Are you looking to hit the open road and haul your boat or motorcycle with you?
If so, an equalizer hitch may be the perfect solution for you.
Equalizer hitches are a type of load-carrying device that allows you to attach your vehicle directly to your trailer hitch.
This makes hauling a lot easier and can save you time and effort in the long run.
In this article, we’ll explain what an equalizer hitch is and how to set up an Equalizer Hitch.
How to set up an equalizer hitch?
Setting up an equalizer hitch may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, it can be done easily.
There are 5 Easy Steps to Setting Up an Equalizer Hitch.
1. Use a car jack and lug wrench
Setting up an equalizer hitch is a relatively easy task that can improve your vehicle’s towing capacity.
To do this, you will need a car jack and lug wrench.
First, raise the front of your vehicle and place the car jack under the tire closest to the ground.
Next, use the lug wrench to tighten the bolts on the car jack until they are snug.
Make sure the car is balanced so it doesn’t tip while you’re doing this.
2. Verify the load rating of your trailer
When you are installing an equalizer hitch on your trailer, make sure to verify the load rating.
This rating will tell you how much weight your trailer can carry.
You don’t want to install an equalizer hitch that is too weak, as this could lead to instability and damage to your trailer.
In addition, if your trailer is not rated for a tow vehicle with an equalizer hitch, it might not be able to handle the weight.
Verify the load rating of your trailer before making any decisions.
3. Check for clearance between the hitch receiver and your vehicle
If you have a tow vehicle and need to set up an equalizer hitch, make sure there is clearance between the hitch receiver and your vehicle.
This clearance is important because the hitch will be hanging down below your vehicle.
If there isn’t enough clearance, the hitch will rub against your vehicle’s bodywork and eventually wear it away.
To check for clearance, measure from the center of the hitch to the bottom of your car’s frame.
If there are less than 2 inches of clearance, you will need to install a different type of hitch.
4. Locate the correct adjustment screws
Equalizer hitches are a great way to improve your vehicle’s suspension.
By adjusting the screws on the equalizer hitch, you can change the height of your car’s rear axle.
This adjustment is important for two reasons: it allows for a smooth ride and improves handling.
To adjust your equalizer hitch, locate the three screws that hold the equalizer in place.
You will need a Phillips head screwdriver to remove these screws.
Once they are removed, you can adjust the hitch to the desired height by turning the screws in or out.
5. Tighten the adjustment screws to achieve proper torque
In order to set up an equalizer hitch, you will need to tighten the adjustment screws to achieve proper torque.
Once you have tightened the screws to the correct torque, you should be able to move the hitch in all directions.
If the hitch is not moving in all directions, it means that one of the adjustment screws is not tight enough and needs to be tightened further.
What are equalizer hitch’s benefits?
There are several benefits to using an equalizer hitch.
Easier to back up
One of the primary benefits of an equalizer hitch is that it makes it easier to back up your trailer.
When you are backing up a trailer, the tongue weight can cause the trailer to sway from side to side.
An equalizer hitch helps to distribute the tongue weight evenly, which makes it much easier to control the trailer when you are backing up.
Less wear and tear on your vehicle
Another benefit of an equalizer hitch is that it reduces wear and tear on your vehicle.
When you are pulling a trailer, the tongue weight puts a lot of stress on your vehicle’s suspension and brakes.
An equalizer hitch helps to distribute the tongue weight evenly, which reduces the amount of stress on your vehicle’s suspension and brakes.
A smoother ride for your passengers
An equalizer hitch also provides a smoother ride for your passengers.
When you are pulling a trailer, the tongue weight can cause the trailer to bounce up and down.
An equalizer hitch helps to distribute the tongue weight evenly, which results in a much smoother ride for your passengers.
Easier to turn corners
Another benefit of an equalizer hitch is that it makes it easier to turn corners.
When you are pulling a trailer, the tongue weight can cause the trailer to swing out wide when you turn corners.
An equalizer hitch helps to distribute the tongue weight evenly, which makes it much easier to turn corners without having the trailer swing out wide.
