Weight Distribution bar - using a pipe ... ?

[RoadXYZ]

We have lost the pipe to lift up the weight distribution bar ... what do you use ?

[waltah]

i thought i was doing it "incorrectly" by using the tongue jack to lift the TV/TT to make linking the WD bars easier...glad to see I am not in the minority afterall.

[dodge_guy]

Bumpyroad wrote:

Gene&Ginny wrote:

opnspaces wrote:
... Also after latching the trailer onto the ball try using the tongue jack to lift both the tongue and the back of the trailer up really high. At that point you will possibly be able to just flip the levers over by hand and not need a pipe.

That works for me. :C .... but I still have the pipe "just in case" ...

I was shown how to use the pipe to raise mine. takes about 1 second. don't know why I would mess around with tongue jack,etc. I was warned to stand off to the side in case the pipe comes shooting out. 🙂
bumpy

That`s exactly why that is a dangerous way to do it! I have the pipe, but I have never used it! I have always used the tongue jack to raise the truck and trailer. I can then flip the levers up by hand.

[fallsrider]

I have the standard spring bars with chain. It is much faster for me to lower the coupler onto the ball, but not add much weight at all. I latch the coupler, then use the pipe to snap up the chains. It is not hard, and requires a lot less cranking on my manual jack.

When unhooking, I crank up the coupler to where I estimate will be close to no load on the ball. Then I reverse the process. I am always careful to have a good hold on the pipe. This works well for me.

I would not attempt the system I have without a pipe.

[LarryJM]

RoadXYZ wrote:

opnspaces wrote:
You can probably get a piece of black gas pipe at the local home improvement store.

Also after latching the trailer onto the ball try using the tongue jack to lift both the tongue and the back of the trailer up really high. At that point you will possibly be able to just flip the levers over by hand and not need a pipe.

Maybe if one were 30 or 40 years old, but not these senior who into their 70s.

That's why they make electric tongue jacks:W This also eliminates cranking up/down when simply connecting/disconnecting or stabilizing when staying hooked up for on nighters.

Larry

[LarryJM]

RoadXYZ wrote:
We have lost the pipe to lift up the weight distribution bar ... what do you use ?

Most simply use the tongue jack so no additional equip is necessary. It's not only easier, but A LOT safer especially unhooking since you don't have things under tension.

Larry

[2012Coleman]

I think the OP has the same WD as me - chains at the end of the bars that hook to the A frame. While lifting the back of the TV with the back does help, yes, you do need a pipe for this. The ones suggested will work fine.

Agree with Bumpyroad 100%

[Bumpyroad]

Gene&Ginny wrote:

opnspaces wrote:
... Also after latching the trailer onto the ball try using the tongue jack to lift both the tongue and the back of the trailer up really high. At that point you will possibly be able to just flip the levers over by hand and not need a pipe.

That works for me. :C .... but I still have the pipe "just in case" ...

I was shown how to use the pipe to raise mine. takes about 1 second. don't know why I would mess around with tongue jack,etc. I was warned to stand off to the side in case the pipe comes shooting out. 🙂
bumpy

[bud121156]

I also use the tongue jack.

[fla-gypsy]

I use the tongue jack

[FrankShore]

robsouth wrote:
Why do you need a pipe to install the weight distribution bars? I just put the tongue on the ball and clip it. Use the tongue jack to lift the tongue and back of truck, slip bars in place by hand and lower the tongue jack. No lifting involved.

X2

This is the only correct way to do it too!

[sbowman871]

robsouth wrote:
Why do you need a pipe to install the weight distribution bars? I just put the tongue on the ball and clip it. Use the tongue jack to lift the tongue and back of truck, slip bars in place by hand and lower the tongue jack. No lifting involved.

Word

[Gene_Ginny]

opnspaces wrote:
... Also after latching the trailer onto the ball try using the tongue jack to lift both the tongue and the back of the trailer up really high. At that point you will possibly be able to just flip the levers over by hand and not need a pipe.

That works for me. :C .... but I still have the pipe "just in case" ...

[robsouth]

Why do you need a pipe to install the weight distribution bars? I just put the tongue on the ball and clip it. Use the tongue jack to lift the tongue and back of truck, slip bars in place by hand and lower the tongue jack. No lifting involved.

[RoadXYZ]

opnspaces wrote:
You can probably get a piece of black gas pipe at the local home improvement store.

Also after latching the trailer onto the ball try using the tongue jack to lift both the tongue and the back of the trailer up really high. At that point you will possibly be able to just flip the levers over by hand and not need a pipe.

Maybe if one were 30 or 40 years old, but not these senior who into their 70s.

[RoadXYZ]

ScottG wrote:
Get a two foot long 3/4" ID pipe from your favorite home improvement store.

Does Lowe's or Home Depot have this or would one go to a plumbing shop ... ?

Guess will have to go to Lowe's across the highway and see if they have something ... thanx fellows.