I have a 1,200/12,000 lb Equal-i-zer brand hitch that was setup just right for my F150. My trailer weighs 7,000 lbs loaded and the tongue weighs 1,000 lbs. I just traded in the F150 on a F350 SRW with the 6.7l Power Stroke. A very stout truck I must say. I had to lower the hitch head as low as I could since the 350 sits so much higher than the 150. I'm running into a few problems...* Not enough weight distribution* Trailer tongue sits too high when hitched up Since I have the head as low as it will go I'm guessing I'll need to find a shank that is lowerAs far as the weight distribution goes, I've played with lowering the L brackets and removing washers. No matter what I do the spring bars seem loose and don't seem to be moving much weight around. My measurements are as follows:Truck alone:Front - 41 3/4"Rear - 44"Trailer connected no WDH:Front - 42 1/4"Rear - 42 1/8"Trailer connected with WDH:Front - 42 1/8"Rear - 42 1/4"If I put the head back up to where it was, the spring bars are way too tight and angled.Any ideas? Do I need more distribution? It seems to tow fine other than the trailer being too high in the front. Todd

For initial setup you need to measure your coupler height with the trailer level. Next, if I recall, the EQ manual recommends setting your ball height to this measurement to start. For instance, if the top of your coupler is 20", the top of the ball should be 20" to start.To increase WD you need to add washers to increase the tilt on the head, and/or raise the L brackets, not lower them. Your moves have had the opposite effect if you removed washers (decreased tilt in the head) and lowered the L brackets.Download and review the EQ manual if you have not already done so. It's also possible that you will need a longer drop shank if nothing else works.Also, can you reverse your shank to drop the head down if necessary?

Shank is already on the drop side. I will need to get a lower one, no question about that. Since the 350 has a 2-1/2" receiver I'll get that size so I can eliminate the sleeve adapter. I think one I get the level of the ball worked out, things will be better. Todd

Todd,Also review the EQ manual if you have not already done so. It can be downloaded if you don't have it. It guides you step by step. I set my EQ up a couple weeks ago and just followed the manual to the letter and go everything dialed in.

I do have the manual and originally set it up on my old truck. I think by having the ball too high is causing my problems.

daystrom wrote:I do have the manual and originally set it up on my old truck. I think by having the ball too high is causing my problems.Yep, that will certainly do it and cause the problems you're experiencing. Drop her down!

Help setting up Equal-i-zer to F350 | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jul 25, 2013
Kampfirekid wrote:
BTW, it depends immensely on where your coupler is on the trailer frame... Top or bottom. The spring bars should be parallel to the trailer frame as close as possible, otherwise you need to move the L- brackets.

Correct, and the EQ manual has settings for top mount and bottom mount couplers. The manual and a tape measure is all you need, along with some BIG tools.
Kampfirekid
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
BTW, it depends immensely on where your coupler is on the trailer frame... Top or bottom. The spring bars should be parallel to the trailer frame as close as possible, otherwise you need to move the L- brackets.
Kampfirekid
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
I just switched out my Dual Cam for an Equalizer. Wow! What a difference!
It sounds like your L-brackets are wrong. Download the Equalizer manual on their site and start over. It is so easy to set up. My 2010 F250 rides at the same height as yours, but I have a 10k Jayco on a 10" frame. I set up at the start specs and only tweaked a bit. GET THE MANUAL!
nohurry
Explorer
Jul 23, 2013
RTrider wrote:
Have you considered twing without the WD?
That truck should handle the load easily if you don't have a bunch of other stuff in the truck.

I use one on my setup but I have almost 1000lbs in the bed of the truck. I am going to try and tow without in a couple of weeks when we go for a weekend without the motorcycle and see what happens.

The hitch does have to be at the right height to have a safe tow though.

With the equal-i-zer the sway control is built in, so towing without the bars would take that away (Bad). I have the equal-i-zer and I just switched from an F150 to an F250 so I'll be re-setting mine as well very soon. What's wierd is that the reciever on the 250 is actually LOWER than it was on the 150. Both are 4X4s. So I'll have some adjusting to do as well.
daystrom
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
I understand that. If I raise the L-brackets my spring bars are at too much of an angle. From what I understand, I need to lower my hitch head first before I play with the spring bars.
Ron_Gratz
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
daystrom wrote:
As far as the weight distribution goes, I've played with lowering the L brackets and removing washers. No matter what I do the spring bars seem loose and don't seem to be moving much weight around.

Ron3rd wrote:
To increase WD you need to add washers to increase the tilt on the head, and/or raise the L brackets, not lower them. Your moves have had the opposite effect if you removed washers (decreased tilt in the head) and lowered the L brackets.
Todd, I think you missed what Ron3rd said.

You need to add washers and/or raise the L-brackets to increase load transfer.

Ron
RTrider
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
Have you considered twing without the WD?
That truck should handle the load easily if you don't have a bunch of other stuff in the truck.

I use one on my setup but I have almost 1000lbs in the bed of the truck. I am going to try and tow without in a couple of weeks when we go for a weekend without the motorcycle and see what happens.

The hitch does have to be at the right height to have a safe tow though.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jul 21, 2013
daystrom wrote:
I do have the manual and originally set it up on my old truck. I think by having the ball too high is causing my problems.

Yep, that will certainly do it and cause the problems you're experiencing. Drop her down!
daystrom
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
I do have the manual and originally set it up on my old truck. I think by having the ball too high is causing my problems.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jul 21, 2013
Todd,
Also review the EQ manual if you have not already done so. It can be downloaded if you don't have it. It guides you step by step. I set my EQ up a couple weeks ago and just followed the manual to the letter and go everything dialed in.