That’s how a weight-distribution hitch works. Now, can you still freely move the top index finger without it partially lifting off the bottom finger? Imagine wrapping some Scotch tape around the joint. Now slide one index finger on top of the other one so the first digits overlap. You can still move one index finger around while keeping the tips touching, right? Point both your index fingers at each other. Here’s the simplest way I can explain it. It binds the connection, transforming it from a freely rotating pivot to a semi-locked bridge. And in the same way that one person rises if someone else sits on the opposite end of a teeter-totter, so the tongue weight of the camper on the hitch causes the front end of the tow vehicle to rise into the air.Ī weight-distribution hitch acts as an extended lever and fulcrum.
ARTICLE: How a Weight Distribution Hitch WorksĪ simple weight-carrying hitch is a free pivot point.VIDEO: Surprising Effects of Trailer Weight Distribution Hitches.If you’re interested in the physics of why WDH’s add weight to trailer axles, check out this hidden gem of a video: You must follow the instructions provided by your manufacturer.*Note: It’s an easy-to-understand video, but Alex IS NOT ACCURATE when he says “a weight-distribution hitch doesn’t do anything to the trailer itself.” THAT IS FALSE! Weight-distribution hitches WILL add weight to the trailer axles. Conclusionįinally, it should be noted that not all equalizer adjustments are the same in every manufacturing company. That means you need to add more washers or increase the height of the l brackets. If the measurement of C is too much, then it is under-adjusted. Uncoupled the trailer and removed one washer or lower the l bracket height.
That means your l brackets are too high, or you have too many washers in your setup. If the measurement of C is not enough, then it is slightly over-adjusted. And if it is lower than this, then it is over-adjusted. If it is higher than this, then it is under-adjusted. C’s measurement must be at least halfway between A and B. Mark the measurement of the bumpers with equalizer hitch as number C. Number B as the measurement with coupling the trailer.įor example, number A is 28,’’ and number B is 30’’.Now calculate the height halfway between A and B. Mark the measurement of the bumpers without coupling as number A. Compare the measurement with the measure that you have taken earlier. Now remeasure the front and rear bumper and note. Secure each of the spring arms with a socket pin and clip. Couple with equalizer hitch and measureįor the measurement with the equalizer hitch, insert the spring arm into the hitch head and place it onto the l bracket. This time the measurement of the front bumper will increase, and the rear bumper will decrease. Then hook up the hitch ball head under the coupler. The back height will be a little lower when coupled than when uncoupled. The front measurement of the tow vehicle should be the same with and without the equalizer hitch. The guideline is not the same in all manufacturing company’s instruction books.
Follow the owner’s manual bookįollow the owner’s manual book given by the manufacturing company in the equalizer box. Note the number of the measurements in the owner’s manual book. Remember, you have to measure without coupling the trailer at that instant. Measure the front and rear bumper of your tow vehicle. It should be bolted to the frame at 32 to 29 inches from the center of the coupler on both sides. Check that the lift chain is securely attached to the spring arm.You need to check the following thing before adjusting the equalizer. Hitch ball height needs to be between zero and one inch above the top of the coupler. Put the shank in either the upright or inverted position depending on the coupler height of your trailer.
Sometimes specialty shanks are used for more rise or drop according to need. Connect the forged hitch head to the flexible shank. The adjustable shank forged hitch head and hardware are the essential parts of the hitch head. You should measure from the ground to inside the top of the coupler.
Level the trailer and measure the coupler height with a tape measure. For adjusting, you need the following tools.Įqualizer Hitch Adjustments – Step By Step 1. You need to adjust your equalizer hitch if you change your tow vehicle or trailer. Without an equalizer hitch, most of the weight of your tow vehicle and trailer will force to the trailer tongue. You need a flat surface to work with an equalizer hitch. Equalizer hitch distributes the weight of your tow vehicle and trailer.