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
Ben,
I can answer a couple of your questions.
1. The bars have a square shape and are the same size the whole length of the the bar. There is no taper. During a turn the amount of friction stays just about the same throughout the length of the bars travel back and forth. Remember also that as one side lengthens the other side shortens. :)
2. The bars come straight out of the hitch head and point down, depending on the head tilt, before they are drawn up. The L brackets are then lowered or raised so that the bars ride flat on the L shape when they are drawn up. This means they should be parallel to the A frame members. This would mean that the bars come straight out of the hitch head and therefor lift the hitch head, along with the rest of the rear of the truck and provide the WD.
The amount of pressure on the surface between the bar sockets and hitch head is much higher than the pressure on the ends of the L brackets just as Ron indicated.
According to the manufacturer, this interface between the bar sockets and the hitch head is the main sway preventing force of the hitch. The interface of the bars/L brackets is secondary. Ron has provided the numbers which shows why this is so. (5 to 1)
There is also much more surface area there compared to the L brackets which makes for much more metal to metal contact and therefor more friction available to help prevent sway.
Barney
I can answer a couple of your questions.
1. The bars have a square shape and are the same size the whole length of the the bar. There is no taper. During a turn the amount of friction stays just about the same throughout the length of the bars travel back and forth. Remember also that as one side lengthens the other side shortens. :)
2. The bars come straight out of the hitch head and point down, depending on the head tilt, before they are drawn up. The L brackets are then lowered or raised so that the bars ride flat on the L shape when they are drawn up. This means they should be parallel to the A frame members. This would mean that the bars come straight out of the hitch head and therefor lift the hitch head, along with the rest of the rear of the truck and provide the WD.
The amount of pressure on the surface between the bar sockets and hitch head is much higher than the pressure on the ends of the L brackets just as Ron indicated.
According to the manufacturer, this interface between the bar sockets and the hitch head is the main sway preventing force of the hitch. The interface of the bars/L brackets is secondary. Ron has provided the numbers which shows why this is so. (5 to 1)
There is also much more surface area there compared to the L brackets which makes for much more metal to metal contact and therefor more friction available to help prevent sway.
Barney
