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Steel-on-steel friction works to prevent and correct trailer sway in this unique weight distribution system. Sway control brackets ensure that your trailer stays in line with your tow vehicle. Shank sold separately. 2" Hitch ball included.
Features:
Specs:
| Included w/ System | Required - Sold Separately | Optional Add-Ons |
|---|---|---|
90-00-0401 Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch
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Create a more stable ride for your tow vehicle and trailer with a weight distribution hitch. Adding spring bars to your towing system applies leverage, which transfers the load that is pushing down on the rear of your vehicle to all the axles on both your tow vehicle and your trailer, resulting in an even distribution of weight throughout. The result is a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow the maximum capacity of your hitch.
The tongue weight rating is the most important factor in determining which size weight distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. If, on the other hand, the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight, rendering it virtually useless.
To determine the proper weight rating for a weight distribution system, you must first determine your trailer's tongue weight. Then add to that the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. These two measurements make up the tongue weight rating for a weight distribution system.
Head Tilt Adjustment
The Equal-i-zer weight distribution system uses the traditional washer-style adjustment method to achieve the perfect tilt. Controlling the head tilt helps you to fine-tune the leverage on your entire system, making it easier to install and hook up the spring bars. To adjust the tilt, simply slide washers onto the spacer rivet and insert the rivet into the head assembly. To increase the angle, add a washer. To reduce the angle, remove a washer. Most setups take four to six washers to achieve the proper height. Once you get the desired tilt, insert the shank bolts to secure the head to the shank (sold separately) and then tighten it in place.
Construction of Spring Arms
The Equal-i-zer spring bars are not made of traditional spring steel. Rather, they are constructed of a chromium-molybdenum alloy steel. Chromoly steel has a high tensile strength for extreme durability. It also features excellent dexterity, which allows it to give as required and then return softly back to its original form. This pliability is important in minimizing trailer bounce while still ensuring that the weight of your rig is adequately distributed.
Fixed Sway Control Brackets
The unique sway control brackets of the Equal-i-zer are easy to install and simple to use. They clamp onto your trailer frame and conveniently adjust to a position anywhere between 29 inches and 32 inches back from the coupler. These brackets provide the attachment points for the weight distribution spring bars. To position the spring bars during hookup, simply use the included snap-up lever to lift each bar into place on the L-shaped brackets. Then secure the bars in place with the included L-pins and clips.
The Equal-i-zer weight distribution system works to stop trailer sway before it begins. This is achieved through the rotational friction that is present in the weight distribution hitch itself. Within the system head, the downward pressure that is placed on the hitch ball by the trailer is combatted by the upward pressure exerted by the spring bars that are mounted in the sockets. This upward force is placed on the spring bars on either side of the system, creating the rotational friction that, essentially, forces your trailer in line. This type of friction is responsible for two points - one on either side of the trailer - of the 4-Point Sway Control. To ensure that enough tension is present, make certain that the socket bolts in the head assembly are torqued to at least 45 foot-pounds.
The other two points of sway control are created by the steel-on-steel friction that occurs when the spring bars slide within the L-brackets that are mounted on the trailer tongue. Most traditional weight distribution systems have spring bars that are suspended by chains. Although this ensures that the system is not so rigid as to create bounce in the trailer, it also allows a good deal of side-to-side play in the system. Letting the spring bars hang freely minimizes the rotational friction described earlier. It also eliminates your system's ability to create the type of direct friction that has been shown to be so effective in limiting trailer sway.
This direct friction that is applied to the spring bars in the Equal-i-zer system helps to stop sway once it has begun. The concept is similar to the way in which an add-on friction sway control device functions. When each spring bar moves forward or backward, or side to side, it rubs along the bracket, creating friction. The resistance created by this action limits the movement of the spring bar, thus preventing further side-to-side movement of the trailer.
