Maintenance

Taking care of your hitch (maintenance). You ask a lot from your hitch. Help protect your investment for many years to come.

Lubrication 

Applying lube to your Equal-i-zer hitch will extend the life of your hitch’s sockets and keep it running smoothly.

On each hitch the friction surfaces of the head should be kept clean and well lubricated with a good quality multi-purpose or bearing grease. With the Equal-i-zer, these are the surfaces where the arm sockets rub against the top and bottom plates of the head. It is also a good idea to grease the hitch ball.

It is not necessary to apply grease to the L-brackets or spring bars on any hitch model.

Use the infographic below as a reference when lubing your hitch.

Adjusting your hitch 

Before adjusting the weight distribution on your hitch, it’s important the measurement from the ground to the top of the hitch ball is equal to the measurement from the ground to the inside top of the trailer coupler. Start with an uncoupled trailer and take these measurements. After determining the measurements are equal, below are ways to add or decrease weight distribution.

If more weight distribution is needed:

1. Raise L-brackets up by one notch, and recheck the weight distribution measurements. Make sure you are keeping the bars running parallel with the trailer frame.
2. Add additional spacer washers. After each additional spacer washer recheck the weight distribution measurements.

If you have too much weight distribution:

1. Remove a spacer washer, and recheck the measurements. If you still have too much weight distribution remove another spacer washer.
2. Lower L brackets by one notch, and recheck the weight distribution measurements.

For step-by-step instructions on fixing and under-adjusted or over-adjusted setup check out the video below.

Before each trip 

Before you head out on your trip, there are a few things we recommend checking on your Equal-i-zer hitch to ensure maximum performance on your drive.

1. Make sure the hitch is set up correctly.
2. Check your angle set bolt, ensuring that the spacer washers in the cavity in front of the hitch ball are tight. (See video below to learn how to check and tighten the angle set bolt.)
3. Make sure your sway brackets on each side of the trailer frame are tightened and located at the same distance between 27-32″ back from the center of the trailer coupler to the center of the L bracket.
4. Check the lubrication of the hitch ball and hitch head. Wipe and re-lubricate as needed.
5. Make sure the sockets pins and clips that hold the arms into the spring arm sockets are secure.
6. Make sure the socket bolt nuts are tightened to 65 ft-lbs.
7. Once arms are engaged onto the L-brackets, make sure the L-pins are in place and secure.

After your first 50-100 miles of towing 

Now that your hitch has pulled your weighted trailer, there are a few things you should check to ensure you have the best sway control and weight distribution for your setup. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions, or follow the steps below.

1. Check weight distribution preferably after the tow vehicle and trailer have been loaded, and any time the loading of the tow vehicle or trailer changes significantly. Record and compare the three front wheel well measurements:

• 1st uncoupled (baseline), 2nd coupled but no weight distribution, and 3rd coupled with weight distribution. For example: 1st = 30”, 2nd = 32”, 3rd should be between 30” and 31”.
• For 4K – 14K models, the 3rd measurement should be between the original baseline measurement and a point halfway between the baseline and the 2nd measurement.
• For 16K models, the 3rd measurement should be as close to the half- way point as possible. For example: 1st = 30”, 2nd = 32”, 3rd as close to 31” as possible. See Step 6 – Weight Distribution Setup and Step 7 – Weight Distribution Adjustments in the owner’s manual to make any necessary changes.

2. Lubricate the head and hitch ball. Lubricating protects the hitch and helps prevent noise. Expose the tops of the sockets in the hitch head by inserting the spring arms and pushing the arms out parallel to the bumper of the tow vehicle. Wipe the friction surfaces of the hitch head clean with a cloth. Apply a thin layer of quality bearing grease, like the Equal-i-zer high performance lubricant, to the friction surfaces (underside of the top plate, top and bottom surfaces of the sockets, top of the bottom plate). See Step 10 – Regular Maintenance in the owner’s manual for details.

3. Check and tighten angle set bolt: On a new hitch, the angle set bold many need to be re-tighten after the first 150 miles of towing. Turn the bolt until it comes back into contact with the adjustable shank, then tighten an additional one-half turn. Check the bolt each trip to assure it is still tight. Follow the same steps outlined above to re-tighten, if needed.