Greater stability overall
Overall, an equalizer hitch provides greater stability for your vehicle and trailer when you are driving down the road.
The tongue weight is distributed evenly, which helps to prevent swaying and bouncing.
This results in a much smoother ride for both you and your passengers.
How To Determine The Weight Of Your Trailer?
To determine the weight of the trailer, you can use a few different methods:
Look at the manufacturer’s plate
The first thing you should do when trying to determine the weight of your trailer is to look at the manufacturer’s plate.
This plate is typically located on the tongue of the trailer and will list the maximum weight that the trailer can safely carry.
Weigh your trailer with a scale
You’ll need to find a public scale that can accommodate trailers, which are typically larger than standard vehicles.
Once you’ve found a suitable scale, simply back your trailer onto it and note the weight.
Determine the empty weight of your trailer
In order to determine how much weight your trailer can carry, you’ll first need to know its empty weight.
The empty weight is the weight of the trailer without any cargo or passengers.
Subtract the empty weight from the maximum weight
Once you know both the empty weight and maximum weight of your trailer, you can calculate its carrying capacity by subtracting the empty weight from the maximum weight.
For example, if your trailer has an empty weight of 3,000 pounds and a maximum weight of 6,000 pounds, its carrying capacity would be 3,000 pounds.
Add up the weights of your cargo and passengers
Now that you know your trailer’s carrying capacity, you can start adding up the weights of your cargo and passengers to see how much weight they add up to.
Make sure to account for everything that will be going in or on your trailer, including any luggage, furniture, or appliances.
Compare your total Weight to the carrying capacity
Once you’ve added up all of the weights of your cargo and passengers, compare this number to your trailer’s carrying capacity.
If it is above the carrying capacity, however, you’ll need to either remove some items from your trailer or find a different mode of transportation.
How do I maintain my equalizer hitch?
Maintaining your equalizer hitch is important to ensure that it functions properly and safely when towing.
Here are a few steps you can take to maintain your equalizer hitch:
Check the bolts and nuts regularly:
Make sure that all the bolts and nuts on the hitch are tight and secure.
Loose bolts can cause the hitch to come loose while towing, which can be dangerous.
Lubricate the moving parts:
The moving parts of the hitch, such as the sway control arms and the spring bars, should be lubricated regularly to ensure smooth movement and prevent rust and corrosion.
Inspect the hitch for wear and tear:
Check the hitch for any signs of wear or damage.
If you notice any cracks, rust, or other damage, it’s best to have it repaired or replaced.
Check the weight distribution:
Make sure that the weight distribution of the hitch is balanced and that the spring bars are adjusted properly.
This will ensure that the load is distributed evenly and that the hitch performs as it should.
Clean the hitch:
Use mild detergent and water to clean the hitch.
This will help remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated over time, which can cause rust and corrosion.
FAQs about setting up an equalizer hitch
How Do I Set Up An Equalizer Hitch?
To set up an equalizer hitch, you will need to measure the distance from the ground to the top of your trailer coupler and the distance from the ground to the top of your ball mount.
Then, using these measurements, adjust your hitch so that it is raised or lowered by an amount that matches this distance.
How Do I Operate My Equalizer Hitch?
To operate your equalizer hitch, simply attach it to your tow vehicle and trailer according to the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Once it is properly attached, you will need to adjust the tension on the hitch to ensure that the weight of your trailer is evenly distributed.
Are There Any Tips Or Tricks For Maintaining An Equalizer Hitch?
One tip for maintaining your equalizer hitch is to check regularly for signs of wear and damage, such as bent spring arms or loose connections.
You should also take care to avoid overloading your trailer, as this can cause excessive wear on the springs and other components of the hitch.
Conclusion
Setting up an equalizer hitch is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and safe towing experience.
It allows for equal distribution of weight between the tow vehicle and trailer, which helps to prevent sway and improve stability.
It also helps to improve the overall handling and braking of the tow vehicle, making it easier to maneuver and control.
With proper installation and maintenance, an equalizer hitch can provide a safer and more comfortable towing experience for years to come.
