Bolts Failing on Equalizer Hitch
I have an Equalizer Hitch with 1400 lb bars. Today I replaced the third pair of bolts and nuts that attach the head to the shank They are grade 8, 3/4" in diameter and 5" long. The threads failed on t...
Forum Discussion
"It may vary with different weight hitches, but my 6K-14K instructions state.
“Use your tongue jack to lift the trailer and tow vehicle, and disconnect the spring arms. Lower the tongue jack and uncouple the trailer from the tow vehicle. Pull the tow vehicle forward a few feet to give yourself working room to tighten the hitch bolts.
Remove the pins and clips from the spring arms, and remove the spring arms from the hitch head. Remove the hitch pin and clip. Slide the hitch head and shank from the receiver, turn the assembly upside-down, and place it back into the receiver tube. Replace the hitch pin to secure it temporarily.
Use the torque wrench to tighten both 3/4” shank bolts to 320 ft-lbs.”
This is from my instructions:
Once you have achieved the correct weight distribution set-up, the angle set bolt and the 3/4” bolts that hold the hitch head to the adjustable shank should be tightened securely. This should be done while the hitch is attached and distributing weight to take any play out of the assembly.
First, tighten the angle set bolt securely and then tighten the 3/4” shank bolts with a torque wrench to 320 ft/lbs of torque. DO NOT over-tighten these bolts.
I just went to the Equalizer site and your directions are the current ones. I will have to call and see if I can use them. It would be much easier to torque with the bars out of the way.
Edit: I called Equalizer and was told that the new instructions could be used with the older hitches.
“Use your tongue jack to lift the trailer and tow vehicle, and disconnect the spring arms. Lower the tongue jack and uncouple the trailer from the tow vehicle. Pull the tow vehicle forward a few feet to give yourself working room to tighten the hitch bolts.
Remove the pins and clips from the spring arms, and remove the spring arms from the hitch head. Remove the hitch pin and clip. Slide the hitch head and shank from the receiver, turn the assembly upside-down, and place it back into the receiver tube. Replace the hitch pin to secure it temporarily.
Use the torque wrench to tighten both 3/4” shank bolts to 320 ft-lbs.”
This is from my instructions:
Once you have achieved the correct weight distribution set-up, the angle set bolt and the 3/4” bolts that hold the hitch head to the adjustable shank should be tightened securely. This should be done while the hitch is attached and distributing weight to take any play out of the assembly.
First, tighten the angle set bolt securely and then tighten the 3/4” shank bolts with a torque wrench to 320 ft/lbs of torque. DO NOT over-tighten these bolts.
I just went to the Equalizer site and your directions are the current ones. I will have to call and see if I can use them. It would be much easier to torque with the bars out of the way.
Edit: I called Equalizer and was told that the new instructions could be used with the older hitches.
