Normal Wear and Tear on an Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Head

Question:

I bought a used Airstream which came with an Equal-i-zer hitch. The head seems to be pretty worn, and the spring arm when not installed on the L-brackets seem to have a couple inches of up and down play. I cleaned the head and re-lubricated it, and I noticed some grooves worn in the head above and below the spring arm receptacles. I hope that makes sense Is this normal wear and tear, or should this head be replaced? Thanks!

asked by: Sam P

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my representative at Equal-i-zer and the grooves that you see at the top and bottom of the spring bar receiver on the head is normal wear. He also mentioned that keeping the receiver lubricated will help reduce on wear in the future, but not to be immediately alarmed with this type of wear. The head would only need to be replaced if the system is not effectively distributing the weight or controlling trailer sway when it is properly adjusted.

I would first recommend checking that the weight distribution system is properly lubricated and adjusted and make sure that the fully loaded tongue weight of the trailer is less than the maximum tongue weight capacity of the Equal-i-zer system. You must also consider the weight of any cargo that you are loading in the bed of your truck behind the rear axle.

If you determine that the trailer tongue weight and vehicle cargo is less than the capacity of the weight distribution system and you continue to experience issues and trailer sway with proper installation and adjustments, the head may need to be replaced.

If the head does need to be replaced, you will want to choose the head that is rated for the system that you currently have. You should see decal stickers on the head and spring bars to help determine the weight capacity of the system.

I have attached a link to the installation instructions for a 10,000 lb GTW/ 1,000 TW Equal-i-zer weight distribution system so you can see how to properly adjust your Equal-i-zer system. I have also attached a link to all of our Equal-i-zer heads for you.

expert reply by: John H