How to Correct Excessive Play in Fit of Weight Distribution Spring Bars and Shank

Question:

Fastway E2 600# round bar WDH. How much does slop in the fit affect effectiveness? Hitch has some slop in receiver on vehicle and round bars have slop in fit in receiver head....with bars in and pointed back toward trailer not locked in there is several inches of play. Does this adversely affect effectiveness? Does receiver fit need remedied? Receiver head and/or bars replaced?

asked by: Stan W

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution spring bars having too much play or slop could affect their performance. Their fit in the head assembly can have a bit of play but if the bars have been in use for a long time they could require replacement, especially if the system has been operated near the tongue weight limit for those bars. It is hard to give you a definitive answer without seeing the system but if you can see wear of the metal on the bar ends that go into the head then they could very well need to be replaced.

The play in the shank portion that goes into your hitch receiver is less critical to performance. This issue can be fixed easily enough by using a hitch anti-rattle device like the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch # RM-061, or the version for 2-1/2-inch hitches # RM-062. These braces secure the WD system's shank in the receiver to prevent any movement. This ensures that the force applied by the spring bars can be transmitted forward toward the front axle like it is supposed to be.

expert reply by: Adam R