Most add-on units feature some sort of friction material similar to that used in automotive brakes. But the Equal-i-zer uses direct steel-on-steel contact to create resistance. This is the same sort of friction that is used with locomotives that pull loaded railcars weighing tons. No additional materials are needed. The steel will outlast any of those other materials, providing an extremely durable, functional sway control system.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (747 Customer Reviews)
Steel-on-steel friction works to prevent and correct trailer sway in this unique weight distribution system. Sway control brackets ensure that your trailer stays in line with your tow vehicle. Shank sold separately. 2" Hitch ball included.
Although it seemed expensive at the time, it has turned out to be well worth the cost. Towing with vehicles without a solid rear axle leads to aggressive tire wear, and this makes that aggressive tire wear go away. That means, for me, it's saving me from buying a new set of tires every year for the tow vehicle, so it's more than paid for itself.
I didn't buy it for the sway control, but it makes a big difference. Well worth it if you have trailer that can't be loaded perfectly, like a contractor trailer. The only downside is that it takes about twice as long to get it hooked up to the tow vehicle.
I use this WD hitch with my '17 Tacoma pulling a 3200lb travel trailer. Once you have it configured properly, it works great. The trailer tracks straight and true at 65-70MPH, and if a big rig passes you things don't get squirrely. It does OK when making turns in reverse, but I prefer to take a moment once I've reached my spot to remove the sway bars to minimize squeaking. Well worth the money!
Much easier to install than previous sway bar/equalizer. Lighter, easier to handle.
Does the job well, as advertised.
Highlander pulling 20' R-Pod.
Very good hitch system. It is a bit noisy, but performed flawlessly on a 4500 mile road trip through extremely windy mountains and desert. It gave my entire towing rig a very solid feel. Very good handling. No regrets!
Great product and easy installation, if you take your time.
I ordered this 400/4000 lb WD hitch to replace the same version that was the 600/6000 lb version. The 600 lb version was just overkill for my application ... and it was just WAY TOO HEAVY when installing and removing from the trailer/toad.
If your trailer is less than the 400/4000 lb ratings, then I would definitely recommend going with this hitch. It's just so much easier to store, install and remove.
All came as ordered in a timely manner. Excellent product. Does exactly what it is suppose to. Easy to follow instructions. Thank you!
Very effective!
Well made, heavy duty, easy to assemble, and install. Only one issue, the sockets that the sway bars go into are virtually immovable. I had to loosen the bolts and beat on them with a rubber mallet to get them to move (they are supposed to move freely). I contacted the manufacturer directly via their customer service, and was informed that there is a 4 trip break-in period and that “eventually” the sockets will move easier. This disclaimer should be noted in the advertisement for this hitch.
First 400 mile tow today, 50% of that way loaded. Performed flawlessly, although I don't think I have it set up 100% yet. Finding a perfectly level spot in MA is an exercise in futility. I did the best I could with the trailer level in my shop on concrete, but the truck hanging out and nose down and to the left a bit. I think I need more tension. Rides real stiff compared to the Reese SC system I was forced to retire early due to parts being NLA (lost a torsion bar on a recent tow - don't know if it broke, or just slipped out - either way, I'm DONE with Reese!). As of right now, the bars feel like they have unequal tension, too. When unloaded, the left bar sits tight to the L-bracket, while the right bar is easily lifted by hand. Could be that my receiver is worn out - she's got some miles on her. Don't think anything is bent anywhere, but who knows. Anyway, these parts are HEAVY, strong, American metal - I have no doubt this thing will outlast that Reese system I had. Now to put in some work to try and get the ride quality back like the old system.
This WDH has been terrific. My only complaint and why I only gave it 4 stars is because on the initial set up you have to have a special thin walled socked for the bolt for the ball. I tried several thin walled sockets including and etrailer one and all were too thick. So I ended up getting the equilizer socket, but that one is VERY expensive. It seems a bit much to first pay top-dollar for the WDH AND then have to buy their special socket.
