Weight Distribution

Weight distribution is the ability of a hitch to transfer load from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the front axle of the tow vehicle and to the trailer axles. Without weight distribution the tow vehicle “teeter-totters” on the rear axle of the tow vehicle, and unloads the front axle. Proper weight distribution transfers weight back to the front steering axle, forcing it back to the ground.

Proper weight distribution also adds performance to the Integrated 4-Point Sway Control™ (ISC) feature of your Equal-i-zer hitch. As the tongue weight gets distributed, it helps generate the friction needed to reduce trailer sway.

Sway Control

ISC is a built-in, patent pending feature of your Equal-i-zer hitch. Once the spring arms are tensioned, the sway control is in force.

ISC works through the connection between your spring arms and L-brackets, and between the sockets and hitch head. The Equal-i-zer hitch takes advantage of the steel-on-steel friction generated at these points to help reduce trailer sway.

This added friction makes it more difficult for the trailer to sway side-to-side while it’s being towed, as sometimes happens when you encounter a gust of wind or a passing semi truck. When set up well and properly adjusted for your load, the Equal-i-zer hitch will noticeably reduce sway.

Important Setup Information

These instructions are a guideline to aid in setting up your hitch. Every trailer and tow vehicle combination requires a different setup and adjustment because of factors like trailer weight and length, trailer loading, hitch weight, and tow vehicle geometry and suspension. It is not likely that a good setup for one vehicle combination will work well for another. If you change tow vehicle and/or trailer, you should check the hitch setup for proper weight distribution and adjust it when necessary.

You must use your best judgment to determine if changes to the setup are required to ensure a safe and comfortable towing situation. There is no all-inclusive formula for setting up or adjusting a hitch that will accommodate each combination of trailer and tow vehicle possible.

The setup may need to be changed slightly at times to accommodate changes in your trailer load, perhaps even during the same trip. For example, a trailer that starts with full clean water and propane tanks, may tow differently when that water becomes black and gray water, and the propane tanks are empty. Or, a trailer loaded with gear for a long cross country trip may tow differently than the same trailer loaded for a weekend getaway. The driver must be conscious of these changes, and adjust the hitch accordingly.