NOISE: Equal-i-zer

[hazmat91180]

Hey gang, I have a 10K 4 point equalizer WDH. It is make horrendous sounds. Like others have stated on here, embarrassing at gas stations and camp grounds.

I just want to confirm this is the sound that others are referring to or if for some reason mine is "off".

Thanks for taking a look!

Mike

[bikendan]

Video won't play.
Did you install the Bracket Jackets from Progress?

[rsdata]

all three videos play fine for me using Chrome

sit in a campground some time listening to all of the groaning going on when WDH campers make a turn... you will not be embarrassed any more

I thought I read where a little white lithium grease from a spray can works wonders

[rana]

That's par for the course (aka normal). You want that steel on steel friction. Going into a CG though I wouldn't be too embarrassed. It's not like anyone in the camp hasn't heard an equalizer WDH.

I would take the tension off when going into a CG.. just to be courteous. We may "know" what it is, but that doesn't mean it makes for good dinner music.

Side note: You DO grease your ball, right? Probably only a fraction of the noise, but always a good idea.

[madmaxmutt]

It sounds pretty much like an Equal-I-zer to me. Progress says this that might help some.
"Lubricating the socket joint may help reduce this noise, and is part of the required regular maintenance routine. Lubricating the L-bracket joint is optional. A better solution is a set of official Equal-i-zer brand Sway Bracket Jackets. They quiet the ride without the mess of using a lubricant."

[rana]

Originally Posted by rsdata

I thought I read where a little white lithium grease from a spray can works wonders

I'm sure it does. I know some folks that grease their bar sockets and it really does help with the noise. I would never do that though. Especially treating the sway kind of defeats the whole purpose of it.

It just takes a sec to back off the bars and such.

[ColoradoRick]

Yep, squeals like a stuck pig!!

I don't grease anything but the ball as the friction is supposed to be there with the metal-on-metal.

[retiredcamper47]

Those jackets do not work with the new style "L" brackets out of the package with the attached pin. Had to trim mine back to the opening to get the pin to clear to work. They will work with the old style "L" brackets that requires you to insert a pin. Eliminates alot of noise.

Bob

[bigoil7]

In state parks (where I camp most often) I remove the bars when I fill up with fresh water just at the entrance of the CG. I re-install at the dump station when leaving. Not too worried about sway in the park

[DreiHunde]

I use a light coat of WD-40 white lithium spray grease. Cuts down a lot of the noise and I don't have any sway issues. Like others have said, don't be embarrassed...it's all good!!

[Jestercyco]

I installed uhmw (plastic plates) on the bottom of the where the bar rides. It did not effect sway and was quiet after that. I have seen something similar at Camper World and online to calm down the noise. It bothered the DW but not me. LOL
Jester

[pwrstroke2012]

I use steel wool to clean the L brackets and bars of rust and it helps greatly. Manual says to lube the sockets that are in the hitch head along with proper torque

[GL1800Rider]

Here is a picture of the "genuine" Equalizer lubricant and the link at Amazon.
Amazon.com: Equal-i-zer 91004250 High Performance Lubricant: Automotive

I have the sway bar jackets and they do fit my newer style clips without the pins.

Just a side note from the weight police, do you know what your tongue weight is? Looks like you could be pushing the 1000# limit.

[Big Vic]

My sounded just like that when new. They do quiet down a bit after breaking in.

I pull my 29 ft TT with an F-250, and have never had TT sway and do not feel any movement when passed by semis. Early on, I would remove the bars when entering a campground. Then I experimented with putting the pads on the bar tongue brackets and a very light coating of lubricant on the moving bar sockets on the hitch, which made the groaning go away completely, and did not seem to noticeably change TT stability.

[Campster]

Not understanding the metal on metal comments that is required for sway control? If you install the jackets Equalizer provides you are no longer metal on metal, if they are good with this what's the big deal? I use a little spray of lithium grease every once in a while. Never have had a problem with sway control or lack of friction. Sometimes I think it is the installation that might cause the binding noise. If the bars don't ride parallel to the trailer tongue frame or don't sit flat on the L brackets things might not be so smooth?

[Learjet]

Lube the ball !!!!

[hazmat91180]

Originally Posted by GL1800Rider

Just a side note from the weight police, do you know what your tongue weight is? Looks like you could be pushing the 1000# limit.

Thanks, I don't mind the weight police at all, it's all about safety right? I have not gotten to a scale yet and am planning a separate trip to do just that soon. I remember several members calling out dry weights around 870-910 but that's dry and doesn't mean squat.

Also if I look at the GVWR at 8901 if figuring 10%: 890, 12%:1068, 15%:1335

The first two weights dealer liked me in a 10K. Maybe I made a wrong choice.

[Platokidd]

Axle grease on ball and hitch head moving parts. mowerguard on my L brackets and bar ends.(Graphite paint)
The graphite will embed itself into the steel L and bars over time.
Mine dont sound like yours at all!.

[Platokidd]

Originally Posted by hazmat91180

Thanks, I don't mind the weight police at all, it's all about safety right? I have not gotten to a scale yet and am planning a separate trip to do just that soon. I remember several members calling out dry weights around 870-910 but that's dry and doesn't mean squat.

Also if I look at the GVWR at 8901 if figuring 10%: 890, 12%:1068, 15%:1335

The first two weights dealer liked me in a 10K. Maybe I made a wrong choice.

Agree, my Lacrosse is around 8500 lbs and tongue has to be around 1,100 or so. I have the 14k equalizer, I had the 10k in the beginning sold it in days.

[hazmat91180]

Originally Posted by Platokidd

Agree, my Lacrosse is around 8500 lbs and tongue has to be around 1,100 or so. I have the 14k equalizer, I had the 10k in the beginning sold it in days.

Given that, how stiff is your ride, that's almost 400lbs extra.