The Equalizer load distributing hitch

I found one yesterday in a yard sale here in the neighborhood. The think looks like it has only been used a couple of times. I went ahead and bought it for a LOT less than a new one costs. Does anyone have any experience with these type of hitches? I think my brake control box for my enclosed trailer will have to be relocated to make it work, but I have heard that these type of hitches are the best kind to have. Any opinions?

LT, I've got the 14K version for my toyhauler and really like it. It is a lot easier to use than the old sway bar! You can back your trailer without having to loosen anything. It does make some strange noises, but it's normal.

The biggest trick is to use your jack to raise the bars to make them easily slide on the bar carriers (after you've hooked up).

Let me know if you need any pics or anything. I'm taking my rig to the dealer monday, so will be hooking it up soon.



Installation manuals

I have an 8K Hidden Hitch brand equalizer that I use with my 14' tandem-axle utility. They make a HUGE difference in the way the trailer handles, especially at speed.

Having used this one for several years, I wouldn't pull an enclosed trailer on a regular basis without one.

Once you get used to using it, it only takes a couple extra minutes to hitch/unhitch. It will take a little experimenting whe you first set it up, to see what link in the chains works best for you, but once you've done that, it's simply count the links and connect it up.

To give an idea of how well they transfer weight from the trailer to the frame and front wheels of the truck -- I once had a flat on one of my back tires of the truck when towing with my tractor on the trailer -- and didn't realize it until the next rest area when I went through the whole tire-kicking, strap-checking routine before pulling back out on the interstate...

They make towing much, much, much safer...

Kent, mine actually doesn't have chains. It has metal bars only, like this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Equal-i-Zer-Weight-Distribution-Equalizer-Hitch-14000_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5885f7f534QQitemZ380204741940QQptZMotorsQ5fRVQ5fTrailerQ5fCamperQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories





I was just using another hitch with a small swaybar control. I hope this setup works better.

Never saw one like that. Mine has the chains also. If you don't know anything about the setup, you'll need some one at a camper dealer or trailer dealer to set it up for you. Things need leveled and the angle of the ball needs to be adjusted also. A friend of mine had a setup sort of like that and had too much tension on those bars and his rear tires were slipping without his knowing it. Damn near ruined a near new set of rear tires between Parkersburg and Elkins. There is a learning curve here. And when you get it right it will tow better than anything you've had to date!

The guy who I bought it from gave me the owner's manual. He also checked it out after I got it installed. The ball is supposed to tilt rearward 6-8 degress, which it already does. The trailer is sitting more level now than it was with the other hitch. I will try to get another set of eyes on it before I tow far.

I've never seen one like that either. I'd guess that the "pre-load" on the torsion bar/trunnion (or whatever the Equalizer brand calls them) are adjusted by different holes in that "L-shaped piece" that's being held by the setscrew.

I'd like to see how you connect those trunnions/torsion bars without the flexibility of a chain. I've seen people use tire irons on the Reese brand with the square trunnions...

I think you'll really like the difference, one you have it fine-tuned. I feel safer towing at 70 MPH with one than I do at 45 MPH without one. The trailer tracks straight, and doesn't wander around. It doesn't "buck" when you go over speed bumps, expansion strips or potholes. It's not nearly as sensitive to balancing the load to get the correct tongue weight -- though you still want to be mindful -- nor with variations in handling caused by the load balance. Sway is reduced a LOT, but you can add a sway control the these that functions like a steering damper. It stops the wiggles that can lead to oscillation and a jack-knife...

This one says it has four way sway control. It also has a shock absorber down between the shank and the hitch that the ball attaches to. It is supposed to absorb additional shock when you have to stop quickly. I guess I will find out how it does when I head to Windrock next month.

LT, that is exactly what I have and my rig is about 9K loaded...never sways at all. This is my third RV and the most rock solid setup I've ever used. I think you'll like it!

BTW..pick up a few extra "L" pieces to lock the bars down in case you lose one on a trip. Useless without those. They are the only pieces that wear. It will make some noise when you turn, but it is normal!