Change weight by adding washer to WD hitch?

gijoecam wrote:
The bars move fore and aft on trunnion style hitches as well. The geometry is the same regardless of the type of spring bar used. I've looked through several of the round-bar installation manuals and don't ever recall seeing a recommendation as such. It might be a decent rule of thumb, but it's certainly not a requirement as best I can tell...

I don't know what manuals you looked through but the Standard Round Bar (generic) installation manual has a picture at the bottom of p.5 that shows the minimum and states: Illustration 7, shows the correct and incorrect hook-up position of the spring bars. To allow movement when
turning, there should be at least 5 links between the lift bracket and the spring bar. The number of links should be the
same on both bars. Adjust head tilt to accomplish correct chain length..

Note what Eaz-Lift states on p.3 and gives illustrations.


In addition, the Drawtite Trunnion bar installation manual states on P.4:
There must be at least 5 links between the lift unit and the spring bar. This is necessary for proper operation of the spring bars during turns. If there are less than 5 links, the angle of the head assembly must be increased.

The Reese Trunnion Bar installation manual states on P.3:
Raise trailer tongue and rear of car with jack. Lower yoke of snap up bracket until it is parallel with the ground, and slip the closest link over the hook (If there are less than 5 links between hook and u-bolt PLACE CLOSEST LINK ON HOOK, adjust ballmount angle rearward, and repeat
procedure).

And finally, the Reese Round Bar installation manual states on p.3:
Lower yoke of snap up bracket until it is parallel with the ground, and slip the closest link over the hook (If there are less than 4 links between hook and u-bolt adjust ballmount angle rearward,
and repeat procedure - see Fig. 3 & 4 below).

Lastly, I fully understand that the trunnion style bars move just like the round ones do and the only reason I mentioned the trunnion style bars was to clear up the common misconception that ALL WD bars should be parallel to the frame.
Hope this clears it up a bit.
Barney