences in loading the TT or TV. I currently have an E2 800/8,000 bars via dealership and there is sway and bounce so I believe the 4-point version will make a noticeable difference.

TT weight loaded ready to go camping is 7,200 lbs.
TT tongue weight loaded ready to go camping is 855 lbs. Too much for E2 hitch
TV bed has additional weight of 321 lbs when ready to camp.

Which Equalizer brand hitch weight would you get? 10,000, 12,000, or 14,000 pounds

TV is 4 x 4 so unloaded the top of receiver hitch height opening is 22 3/8 inches....loaded it is 20 7/8.
TT hitch height is 20 inches when level and loaded.
I want to use the height when both are loaded correct?

Which shank drop? 6 inch or 4 inch. (3 inch is the standard shank drops hat comes with head?)

I am planning on ordering from RVWorld tonight and just want to have some confirmation of my thoughts.
1,200/12,000 head with 6 inch drop...does that sound right?

Thanks for advice/input.

HC

[Triguy]

HC,

My short answer is that the 1,200 lb bars with a 6" drop on the shank would work.

Here's my detail. Sorry this is so long ...

The four-point Equal-i-zer is a better setup for you. After looking at the specs on both and participating in a dozen discussion here and on RV.net, I would only use the e2 for a short and light trailer IMHO.

After gathering some thoughts here, I would actually call Progress MFG at 1-800-478-5578 and talk it through with them. They were very helpful with me whenever I had similar questions. They ran though all of my options and helped me to choose.

Originally Posted by HemiCab

TT weight loaded ready to go camping is 7,200 lbs.
TT tongue weight loaded ready to go camping is 855 lbs. Too much for E2 hitch
TV bed has additional weight of 321 lbs when ready to camp.

Which Equalizer brand hitch weight would you get? 10,000, 12,000, or 14,000 pounds

I have spoken to them about the different bars. Their recommendation was that its better to have a little more bar than the tongue weight calls for. Apparently, they designed the bars to be this way. For example, I think their 1,000lb bars can be used with much lighter weights.

So, with a fully loaded trailer that weighs 7200lbs you have a tongue weight of 855lbs. That's 11.8%.

Is it possible for you to load differently? A little higher tongue weight may help you with the instability you have been feeling. Maybe not; but its good to experiment. I tried everything from 11-15% and felt the most comfortable TW for my setup was 13%. For you, that would be 936lbs.

The 1,000/10,000 just about covers it, but the 1,200/12,000 would also. I would go with the 1,200lb bars but that's me. I suggest that you ask Progress Mfg that question.

Originally Posted by HemiCab

I want to use the height when both are loaded correct?HC

I've attached the manual. Take a look at page 9 for some of your answers...

[From Progress] Before installing the hitch, the tow vehicle and trailer should be loaded just as they will be while traveling. This includes full propane and fresh water tanks, and any other cargo the tow vehicle (passengers & gear) or trailer will carry, including ATVs for toy haulers. Tow vehicle “auto-level” systems should also be disabled or turned off temporarily.

Originally Posted by HemiCab

TV is 4 x 4 so unloaded the top of receiver hitch height opening is 22 3/8 inches....loaded it is 20 7/8.
TT hitch height is 20 inches when level and loaded.
I want to use the height when both are loaded correct?

Which shank drop? 6 inch or 4 inch. (3 inch is the standard shank drops hat comes with head?)

I am planning on ordering from RVWorld tonight and just want to have some confirmation of my thoughts.
1,200/12,000 head with 6 inch drop...does that sound right?

Thanks for advice/input.

HC

I assume you found their shank calculator? It suggests a 6" drop.

By the way, if you are buying from RV Wholesalers, buy the ball you need at the same time and ask if they will install it on the head and torque it to its required 430ft-lbs before they ship to you.

I hope this helps.

[HemiCab]

Thanks for the input Triguy.

I just placed my order for the 1200/12000 Equalizer and 6" drop shank.

They could mount the ball but said it would not go in the box and would be harder to ship.

Oh well I can get it torqued locally.

HC

[Triguy]

You're welcome

[21C1]

I am glad to hear you went with the 1200# bars. I have a trailer with a dry tongue weight of about 800#. I have 1000# bars and I am about out of adjustment. The hitch head is tilted as much as it can go and I only have a notch or two left in the L brackets.

