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 the bolt and the nut had some damage but not as bad. The first time I had to cut off the failed bolt. This time I was able to get it off with lots of WD40.The directions say to torque these bolts to 420 ft-lbs (see edit) and I found a table that confirms this value. I do this by putting a socket and breaker bar on the nut and then a pipe over the breaker bar. I stand at 2 feet on the pipe and since I weigh 208 lbs that should be about the right torque.So, why are my bolts failing? Has anyone else had this problem?Edit: The torque for these bolts is 320 Ft-lbs. I confused the torque for the ball with the torque for the bolts.

It sounds like they're stretching.

Shank bolts are 320 ball is 420 you are over torquing

wgriswold wrote: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 the bolt and the nut had some damage but not as bad. The first time I had to cut off the failed bolt. This time I was able to get it off with lots of WD40.The directions say to torque these bolts to 420 ft-lbs and I found a table that confirms this value. I do this by putting a socket and breaker bar on the nut and then a pipe over the breaker bar. I stand at 2 feet on the pipe and since I weigh 208 lbs that should be about the right torque.So, why are my bolts failing? Has anyone else had this problem?You are not following the directions as has already been posted and are over torquing those shank bolts by more than 30% and probably stretching them. The 420 to 430 lbs-ft torque is for the ball and is down in the 300 ft-lbs range for those shank bolts.Larry

wgriswold wrote:So, why are my bolts failing? Has anyone else had this problem?Your shank bolts are failing because as already pointed out you're over torquing them but worse still you're only guessing as to the correct torque by not using an appropriate torque wrench. To be sure, this is one of the drawbacks of the Equal-i-zer system as not many own a torque wrench capable of torque settings beyond 250 ft-lbs. I managed it myself with my own 1,000 / 10,000 lb Equal-i-zer by borrowing a monster 600 ft/lb torque wrench from a friend, without it I would have just been guessing ... just as you are. :R

A known weight at a measured distance is not "guessing".

Bolts Failing on Equalizer Hitch | Good Sam Community

44 Replies

SoundGuy
Explorer
May 20, 2018
wgriswold wrote:
So, why are my bolts failing? Has anyone else had this problem?

Your shank bolts are failing because as already pointed out you're over torquing them but worse still you're only guessing as to the correct torque by not using an appropriate torque wrench. To be sure, this is one of the drawbacks of the Equal-i-zer system as not many own a torque wrench capable of torque settings beyond 250 ft-lbs. I managed it myself with my own 1,000 / 10,000 lb Equal-i-zer by borrowing a monster 600 ft/lb torque wrench from a friend, without it I would have just been guessing ... just as you are. :R
LarryJM
Explorer II
May 20, 2018
wgriswold wrote:
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 the bolt and the nut had some damage but not as bad. The first time I had to cut off the failed bolt. This time I was able to get it off with lots of WD40.

The directions say to torque these bolts to 420 ft-lbs and I found a table that confirms this value. I do this by putting a socket and breaker bar on the nut and then a pipe over the breaker bar. I stand at 2 feet on the pipe and since I weigh 208 lbs that should be about the right torque.

So, why are my bolts failing? Has anyone else had this problem?

You are not following the directions as has already been posted and are over torquing those shank bolts by more than 30% and probably stretching them. The 420 to 430 lbs-ft torque is for the ball and is down in the 300 ft-lbs range for those shank bolts.

Larry
newman_fulltime
Explorer II
May 20, 2018
Shank bolts are 320 ball is 420 you are over torquing
ScottG
Nomad
May 20, 2018
It sounds like they're stretching.

Forum Discussion

Bolts Failing on Equalizer Hitch

44 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Never Fail Bushings vs Wet Bolts?

Broken Equalizer bolt!

Bolt on shocks or cushioned equalizers for travel trailer?

Equalizer Bolt Head Sheared Off

Converter failed