kinglakeAR wrote:
For the equal-i-zer hitch, is there a trick to installing the hitch ball if you don't have a thin-walled 1 7/8" socket? Seems to be a bad design if it requires that to be setup. I just have it hand tight right now so I could do the rest of the install which was a breeze. Now to figure out the ball.
I thought about removing the two "sockets" that the arms slide into. It appears my normal socket would fit then. Anyone try this?
I have taken the hitch to 2 dealerships, both of which told me they can't tighten them either and that is the reason they carry other brands of hitches instead.
I ran into the same issue and luckily had a buddy with a shop and he tightened it for me. That socket is over $60 too as I recall,and they're normally 3/4" drive when they get that big. I only had a 1/2" drive torque wrench and it doesn't go that high (around 300 lbs). Taking the side arms off won't solve anything and as mentioned, it DOES NOT have to be a thin-wall socket. You might have to insert one of the bars though and rotate the sockets outward for more clearance on the socket. Also, take a tip from the instructions and slide the receiver into your receiver UPSIDE DOWN as this is a good way to hold it as you torque the ball.
Best bet is to keep trying local auto shops or find a dealer that sells Equalizer as they will normally install the ball for you for free if you buy the hitch from them. I was ready to pay somebody $20 just to get it done, but got lucky as my friend had the socket!
