|
|
01-18-2012, 11:41 PM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: NEPA
Posts: 1,477
|
Fair price for Equilizer & install
What's the thinking on having a dealer install a new Equilizer for my TT and truck? The Salem 292fkds has a dry weight of 7672# and a hitch weight (tongue weight?) of 1125#. I'm thinking I should buy a 10,000# model, but that's only good for 1,000# tongue weight, so maybe a 12,000# hitch would be better? The dealer is quoting me a price of $852 for a 10k model and $872 for the 12k one, installed. Does that seem right or a little high? Thoughts, please. Thanks!
__________________
2015 XLR Hyperlite 30HFS5 (mods being performed regularly)
2009 Salem LA 292fkds (gone)
Nights- ('12)23 ('13)23 ('14)15 ('15)31 ('16)27 ('17) 20 (‘18)21 (‘19)23
2019 Honda CRV (camping support vehicle)
2014 Harley Davidson FLHX (XLR cargo)
2011 Ram 2500 CC 4X4 CTD, B&W Companion (toy hauler hauler)
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 02:58 AM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 356
|
I sized my EQ based on the tow capabilities of my TV in case I upgrade in the future. Dealer sold the hitch and special shank for my vehicle at cost, just under $750. (EQ-4, 14,000/1400)
__________________
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 03:55 AM
|
#3
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,598
|
i think both prices are ridiculous!
you can get the Equalizer with free shipping for around $450.
it's not that hard to install but i got the dealer i bought my HTT from, to install for free.
certainly not worth $400 to install. that's 4hrs. of shop time.
other than needing a thin-walled socket to tighten the ball, any somewhat handy person can install it, by following the manufacturer's videos and instructions.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 07:39 AM
|
#4
|
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 70
|
My dealer quoted me $495 for the 2 point equal-i-zer installed and $695 for the 4 point equal-i-zer installed. I thought both prices were high. a trained technician should be able to install in 30 minutes to 1 hour max. RV Wholesalers sells the 4 point for $445 meaning my dealer was trying to get $250 for upto 1 hour of Labor. I would try to negotiate $500-$550 as a "fair" price for an installed 4 point equal-i-zer with less than $500 being a great deal for you, and $550+ being a profit center for the dealer.
__________________
2013 Ford F150 Super-Crew
2014 Heritage Glen 312qbud
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 07:51 AM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 755
|
$500 is what mine cost one year back, installed. Not much to install though....it's more adjustment than anything else.
__________________
2012 F-350 4x4 King Ranch Super Duty CC 6.7 Turbo Diesel 3.55 e-locker
2011 Palomino Puma 30KFBDS with Side Paw Kitchen and Bunkhouse
Equalizer E2 Hitch
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 07:52 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 273
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taranwanderer
What's the thinking on having a dealer install a new Equilizer for my TT and truck? The Salem 292fkds has a dry weight of 7672# and a hitch weight (tongue weight?) of 1125#. I'm thinking I should buy a 10,000# model, but that's only good for 1,000# tongue weight, so maybe a 12,000# hitch would be better? The dealer is quoting me a price of $852 for a 10k model and $872 for the 12k one, installed. Does that seem right or a little high? Thoughts, please. Thanks!
|
The attached shows the prices from www.equalizerhitch.com. Any install fees would have to be added.
__________________
2012 Rockwood 8314BSS
2011 Chevy
Camping, Dutch Oven Cooking, and Homebrewing
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 08:25 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Northwest Ohio
Posts: 134
|
You can buy my 2 year old 1000/10000 4 point for $250 if you're anywhere near Toledo Ohio. The only thing to install are the brackets for the torsion bars.
__________________
Steve & Lauren
2011 Windjammer 3065W
2012 Ram 3500, 6.7 Cummins
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 08:27 AM
|
#8
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 6,949
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Taranwanderer
What's the thinking on having a dealer install a new Equilizer for my TT and truck? The Salem 292fkds has a dry weight of 7672# and a hitch weight (tongue weight?) of 1125#. I'm thinking I should buy a 10,000# model, but that's only good for 1,000# tongue weight, so maybe a 12,000# hitch would be better? The dealer is quoting me a price of $852 for a 10k model and $872 for the 12k one, installed. Does that seem right or a little high? Thoughts, please. Thanks!
|
You need the 12,000/1,200 lb bars.
The prices are inflated because of the setup. As Dan mentioned, you can get it for about $450 from RV Wholesalers. Check their site. You will also need to buy a thin-walled socket for $90 or so unless someone on this forum is selling one. The 350lb torque might be a problem. My torque wrench doesn't go that high so find a neighborhood mechanic who has the tool and will torque it for $10.
I encourage anyone to set it up themselves. Only way to know your hitch and to know if was done right. It seems that many people who complain about their setups seem to have it installed at their dealers IMHO.
__________________
Scott
DW, 3 Kids and our Goldens
2012 Shamrock 233S
2008 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4WD
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 09:39 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 273
|
I am NO hitch expert, but I have been researching manufacturers as I am in the market for a new hitch. I read that you can have too much hitch which will cause your trailer to bounce. If that is true, you do not want to get too far over your weighted needs.
__________________
2012 Rockwood 8314BSS
2011 Chevy
Camping, Dutch Oven Cooking, and Homebrewing
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 11:37 AM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Massillon. Ohio
Posts: 189
|
Everybody seems to forget the installer is bringing his own tools to the table. Maybe it only takes an hour. Do you have the couple hundred of dollars worth of tools needed. If a tool breaks on the install should that be added to your bill? Do you have the equipment to get the vehicle off the floor to safely work on it?
