Equalizer hitch how does it work

They each offer an easy to use design that makes hookup and disconnecting a breeze. Visit our website to learn more or to order yours today. Skip to content. The Components of a Weight Distribution Hitch There are 3 main components that make up the actual weight distribution hitch. Ball Mount: This is part of the tow vehicle that looks like a round ball.

Hitch Receiver: This is a type of trailer hitch that bolts onto the underside of the tow vehicle. Spring Bars: The spring bars are a vital part of the weight distribution hitch. They are what helps force the trailer to stay in line with the towing vehicle. How A Weight Distribution Hitch Prevents Trailer Sway Preventing trailer sway might be one of the most important reasons to use a weight distribution hitch.

Because of these two factors, you can see why finding the delicate balance between tongue weight and gross trailer weight is so vital. Weight distribution hitches can help prevent those dangerous conditions and improve a vehicle's ability to turn , brake and steer, especially in the case of large loads, which can be hard to maneuver in a safe and controlled manner. On the next page, we'll take a closer look at how this is possible. We learned on the last page about gross trailer weight and tongue weight and why they're such big factors in towing a trailer.

Keep in mind, too, the more weight you add to the equation, the more the situation is exacerbated. While a weight distribution system can't increase the total amount of weight a tow vehicle can haul beyond its maximum capacity, it can improve handling by distributing some of the weight off the tongue and onto the other axles -- thereby safely getting you closer to that maximum mark. To understand this, keep in mind what we read on the last page concerning too much or too little tongue weight.

With a weight carrying hitch -- one lacking a weight distribution system -- there needs to be a delicate balance struck between how much weight is on the tongue, or your towing excursion could end in disaster. You still need to carefully keep the same ratios of tongue weight and gross trailer weight in mind with a weight distribution hitch, but when you have a heavier load you have to consider how much more tongue weight that actually entails.

A weight distribution system is important because it eases the situation by spreading some of that increased tongue weight off the rear axle of the tow vehicle and onto the front axle, as well as the axle or axles of the trailer.

With that leverage, everything balances out and driving performance increases dramatically. Also, don't forget the tow vehicle's axles each have a gross axle weight rating -- adjusting the weight distribution system can help distribute the weight appropriately. If you're looking to tow a smaller load, generally you can get away with a weight carrying hitch. As the gross trailer weight creeps up on the scales, a weight distribution hitch might start to look a lot more attractive.

Usually if your trailer weighs in at more than 50 percent of the towing vehicle's weight, you'll need one of these hitches. Plus, once you reach certain gross trailer weights, a weight distribution system is required by law anyway. So how do you know which one to get? On the next page, we'll delve a little deeper into what you should consider when picking out a weight distribution system. The most important thing to keep in mind when picking out a weight distribution system is the weight of the load you'll be towing.

Weight distribution systems are rated in two ways: the gross trailer weight they can haul, and the tongue weight they can distribute. You want to make sure both of those ratings are above the amount you're looking to tow -- but not too far above it. For example, if the weight distribution system has a 1, pound kilogram tongue weight capacity but the trailer is loaded with only pounds kilograms of tongue weight with 50 pounds 23 kilograms of cargo in the trunk of the towing vehicle, you're about pounds kilograms under the rating.

That can make the distribution unpredictable and dangerous. On the other hand, if the system is rated to 1, pounds kilograms of tongue weight but you're attempting to distribute 1, pounds kilograms of tongue weight, the system won't be able to distribute the weight effectively and you'll also have some serious problems. Keep that infamous rule from "The Price Is Right" in mind when choosing a weight distribution system -- you want to bid the closest without going over. A second choice you'll have to make during the selection process is which type of spring bars you want in the system.

There are two common basic styles: round or trunnion. Round bars usually offer a little more clearance space for hooking up the trailer, but trunnion bars can increase the system's weight rating. The advantages presented by either round or trunnion bars vary from setup to setup, so it's good to consult with someone who has experience while you're trying to decide. Another factor to consider when purchasing a weight distribution system is whether you want additional features like sway control.

Generally, the systems are naturally less inclined to sway so you can probably hold off on that purchase at first. If you're still experiencing sway and provided you didn't do a really bad job packing or are driving too fast , then you might want to look into adding a sway control system too. Some systems are two-in-one, with weight distribution systems and sway control systems combined. Friction is enhanced by downward pressure from the trailer tongue and upward pressure on the spring arms.

These opposing pressures come together to create an unequaled sway control system. This pressure combats trailer sway more effectively than any other sway control hitch on the market, providing you peace of mind every time you tow. The patented Equal-i-zer hitch head creates two powerful points of rotational friction that work to stop side-to-side sway before it starts.

The sway control is activated by downward pressure from the trailer tongue and upward pressure on the spring arms. The spring arms link the hitch head to the sway control brackets and distribute trailer tongue weight.

The tension of the hitch head pinching the two spring arm sockets are the points of friction that effectively hold the trailer in line behind the tow vehicle and combat sway. These friction points are activated by loading the spring arms. Our Integrated 4 Point Sway Control provides the highest level of resistance against sway.

There is no other hitch on the market that offers as much sway control as the Equal-i-zer. Have you ever driven by a vehicle towing a trailer and noticed the trailer tongue or back of the tow vehicle sagging? This can cause a serious loss of steering and braking control, and can also contribute to a setup that is more likely to sway. The Equal-i-zer hitch keeps you safer than any other trailer hitch on the market, helping you tow with confidence and ease.

Ball mounts and other weight distribution hitches fall short. They don't provide the same level of sway control and weight distribution needed for passing semi trucks, unexpected quick braking, and driving in crosswinds or bad weather. The Equal-i-zer hitch gives you a safer ride by providing both sway control and weight distribution.

This provides better steering, braking, and sway control, which help eliminate stressful driving situations and work to keep your family and your investment safe on the road. The Equal-i-zer hitch is engineered to work with virtually all bumper-pull trailers, including RV, horse, cargo, boat, and utility trailers, including trailers with surge brakes.

This unique design of the sway control brackets allow flexible placement on the trailer frame. This provides ease of installation around tongue jacks, propane tanks and other items bolted to the trailer frame. Our standard trailer brackets fit up to a 6" trailer frame. Equal-i-zer shanks are available in a variety of sizes which provides a custom fit for virtually every receiver height. Visit our Shank Sizes page to find out which shank is best for you.