Forum Discussion

four22's avatar
four22
Explorer
Mar 13, 2017

1"rise ball safe on equalizer???

We brought our new trailer home Saturday morning. First tow went great!!! But I noticed that the bottom of the trailer frame will contact the square leveler "cups" on the hitch if I put it in a tight turn. The frame is also within 1/8" of the hitch casting when in the said turn. By tight turn I mean within the turning radius of the truck.... I didn't think to snap a picture sadly.

So my question is:

Is it safe to use a 1" rise ball (link below) with and Equal-I-zer 4 point hitch system?? I know I would have to set the hitch back up.

https://www.etrailer.com/Balls/Curt/C40086.html
  • four22's avatar
    four22
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    ifd22 wrote:
    One thing to check would be the thread length on the ball you buy. Most are too long which will interfere with the bars as they move. The equalizer brand ball has short threads to allow for the clearance.


    Correct. I had to trim the shank length off on the ball I had by 1/4" on a lathe.

    After talking to equalizer I think I need to double check my hitch setup.... I think my trailer may be nose high which would bring the gram close to the hitch....
  • ifd22's avatar
    ifd22
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    One thing to check would be the thread length on the ball you buy. Most are too long which will interfere with the bars as they move. The equalizer brand ball has short threads to allow for the clearance.
  • Bob_Olallawa's avatar
    Bob_Olallawa
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    Although not on your brand, I use a one inch raised ball on my hitch to provide the needed clearance. With a 6 inch or deeper frame and the ball coupler welded on the top the extra inch makes a large difference for clearance issues. Just make sure to get a ball with a high weight rating.
  • four22's avatar
    four22
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    I have talked to equalizer... I'll post back with the findings.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    Equal-i-zer has no chain links, and the bars are square and don't flex. Hmm, I can't visualize the problem in my head. So I agree with tinstartrvlr, contact Progress Mfg and let the experts guide you on the best solution. Surely they've encountered just about every situation that can arise with their hitch, many times over.
  • tinstartrvlr's avatar
    tinstartrvlr
    Explorer
    Mar 13, 2017
    X2 on the adjustment possibility. Equalizer can be tweaked in a bunch of different ways, and if I recall, there is something in the manual about your specific problem and how to adjust accordingly. If not give Equalizer a call-I always found them easy to deal with.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 13, 2017
    That will alter the geometry a bit. You may need to add 1 or two chain links to the spring bars and then make an adjustment to the head angle to get it back exactly as it was.
    I'm curious why this is necessary though. It doesn't seem like this would needed if everything was installed per the directions. Maybe re-visit those to double check positioning?

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