[HemiCab]

21C1 I believe that I will be happy with the 1200 bars. I know I will always double guess myself and think the 1400 may have been what I should have gotten. I just think they would be too stiff!

What problems made you adjust the angle and L-brackets?

HC

[21C1]

It appears I need at least 1200# bars and maybe 1400#. I have the 1000# bars adjusted as much as they can be. The rear of the truck is settling about 3" but I am to keep the front from rising. I have the hitch head tilted with as many washers as possible and the L brackets are up as far as possible. It tows well with no sway. I am going to hit the scales on the way home. I am guessing I might br over my rear axle rating. If so, I'll buy the heavier hitch.

[21C1]

I still haven't put it on the scales. It is amazing those bars bend like they do!

[HemiCab]

Well I have not gotten the hitch setup yet. I hope to have it finished in a couple of weeks. I did not know the bars would bend that much!

HC

[HemiCab]

OK got the hitch ball attached and started the setup. Like I think I read on the forum before, if you get it setup correctly the first try you would be lucky!

Well did I get lucky or is the front being pressed down too much? Measurements are below:

Rear wheel well
Uncoupled TV 40.875"
Coupled no WD 38.875"
Coupled with WD 40"

Front wheel well
Uncoupled TV 39.375"
Coupled no WD 39.75"
Coupled with WD 39.125". Is this too much pressure on front end, 1/4" lower than uncoupled?

TT Level
Uncoupled front and back 19.5"
Coupled with WD front 19.375 & back 19.5"

I did not drive it any where because the low front end made me stop to look at the manual and website for Equalizer but did not see any relative reference to low front end without the rear being higher which in my case the rear is about half way. Does this look like I need to remove a washer? Or are the numbers good enough to tighten the shank bolts and give it a try?

Thanks for any advice.

HC

[MtnGuy]

Since you are using a truck as a TV, and they are meant to take some weight on the back axle, I think I would back off a little on the WDH. You are so close after your 1st setup....that is great. And also, it is great that you are taking your time with the setup and the measurements.

[HemiCab]

Thanks mtnguy. Do you mean take a washer off of the spacer rivet to get the front to the uncoupled height?

HC

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by HemiCab

Thanks mtnguy. Do you mean take a washer off of the spacer rivet to get the front to the uncoupled height?

HC

Someone with an Equal-i-zer will have to chime in on that 1. I am unfamiliar with that adjustment system.

[21C1]

If you want to take weight off the front axle you would remove a washer. I don't have my manual in front of me, but it sounds like a good setup.

[HemiCab]

Thanks I will remove one washer and remeasure tomorrow.

Thanks

[HemiCab]

Well before going through the trouble of removing one washer, I contacted Progressive to see how many washers to remove or what els I could adjust. The first call I left a message. Waited for 30 minutes, got impatient and called again and got a live person. He listened to the measurements and said it sounded very good to him and to not change any thing. Was getting ready to got to Camping world to have them tighten the bolts to torqued specs and the phone rang. It was another gentleman and I gave him the numbers and he answered with the same thing. So in a couple of weeks we will be taking a trip about an hour and half away and will see how it goes.

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I will update how it goes.

HC

[Triguy]

That's interesting considering the Equal-I-zer manual says the w/d should be adjusted to eliminate at least 50% of the rise (of the front wheel well)...

I don't recall them saying to eliminate more than 100% of the rise.

Most truck manufacturers say to eliminate 50-100% but I don't know about Dodge. Ford says 50% and GMC and Toyota say 100% as I recall.

Let us know what you think of the tow. And, remember your driving experience will tell you a lot. It's ok to experiment and adjust to find your perfect setup.

[21C1]

After rereading my manual and looking at your numbers, I wonder if you are over adjusted. I might take a washer out and see. The biggest danger is having the rear higher after and you are approaching your unhitched height.

[HemiCab]

21C1 that is what I thought too. But because the rear is back to half way and the front was only a 1/4 inch low they said it was the quarter inch from perfect. I am thinking about driving to the site in a couple of weeks the way it is and remove a washer coming home.

Of course I have almost decided to hook it up and drive down the interstate to the next exit and then driving back to see how it "feels". If it doesn't feel right then remove the washer. It will be next Monday before I get the chance....still have to swap out the L-brackets from the e2 to the new ones....they are almost identical but one plate is a 16th thicker.

Thanks for the feedback 21C1!

HC

[Herk7769]

Here are your manuals.