Weight distribution bars different number of links

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

Short question: Is it an issue to have one side of your weight distribution system use a different number of links than the other side?

Longer explanation: I have an Eaz-lift WD system with 1400 lb bars. Each bar has the same number of links. The head is tilted with 8 washers (max). There is no discernable wear in the head. When I jack up the tongue with TV attached to the point the rear tires are almost off the ground, I can easily get 2 links dangling on the driver's side. On the passenger side, I can only get 1 link dangling. The bars are parallel to the frame with either set up. Should I be concerned? Should I keep both at 1 link dangling? I'm well within the minimum number of links between the bars and the frame as indicated by the manufacturer. The minimum is 5 and I have 7 on one side and 8 on the other. Clearance is not an issue.

I know there are small weight distribution systems out there that only use a single bar, so I didn't think it would be an issue. But I'm not positive. Thanks.

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

Update: I was able to get both bars where I wanted to, link wise, with 2 hanging instead of one. While my trailer stayed in line before, this time on I could tell that it was "dialed in". Towed it for about 200 miles and it wasn't bouncy. Thanks for your answers.

[3oaks]

BarneyS wrote:
It has been quite a few years since I used a standard WD hitch but if I remember correctly it was very common to have one bar much harder to snap up than the other. It had nothing to do with bent bars but some other reason that excapes me right now.

Regardless of the reason, I would not advise using different number of links on the bars. Keep the number the same on each side.
Barney

Most likely the play caused by the clearance between the hitch receiver and the hitch assembly. Which ever side is hooked up first is usually easier than the opposite side. Even my Equal-i-zer hitch acts that way.

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

Just did a quick look at it and had a slap myself on the head, "Well, there's your problem," moment. The hitch head isn't parallel to the back bumper, so it's slightly angled meaning one of the bars is a little more forward than the other. It's probably due to having to use so many washers and when I tightened it, I probably made it a bit uneven. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. I'm putting the links back to matching and will try to align the hitch head better.

[BarneyS]

It has been quite a few years since I used a standard WD hitch but if I remember correctly it was very common to have one bar much harder to snap up than the other. It had nothing to do with bent bars but some other reason that excapes me right now.

Regardless of the reason, I would not advise using different number of links on the bars. Keep the number the same on each side.
Barney

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

I do hook up straight on, when possible. It doesn't seem to matter. It's the same either way.

I will take some more measurements of the bars and deflection when not hooked up. I've only measured it to the frame. The chains are the same on both sides, not twisted. I see no issue with the snap up brackets. I will try swapping the bars and see if it follows from one bar to another.

Trailer is heavier on the driver's side, which is the kitchen/bathroom/generator side, though the fridge and wash sink are on the passenger side. It's a toy hauler with no slides. I'm inferring that it's heavier on that side because that is the side that I almost always have to put boards under when levelling, no matter the camp site.

I'll definitely check the bars and make sure I don't have a bad one first. I still have the 1000 lb bars. I could see if they do the same thing. That would tell me it's in the hitch head. Since I have a new truck that is much higher than the last one, I had to get a new shank and drop the head down 5 inches, but the trailer is level now. Thanks for the suggestions.

[mkirsch]

The bars are parallel to the frame, but are they parallel to EACH OTHER?

Something has to explain the 1-link difference. A bent bar. A bent snap-up bracket. Different chains. One twisted chain. Chain U-bolted to the bar by the side of the link instead of the end. Something.

Get out the tape measure. Measure distance from each bar to the ground unhitched. Measure the distance from the bar to the hook on the snap-up bracket when hitched.

Travel trailers don't always have their weight spread out evenly side-to-side. Kitchen on one side makes that side heavy, for example. Slide on one side makes that side heavy.

[Lynnmor]

Put the trailer to about where it needs to be. Now swap the bars side for side and see if the difference goes with the bars. You may have a bar, or bars that are deformed.

[eluwak]

My guess is probably not with one link difference. There will obviously be a unbalanced force applied to the tongue and truck, but if it tows fine then I doubt it will permanently damage anything. It would be like having an odd number of passengers in the truck and mounting your spare to one side of the tongue.

Just my $.02

Are you hitching up on a flat level surface with the truck & trailer aligned with each other? Is the trailer level when the bars are attached?