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 11:50 AM
|
#11
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Lincoln, CA
Posts: 26
|
Equalizer from Amazon
I just received my 4 PT unit from Amazon. $ 485., no tax, no shipping. Dealer said he would install for $95. I'll be watching and helping!
__________________
Richard & Katie - Retired and loving it!
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 03:10 PM
|
#12
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 6,949
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jim44646
Everybody seems to forget the installer is bringing his own tools to the table. Maybe it only takes an hour. Do you have the couple hundred of dollars worth of tools needed. If a tool breaks on the install should that be added to your bill? Do you have the equipment to get the vehicle off the floor to safely work on it?
|
True that you will need a special tool to do it yourself (with Equal-i-zer). But there is no need to lift your vehicle.
__________________
Scott
DW, 3 Kids and our Goldens
2012 Shamrock 233S
2008 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4WD
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 03:40 PM
|
#13
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,598
|
the only "special" tool needed is a thin-walled socket to tighten the trailer ball's nut inside the hitch head.
many have stopped at a shop and paid them $10 to tighten it for them.
other than that, no special tools or shop equipment is needed.
why would you need to lift the vehicle to install a WDH?
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 05:11 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Massillon. Ohio
Posts: 189
|
myself, I don't like lying on ground. I know everyone has a torque wrench that goes to 450lb. Who bothers torquing nuts, right? . All holes predrilled, I guess so. How many have a 1-1/8" - 1-1/2" wrench for ball nut.
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 05:42 PM
|
#15
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 6,949
|
Jim,
With all due respect, I understand that some (maybe most) people will want to pay their dealers a reasonable fee <$100. I do not consider fees of $400 reasonable. I must be missing something in your post.
For those who want to install ...
I've installed two Equal-i-zer hitches and did not need to lie down on the ground.
There is no drilling into the frame with this hitch. You might be thinking of the Reese Dual Cam.
As mentioned, the one tool that can be a problem even with a mechanic is a 1 7/8" thin-walled socket. Its $63 at RVW.
You will need a torque wrench that goes up to 75 lbs for most bolts and you will need to find a place that can torque the ball to 430 and the shank bolts to 320. But, my friendly neighborhood mechanic can do the 430 lbs for the hitch ball and the 320 for the shank bolts. I can always go back and buy him a beer and he is happy to re-torque as needed.
__________________
Scott
DW, 3 Kids and our Goldens
2012 Shamrock 233S
2008 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4WD
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 05:58 PM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Massillon. Ohio
Posts: 189
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Triguy
Jim,
With all due respect, I understand that some (maybe most) people will want to pay their dealers a reasonable fee <$100. I do not consider fees of $400 reasonable. I must be missing something in your post.
For those who want to install ...
I've installed two Equal-i-zer hitches and did not need to lie down on the ground.
There is no drilling into the frame with this hitch. You might be thinking of the Reese Dual Cam.
As mentioned, the one tool that can be a problem even with a mechanic is a 1 7/8" thin-walled socket. Its $63 at RVW.
You will need a torque wrench that goes up to 75 lbs for most bolts and you will need to find a place that can torque the ball to 430 and the shank bolts to 320. But, my friendly neighborhood mechanic can do the 430 lbs for the hitch ball and the 320 for the shank bolts. I can always go back and buy him a beer and he is happy to re-torque as needed.
|
I sure would hate to maintain a building, heat, electric, insurance, and workmans comp. on a 6 pack of beer,. We are talking about instaling recever on truck also.
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 09:00 PM
|
#17
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 6,949
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jim44646
I sure would hate to maintain a building, heat, electric, insurance, and workmans comp. on a 6 pack of beer,. We are talking about instaling recever on truck also.
|
Receiver? Honestly?
__________________
Scott
DW, 3 Kids and our Goldens
2012 Shamrock 233S
2008 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4WD
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 09:14 PM
|
#18
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,598
|
Quote:
We are talking about instaling recever on truck also.
|
jim44646, we've been talking about installing a WDH, not a receiver.
there's no need to be "lying on ground" to install a WDH.
where did anyone mention a receiver.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
|
|
|
01-19-2012, 11:16 PM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 221
|
I keep a tool box with us when we take the camper out. It's got the stuff needed for any hitch adjustment during the trip. A good set of 1/2 sockets, a short and long torque wrench, deep well sockets for hitch bolts, lug nuts and hot water heater anode, extra pins/clips/retainers for Equal-i-zer hitch and one extra bracket for weight bars.
Basically, I packed for roadside breakdown that I've seen others deal with on these forums.
And when I do my hitch adjustments, I'll pull the hitch out of the receiver and rotate it 1/4 or 1/2 turn to get to the bolts easier.
__________________
2008 Toy Tundra DC 5.7L Bagged w/LTs
Hensley Arrow
2012 Windjammer 3001W, Atriumed
|
|
|
01-22-2012, 12:50 AM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 266
|
Go ahead and buy a good say 150 ftlb torque wrench too. It wont do you any good on the ball or shank bolts, but it will be useful with the frame bracket and friction (eq. 4 point) bolts as well as checking wheel lugs. The smaller nuts on an eq 4 point hitch will tend to loosen quicker since the parts they attach are repeatedly pulled back and forth. You should check the torque at the spring arm receiver bolts as well as the trailer frame bracket bolts on each trip.
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|