I rate this product "good" to alert potential users to an issue I face during installation of this Equal-i-zer hitch.
As I purchased this hitch, a 2 and 15/16" ball with a 1.25" shank stud and its nut were included. That nut requires a special 1 and 7/8" thin walled socket that slips down into a cavity where the shank stud protrudes and the nut screws on. The instructions state that socket is available at Equal-i-zer dealers. Such a socket WAS NOT AVAILABLE at any automotive parts store, car dealership, nor agricultural supply hardware I contacted in the small California town I was in. The nearest Equalizer dealer to me was over 100 miles distant, and I had planned to leave the day I began installation of the hitch. The instructions also state that a shim can be used if a 2 and 15/16" ball with a 1" shank stud and nut are used. That is the ball I already had on my truck and I was fortunate to find a properly sized shim at an agricultural supply hardware that I cut to length and used in my installation. I still needed a large socket and extension to tighten the nut because the nut was deeply recessed in the cavity. The box end wrench I normally used on the nut was of no avail; however, an automotive repair shop had such a socket and loaned it to me to complete the installation of the hitch. IF you are going to undertake the installation of this hitch yourself, then be aware of the need for either the special Equal-i-zer specified socket for the ball included, OR a 1.25" to 1" shim and a deep well socket for the smaller 1" shank stud and nut such as I used. Contact customer service at Equal-i-zer if you have questions in this regard BEFORE you purchase.
Having alerted you to the installation issue I faced, I now rate the product itself as EXCELLENT in performing the job it is intended to do when towing. Once I had the hitch installed, the instructions for making adjustments so it will perform as intended are clear. Along with the hitch I purchased a Sherline trailer tongue scale and that is an accessory I highly recommend.
I was towing a 2-axle car trailer loaded with a vehicle for a total tow load of 5500 lbs.
Using the tongue scale I adjusted my load so 10% was on the tongue. I was towing cross-country from California to Michigan with a 2010 Tacoma 4 x 4 rated with a 6500 lb towing capacity. I towed at 55-60 mph and had one incident that required immediate, heavy braking and the truck and trailer stopped perfectly, as if the trailer had no been there. So keep in mind, my rating of GOOD was to draw your attention to the installation issue I faced. The PEFORMANCE of the hitch was EXCELLENT.
I received this hitch a few short days after placing my order and as soon as it arrived I unpackaged it to admire the contents. Everything was intact and ready to assemble, just as expected. I also ordered the special thin walled socket, which I am glad I did since my mechanic friend that did my torquing didn't have a socket that would work for this hitch ball. I know it is expensive but I wanted everything done right.
I installed the hitch and set it up following the directions in the manual, and everything turned out perfectly. I think from start to finish it took the wife and I less than an hour and a half. Easy, and according to my measurements and a visual everything looked perfect. None of this is rocket science, and the installation is truly easy.
Well, time to try it out, and what great timing, we left Saturday morning in a 40 MPH headwind for 20 miles, and then another 25 miles with the wind quartering at us on a busy highway. This hitch worked flawlessly! I was tickled with the whole ordeal, and today coming back with no wind at all it wasn't much different than the day we had the wind. You know what wind means, right? WINDY IN ND. Yep, we get our share. This hitch served us very well, and I am extremely pleased with my purchase and the ease of installation and set up. I would order it again in a heartbeat.
My tow vehicle:
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with max trailer tow package. 6.2 L with 8 speed transmission.
My travel trailer:
2016 Jayco Octane SL, weighs in loaded at 6100 lbs with a hitch weight of 910 lbs.
Just received and put together my Equalizer hitch but not set up or used with our new travel trailer yet. The quality of the parts are amazing. I have used other weight equalizing hitches and have 5th wheel hitch systems. This system is heavy duty and a pleasure to put together. Etrailer did a great job on the website describing, illustrating and proving support to make my decision so easy. Thanks Etrailer. Going to pick up new travel trailer today with new hitch system.
