Equalizer L- brackets Bending
So here's the issue, I've have now replaced my L brackets four times in 5 years because of bending. Before you say it the hitch is setup correctly according to the manufacturers directions. My dealer ...
Forum Discussion
Reply from the company when we inquired about the same issue:
I wanted to send you some information on our L-pins and what will happen to them over time. http://help/cswiki/images/thumb/a/af/Both_pins_compared_to_new.jpg/350px-Both_pins_compared_to_new.jpgFirst of all, to put your mind at ease, remember that the L-pins are there to keep the bars from coming off the side of the brackets. With proper weight distribution, you would not see the bars lift up off the brackets in normal driving conditions. Even if the pins are on the outer 1/4" or 1/2" of the bar, as long as they rest on top, there’s no reason for concern. This picture is to show the wear patterns as the L-pins wear over time.
The one on the left here is factory-fresh. The others are showing more and more wear. Most well-used L-pins resemble the one on the far right. The reason you’ve seen some wear like the two L-pins that have worn is the fact that hitches have a break in period, and during that period, the forces exerted on the L-pins by the spring arms are at their greatest.
When the hitch is manufactured in our Provo, UT plant, we set the torque for the bolts that keep the sockets in the hitch head to 90-110 ft/lbs. We do this to allow the hitch head to wear in well, and provide as even a surface as possible after the breaking-in period has completed. Because of this extra torque, there is extra pressure, keeping the spring arms from moving side to side. Because of that, there is more pent-up energy which releases when you complete turns. This excess energy is transferred to the one place it can go, the L-pins. I’m sure you remember just how much of a pop and boom your hitch made when it was new.
For L-pins that have been with the same hitch from the beginning, it’s expected to see both the wear marks and deformation. If you were to purchase new L-pins today to replace those you currently have, I would expect to see similar wear and deformation appear over time. Your friction levels are lower at this point because your torque is quite likely lower (45-60 ft/lbs) and the hitch head should now have smooth movement tracks that allow you to move the arms easily from side to side.
With that said, we’ve spoken with a good number of our customers, some with nearly a million miles on their hitch. They’ve traveled around the country through 4 tow vehicles and 4 different trailers, and still using the same hitch—and the same L-pins. From this point onward, if you keep your current L-pins instead of buying new ones, I doubt you would see any significant wearing from where they are today.
Another way to determine wear of the L-pin is to pull the L-pin back away from the spring arm, if the L-pin still touches the spring arm then your hitch is experiencing normal wear. If you have a digital camera what I suggest you do is take several pictures of your L-pins and send them to me so that I can better assess your situation. Please take pictures of the L-pin while they are attached to your L-brackets, also take pictures of the L-pins while they are detached from your L-brackets and laying on a flat surface. Having these pictures will really help me better understand your situation, and would be much appreciated.
Thanks For Contacting Progress Mfg. regarding your
Jason Binks
Inside Sales Manager
jdbinks@progressmfg.com
Office (800) 478-5578 x113
See our other trailer product at: www.equalizerhitch.com & www.fastwaytrailer.com
I wanted to send you some information on our L-pins and what will happen to them over time. http://help/cswiki/images/thumb/a/af/Both_pins_compared_to_new.jpg/350px-Both_pins_compared_to_new.jpgFirst of all, to put your mind at ease, remember that the L-pins are there to keep the bars from coming off the side of the brackets. With proper weight distribution, you would not see the bars lift up off the brackets in normal driving conditions. Even if the pins are on the outer 1/4" or 1/2" of the bar, as long as they rest on top, there’s no reason for concern. This picture is to show the wear patterns as the L-pins wear over time.
The one on the left here is factory-fresh. The others are showing more and more wear. Most well-used L-pins resemble the one on the far right. The reason you’ve seen some wear like the two L-pins that have worn is the fact that hitches have a break in period, and during that period, the forces exerted on the L-pins by the spring arms are at their greatest.
When the hitch is manufactured in our Provo, UT plant, we set the torque for the bolts that keep the sockets in the hitch head to 90-110 ft/lbs. We do this to allow the hitch head to wear in well, and provide as even a surface as possible after the breaking-in period has completed. Because of this extra torque, there is extra pressure, keeping the spring arms from moving side to side. Because of that, there is more pent-up energy which releases when you complete turns. This excess energy is transferred to the one place it can go, the L-pins. I’m sure you remember just how much of a pop and boom your hitch made when it was new.
For L-pins that have been with the same hitch from the beginning, it’s expected to see both the wear marks and deformation. If you were to purchase new L-pins today to replace those you currently have, I would expect to see similar wear and deformation appear over time. Your friction levels are lower at this point because your torque is quite likely lower (45-60 ft/lbs) and the hitch head should now have smooth movement tracks that allow you to move the arms easily from side to side.
With that said, we’ve spoken with a good number of our customers, some with nearly a million miles on their hitch. They’ve traveled around the country through 4 tow vehicles and 4 different trailers, and still using the same hitch—and the same L-pins. From this point onward, if you keep your current L-pins instead of buying new ones, I doubt you would see any significant wearing from where they are today.
Another way to determine wear of the L-pin is to pull the L-pin back away from the spring arm, if the L-pin still touches the spring arm then your hitch is experiencing normal wear. If you have a digital camera what I suggest you do is take several pictures of your L-pins and send them to me so that I can better assess your situation. Please take pictures of the L-pin while they are attached to your L-brackets, also take pictures of the L-pins while they are detached from your L-brackets and laying on a flat surface. Having these pictures will really help me better understand your situation, and would be much appreciated.
Thanks For Contacting Progress Mfg. regarding your
Jason Binks
Inside Sales Manager
jdbinks@progressmfg.com
Office (800) 478-5578 x113
See our other trailer product at: www.equalizerhitch.com & www.fastwaytrailer.com