4. Tighten bolts: Before each trip each bolt should be checked to make certain it is tight. The bolts should be occasionally checked with a torque wrench to make sure they are still within acceptable tolerances. See Step 9- Final Tightening and Step 10 – Regular Maintenance in the owner’s manual.

Is my hitch set up correctly? 

To enjoy optimal performance from your Equal-i-zer hitch, it is important to check your hitch setup every time you tow.

Follow the steps below to make sure your hitch is set up correctly.

How to Check Your Equal-i-zer Hitch Setup

1. Align your tow vehicle and trailer on a level surface. Find a spot where you will have some forward and backward movement for your tow vehicle.

2. Open your Equal-i-zer owner’s manual to Section 6, Figure 14 – Weight Distribution Setup Table. You will use this table to write down the measurements of your setup.

3. Uncouple the trailer from the tow vehicle and take all the weight off the hitch.

4. Your first measurement will come from the front wheel well. This will give you your starting base measurement. Measure from the ground through the front axle to the top of the front wheel well, with your vehicle disconnected from the trailer. Write this number on Line A of your Weight Distribution Setup Table.

5. Now, lower all the tongue weight of the trailer and onto the hitch. You will see the weight come off the front axle of your tow vehicle.

6. Keep all the tongue weight of the trailer on the hitch, but without any weight distribution. All of the tongue weight should be on the hitch itself.

7. Remeasure the same spot at the top of the front wheel well, and write that number down on Line B of your Weight Distribution Setup Table.

8. Next, put your weight distribution bars (the spring arms) onto the hitch and hook them onto the L-brackets.

9. The weight should be off the jack, and now held by the spring arms.

10. Once the weight distribution is set up and the spring arms are carrying the weight of the tongue – remeasure the same spot at the top of the front wheel well.

11. To achieve proper weight distribution setup this last number should be slightly less than halfway back from the original measurement.

Example:

Line A – Tow vehicle loaded, but still uncoupled from the trailer: 38 inches

Line B – Tow vehicle coupled, but with NO weight distribution: 38-1/2 inches

Line C – Tow vehicles coupled with weight distribution engaged: 38-1/4 inches

12. If your final measurement is greater than halfway back from the original measurement, you may be under-adjusted. If your final measurement is less than the original measurement, you may be over-adjusted. (Use the video below to see how to fix an over or under adjusted setup.)

13. If you have any questions about your Equal-i-zer hitch setup call us at 800-478-5578 or email us at support@equalizerhitch.com.

Don’t know what we are talking about? Check out our Towing Glossary to learn more.

Can I back up with the Equal-i-zer hitch?

Yes, the Equal-i-zer hitch is designed to allow you to back up and take tight turns with the hitch hooked up. Just be sure the frame brackets are installed in the correct range on the trailer frame (27″-32″ from the center of your coupler) so the arms have plenty of room (2″-3″ after the bracket) to move during tight turns.

What size Equal-i-zer hitch do I need?

It is important your hitch has a weight rating high enough that it never exceeds either of the two weight ratings (max trailer weight and max tongue weight).

Max trailer weight is pretty straight forward. Each trailer has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) which is the maximum weight of the trailer when it’s fully loaded. You want to make sure your hitch has a max trailer weight higher than your trailer GVWR. Some trailers won’t list a GVWR but instead an Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) and Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). The sum of those two numbers is the GVWR.

The max tongue weight rating often gets disregarded, but because most trailer’s tongue weights end up being between 10% and 15% of the overall trailer weight, you’re more likely to exceed this limit on the hitch before you hit the max trailer weight rating.

Determining you maximum loaded tongue weight is a little less black and white than total trailer weight. Generally, trailers will have a listed tongue weight or hitch weight. Keep in mind these are the dry or unloaded numbers and usually don’t include the weight of battery or propane tanks. The tongue weight will increase and can vary depending on how you position the cargo weight in the trailer. To know exactly what your tongue weight is, you will need to weigh it, after you load your trailer. However, comparing the relationship between the dry trailer weight and dry tongue weight of your trailer, and factoring in how you plan to load the trailer, you can make a reasonably good prediction. Because you often won’t know your exact tongue weight before you purchase a hitch, it’s a smart practice to purchase a larger hitch, providing a higher tongue weight.