I have been using this EQ hitch towing my Bullet crossfire travel trailer with my F-150 for over a year now and it handles great. Tows smooth and without jerking or a rough ride. It took a few times to properly balance it and adjust it properly but what a major improvement from towing without it. I recommend this EQ hitch very much!!
Product is well made and sturdy. Installation instructions were simple and easy to follow. Took about 2 hours from start to finish to install. The problems it solved for me were the truck sagging in the rear when my car hauler is coupled. Now the truck is level along with the trailer. Also when semi's pass by the entire set up is steady. No shaking or swerving. Wish I had put this on sooner. Very pleased.
The experience of ordering this hitch from Etrailer.com was great! Very helpful and professional people. I have had the Equalizer hitch previously. I upgraded to a HD truck and needed a new receiver size, as well as going with a higher load capacity of 16k lbs. These are great weight distribution hitches in every way.
This is Amazing! Works really well! Gotta grease it a lot at all the moving parts before you roll with it. If you don’t it makes horrible noises. That’s my only issue with it. And if you could get more tongue weight too! That would be Awesome! But can’t have your cake and eat it too! Thanks
All products are great and as expected. One box was damaged in shipment due to the heavy nature of the parts. A smaller part fell out through a hole in box. George at etrailer got me a replacement part quickly with no issues.
Great hitch system. Easy directions to mount and set up for my truck (F150) and Grand Design Imagine travel trailer. Hook up at camp site is much easier compared to my chain and bar system. New set up handles sway and is very stable when trucks and cars pass.
Ordered the Equal-I-zer weight dist hitch as a reaplacement for original W/D anti-sway hitch trailer dealer sold me (was getting quite a bit of sway). Relatively easy to install, instructions were very easy to follow, getting a torque wrench (430 ft-lbs) for the ball had been my only concern. Weight distribution was right the first time, truck and trailer sit nice and level. The trailer tracked very well and there was no sway when being passed by large tractor-trailers. Less noise than I expected after reading reviews when researching hitches. Very happy with the hitch and the GREAT service from etrailer. Highly recommend.
One of the most important parts of this system is the Ball, so the customer should be asked for their Ball size and that should be what they send with the system, or they should specify you need to purchase the correct ball size with the system. Instead, they sent a 2" ball which I missed in the description of what comes with it, that's my fault. Now I have to search around for the correct Ball to fit my trailer and the system, and I'm stuck with a worthless 2" ball with a large shank that doesn't fit 90% of all ball shanks. I emailed Trailer about this and their reply was it comes with a 2" ball... not helpful.
Fantastic piece of gear. Super heavy-duty. Made my truck and trailer ride so much smoother, brought the back end of my 3/4 ton truck back up to level, and completely eliminated the the swaying I would get from time to time with my dump trailer. Instruction manual that came with the kit was very detailed and well-written. One minor complaint: it would be nice if the ball came mounted to the hitch assembly because most of us don’t have a torque wrench that goes to 430 feet pounds. Beyond that, an excellent investment.
I towed my camper over 250 miles with the equalizer hitch. Set up and install was very easy. Very little to no sway at all with passing semi trucks.
Was needing a weight distribution system for towing my 16' toy hauler and with Kats help from etrailer I couldn't be happier with this product. Trailer has a dry hitch weight of 950lb and 1100lb loaded. Set up took me an hour or so, but now I feel comfortable hooking and unhooking. Took it on a 100 mile trip a few weeks back in heavy rain with strong wind gust and handled great! Without it I didn't feel safe going 60mph on calm sunny day.
A little noisy but it works awesome and makes towing so much more comfortable. I have a custom trailer that is a little too tongue heavy. This hitch helped me get things leveled out and stable. The etrailer people were very helpful with recommendations for ways to mount the brackets on my trailer frame. No regrets here.
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Alan F.
7/27/2020
Great. Much easier to attach.