Forum Discussion

lawnspecialties's avatar
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Nov 07, 2015

Equalizer Question

I just went out and adjusted my Equalizer one more time. But this time, I'm really, really close. The trailer dropped a 1/4" in the front and the truck only raised a 1/4" in the front.

To make the bars as close to parallel to the trailer, I had to drop the L brackets. No problem. But now finally to my question.

In order to get these measurements with the L brackets dropped, I had to use eight washers on the spacer rivet. I have no instructions as my dealer set up the hitch and didn't leave the instructions with us. Is there a maximum of washers you can use on the spacer rivet? The rivet still has over 1/4" of shaft into the hitch head. But with the camper down a 1/4" in the front (the quad and everything is loaded up in the back), I'd like to bring that up some more; especially knowing that without the quad in the back, it'll be slightly heavier on the tongue.
  • jmtandem's avatar
    jmtandem
    Explorer II
    Nov 07, 2015
    I just went out and adjusted my Equalizer one more time. But this time, I'm really, really close. The trailer dropped a 1/4" in the front and the truck only raised a 1/4" in the front.

    To make the bars as close to parallel to the trailer, I had to drop the L brackets. No problem. But now finally to my question.

    In order to get these measurements with the L brackets dropped, I had to use eight washers on the spacer rivet. I have no instructions as my dealer set up the hitch and didn't leave the instructions with us. Is there a maximum of washers you can use on the spacer rivet? The rivet still has over 1/4" of shaft into the hitch head. But with the camper down a 1/4" in the front (the quad and everything is loaded up in the back), I'd like to bring that up some more; especially knowing that without the quad in the back, it'll be slightly heavier on the tongue.


    If you want to do it correctly go to the scales and weigh the front axle of your truck with and without the trailer tongue/trailer. Then determine if you need to add back half or full weight taken off the front axle by the tongue. Some manufacturers specify only adding back half that taken off by the trailer. Get to that number by adjusting the washers and L brackets to fit the new weight parameters.
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2015
    why don't you call Progress Mfg?
    they have excellent customer service on their Equal-i-zers.
  • lawnspecialties's avatar
    lawnspecialties
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2015
    Thanks 3oaks.

    Here's a quote from that online manual that answers my question.

    Once the maximum (8) or minimum (4) number of spacer washers has
    been reached, further adjustments can be made by raising or lowering the L-brackets.

    Looks like I'm at the max. but OK.
  • skidooman93's avatar
    skidooman93
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2015
    No need to weight the trailer, axles, blah blah blah. The instructions in the equalizer Manuel say nothing about weights. It's all about measurements. You can go by weights because each suspension on every different model handles things differently. As previously suggested, go to equalizers Web site and download the instructions. Then make sure you have a flat level place to set it up. It's very easy but not an exact science either. You are just trying to get the truck to tow level, and the trailer to be level.
  • Ron_Gratz's avatar
    Ron_Gratz
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2015
    Getting the truck to tow level is not a requirement for proper WDH adjustment.

    Equal-I-zer states:

    Good adjustment:
    You have most likely achieved good weight distribution adjustment if your measurement on Line C of the weight distribution setup table shows that front wheel well measurement is at least halfway back to the original uncoupled measurement. See Line C on Weight Distribution Setup Table (p. 16) and Figure 19 below. It should never be lower than Line A.



    Equal-I-zer does not provide any specification for rear-end height -- only for front-end height.
    When they say, "It should never be lower than Line A", they mean the front-end load with WD applied should not be more than the unhitched load.

    If, by "level", one means the front and rear ends should drop by the same amount, it would be necessary to transfer excess load to the front to cause it to be lower than its unhitched height.

    Equal-I-zer also states:

    If C is LOWER than A, you need LESS weight distribution adjustment. See Line C on Weight Distribution Setup Table, Figure 14.

    Over-adjustment is a very dangerous situation where loss of control and jack-knifing is possible, especially in wet or slick road conditions.



    Ron
  • lawnspecialties's avatar
    lawnspecialties
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2015
    As stated in my OP, the truck only raised a 1/4" in the front. Hard to beat that when it comes to weight distribution.

    Everything towed really well this weekend. 409 miles and it never skipped a beat with the Equalizer working very well.

    I'm at 8 washers so I'll leave it at that. I know some say the bars should be parallel to the trailer's frame but the instruction say my next step if I need more is to raise the L bracket. If we ever go anywhere without something in the garage, I may end up having to do that. At least that's an easy adjustment.
  • lawnspecialties's avatar
    lawnspecialties
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2015
    Ron3rd wrote:
    I'm running 8 washers in my EQ too.


    Thanks. I was thinking I was being extreme.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,101 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 14, 2025