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frisbeekev's avatar
frisbeekev
Explorer
Jul 09, 2019

Adjusting Weight Distribution Hitch

I am in the process of adding larger wheels and a minor 2in lift to my truck. My question is this. I have the equalizer weight distribution hitch. I am going to adjust the ball down one notch. My questions are: Do I need to adjust the height of the arms that hold the bars that are attached to the trailer. Are there any other adjustments/tips I should be aware of to dial it in properly?
  • It's hard to say. If the holes in the hitch are exactly 2 inches apart. And your lift is exactly 2 inches, then there are no other adjustments necessary. But unfortunately we are not in a perfect world and I imagine you're going to have to set up the hitch again.
  • opnspaces wrote:
    It's hard to say. If the holes in the hitch are exactly 2 inches apart. And your lift is exactly 2 inches, then there are no other adjustments necessary. But unfortunately we are not in a perfect world and I imagine you're going to have to set up the hitch again.


    Forgive my ignorance. How do I set it up again? The dealer did it originally
  • The dealer backed my truck up to the level trailer, set the hitch ball 1 inch above the ball socket. The trailer was placed on the ball and the WD hitch links adjusted so the trailer sat level.

    The empty trailer required 7 links, when full loaded for the road it takes 2 more links to bring it to level.

    I have a Blue Ox and it has served us well for 5 years and almost 40,000 miles.
  • If you are moving the whole hitch head down one hole then there should be no need to change anything else. The difference in angle between the hitch head and trailer will not change enough to affect the weight distribution since you have raised the truck up about that amount.

    In case you want to re-check or re-do it here is a link to a detailed procedure for setting up your WD hitch. I think you might find it helpful. :)
    Barney
  • Go online and download your weight Distributing Hitch manual. Most makers have them online. Moving your hitch head down a notch should put you pretty close to where you need to be. What you need the manual for is to look up the torque specs for your hitch head bolts when you move them. It will also give you the correct setup procedure in case you have to do more.
    I was lucky when I upgraded my TV. The hitch receiver was only 3/4" higher difference in height to ground. Connected my WDH as is and it's working great! Still went through the hitch manual measuring procedure to double check. TT is still level.
  • With the Equal-i-Zer brand hitch I have found it important to have the bars riding flat on the L brackets on the trailer. It cuts the noise down a lot. After using it for a little bit you can double check that by the shiny areas on the L brackets.
  • I think you will need at least 2 holes lower than you started. Depending on your shank you may need to replace it to get enough drop.