Hi, all. We are looking for a weight distribution hitch and have found a used equalizer that should work for us. It's rated for 12,000. We will be hauling a 5000lb unloaded weight tt with a expedition with a heavy duty towing package with lots of cargo as we are moving cross country. My question is can we install the equalizer ourselves or does it need to be professionally installed. I see their site suggests having it professionally installed due to some special tools, etc. Also, is there anything to look for in a used unit that would make it unsafe or unusable? The price is only $275 vs new. Thanks!

My guess is that recommending professional installation helps to absolve the manufacturer of any injuries created by the user trying to install it.If you are reasonably handy with tools (including a torque wrench) and can use a measuring tape and have access to the RV then go for it. It might also help to have a cheater pipe to get the proper torque on the various components.

Welcome Critter.I purchased mine online, and had my dealer install as part of the purchase (purchased TT out of area). Prior to the guys/ gals here replying to your question, you may want to search You Tube with your question and I'm sure you'll find a video of it. It will give you an idea of if you have what you need.Good luck and Happy Camping!

crittersitter wrote:Hi, all. We are looking for a weight distribution hitch and have found a used equalizer that should work for us. It's rated for 12,000. We will be hauling a 5000lb unloaded weight tt with a expedition with a heavy duty towing package with lots of cargo as we are moving cross country. My question is can we install the equalizer ourselves or does it need to be professionally installed. I see their site suggests having it professionally installed due to some special tools, etc. Also, is there anything to look for in a used unit that would make it unsafe or unusable? The price is only $275 vs new. Thanks!A 1.2/12K WDH might be a TAD too heavy for the TT you will be towing. Maybe not, but as a WAG if the WDH rating is much more than about 300lb more than the actual tongue wt. with an Expedition the ride might be rougher than normal. Too heavy spring bars with light tongue and light duty TV are IMO not the best match for a smooth towing experience.Of course all this is a total WAG since you gave little facts in your OP.Larry

I installed mine myself. As stated above there are some good videos that help. I also called the techs at Equalizer and found them very helpful. As far as specialty tools go you will need some really heavy duty torque wrenches. I drove to a auto repair center after I had all the adjustments made and had them set the torque. They had the BIG torque wrench and sockets that most of us don't have. Good luck.

A 12k is going to be way too stiff for your 5K TT. You won't be able to get the spring bars adjusted so that they both transfer weight forward in the TV AND don't make the back of the TV too springy. That is, the back of the TV will tend to bounce up and down over bumps and highway undulations.I had the same issue when I tried to use a 7500lb systen with a 4400# TT.

Installing an Equalizer Hitch | Good Sam Community

TNRIVERSIDE
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
I installed mine myself. As stated above there are some good videos that help. I also called the techs at Equalizer and found them very helpful. As far as specialty tools go you will need some really heavy duty torque wrenches. I drove to a auto repair center after I had all the adjustments made and had them set the torque. They had the BIG torque wrench and sockets that most of us don't have. Good luck.
LarryJM
Explorer II
Mar 08, 2014
crittersitter wrote:
Hi, all. We are looking for a weight distribution hitch and have found a used equalizer that should work for us. It's rated for 12,000. We will be hauling a 5000lb unloaded weight tt with a expedition with a heavy duty towing package with lots of cargo as we are moving cross country.

My question is can we install the equalizer ourselves or does it need to be professionally installed. I see their site suggests having it professionally installed due to some special tools, etc. Also, is there anything to look for in a used unit that would make it unsafe or unusable? The price is only $275 vs new. Thanks!

A 1.2/12K WDH might be a TAD too heavy for the TT you will be towing. Maybe not, but as a WAG if the WDH rating is much more than about 300lb more than the actual tongue wt. with an Expedition the ride might be rougher than normal. Too heavy spring bars with light tongue and light duty TV are IMO not the best match for a smooth towing experience.

Of course all this is a total WAG since you gave little facts in your OP.

Larry
Steeljag
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
Welcome Critter.

I purchased mine online, and had my dealer install as part of the purchase (purchased TT out of area). Prior to the guys/ gals here replying to your question, you may want to search You Tube with your question and I'm sure you'll find a video of it. It will give you an idea of if you have what you need.

Good luck and Happy Camping!
Dick_B
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
My guess is that recommending professional installation helps to absolve the manufacturer of any injuries created by the user trying to install it.
If you are reasonably handy with tools (including a torque wrench) and can use a measuring tape and have access to the RV then go for it. It might also help to have a cheater pipe to get the proper torque on the various components.

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