It’s also a good idea to factor in the weight you will be carrying in your tow vehicle behind the rear axle. That weight is going to affect your vehicle the same way the tongue weight of your trailer does. It weighs down the back and initiates a teeter-totter effect over your rear axle that lifts the front of your tow vehicle. If you expect your weight distribution hitch to help you distribute that weight in addition the weight of the trailer, then you need to make sure that that cargo weight plus your trailer’s tongue weight combined remain below the hitch’s tongue weight rating.

Can I use the Equal-i-zer hitch with surge brakes?

Yes, the Equal-i-zer hitch is compatible with surge breaks. The rigid frame brackets allow the spring arms to slide back and forth freely so that they don’t interfere with the function of the surge brake mechanism.

How do I remove the spring arms when unhitching my Equal-i-zer hitch?

Use your tongue jack to release tension off the spring arms prior to trying to slide them out of place. After removing the spring arms, you can lower the trailer back down and unlatch the coupler from the hitch ball as you would on any other ball mount. Watch this video to learn more:

Should I grease my Equal-i-zer hitch?

The friction surfaces of the head should be kept clean and well lubricated with a good quality multi-purpose or bearing grease. These are the surfaces where the arm sockets rub against the top and bottom plates of the head.

It is not necessary to apply grease to the L-brackets on any hitch model.

This blog provides step-by-step instructions on how to properly lube your Equal-i-zer hitch: https://www.equalizerhitch.com/…

I have a new truck, how do I adjust my Equal-i-zer hitch?

Whenever you’re changing tow vehicles, even if it’s a similar vehicle, you’ll be best served by running through the complete adjustment section of the Installation Guide. This will ensure your Equal-i-zer is adjusted correctly, providing superior weight distribution and sway control. Begin with page 10 in your Equal-i-zer hitch Owners Manual.

How do I hitch-up using my Equal-i-zer hitch?

1. Back the Equal-i-zer hitch ball under the trailer coupler.

2. Couple and lock the trailer.

3. Use the tongue jack to raise the trailer tongue and tow vehicle until you can swing the arms into place over the trailer brackets. (If the arms are difficult to lift, continue raising the tongue jack, until the arms are even or slightly above the trailer brackets.)

4. Pin the arms into place with the Snap L Pin, and retract the jack.

For a helpful video and infographic, read our blog: https://www.equalizerhitch.com…

Do I need a longer shank?

The standard shank included with the Equal-i-zer hitch offers up to 3” drop/7” rise. Drop and rise are measured from the inside top of the receiver tube to the base of the hitch ball/top of the hitch head. To determine how much rise or drop a given truck and trailer combination requires you need two measurements. First from the ground up to the inside top of the receiver tube on the tow vehicle, and second, from the ground up to the top of the trailer coupler with the trailer level. Needed rise or drop = (Receiver height + 3) – coupler height. A positive number would be the needed drop, negative indicates rise.

If you find you need more than a 3″ drop or a 7″ rise, we have specialty shanks with different drops and rises, allowing flexibility with both receiver and trailer coupler heights.

Why am I feeling sway?

The Equal-i-zer hitch is the best performing sway control hitch on the market. If you’re feeling sway after setting up the hitch, there’s a good chance there are some minor adjustments needed to improve performance.

Most likely there isn’t enough tension on the spring arms or not enough weight transferred back up to the front axle of the tow vehicle. This can be remedied by adding spacer washers, raising L-brackets, and/or lowering the hitch ball. It’s a good idea to recheck the three front end measurements from page 16 in the Equal-i-zer hitch manual before making any changes.

How do I purchase replacement parts for my Equal-i-zer hitch?

You have several options for obtaining replacement parts for any of our products.

• We’re happy to take orders directly either over the phone ((800) 478-5578), or online at our store. Orders generally ship the next business day via either UPS or USPS.
• Local dealers may have the parts you need in stock, or can possibly order them in from their distributor. Find a dealer near you.
• There are many online retailers selling parts and who may offer special deals on shipping.

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