To correct over distribution, remove spacer washers from the hitch head or lower the
L-brackets.
Make Weight Distribution Adjustments
1. Use the tongue jack to raise both vehicle and trailer.
2. Unload and remove the spring arms.
3. Unhitch the trailer, then change the number of spacer washers and/or the position of the
L-brackets.
4. Hitch the trailer again and engage the spring arms.
5. Retract the jack so the hitch is carrying the trailer weight.
6. Measure the front fender and enter this new distance on line C of the weight distribution
calculation table.
7. Calculate the new weight distribution amount using the previous distances for lines A
and B, and the new distance for line C.
8. Repeat Step 7 until the measurements show that the hitch is distributing weight
correctly.
Step 8 – Adjust Trailer Pitch
After achieving good weight distribution, you may need to adjust the pitch or angle of the
trailer to make it level (parallel to the ground) while towing. Measure from the ground to the
front and rear of the trailer frame.
If the difference between the front and rear measurements is more than 1 ¼” adjust the hitch
ball height. Move the hitch head up or down on the shank as needed. If the difference is less
than 1 ¼” complete Step 9 and tow a short distance with this setup to see how it handles before
making any adjustments.
After making any adjustments to the ball height, fully hitch and engage the spring arms and
remeasure the front wheel well, for line C of the weight distribution table. Update line C and
calculate the new weight distribution percentage using the previous measurements for lines A
and B.
Make more adjustments if needed until both the weight distribution is correct, and the trailer
is level (parallel to the ground).
Step 9 – Final Tightening
After the weight distribution and trailer pitch are correct, all the bolts on the hitch must be
tightened completely to their recommended torque specifications.
Torque Specifications
ft-lb
(2) ¾” Shank Bolts
250
(4) ½”x 4” Link plate bolts
65
(4) ½” L-bracket nuts
75
Angle set bolt
Set against shank + 1/2 turn
You are now ready to tow the trailer. Remember to connect the breakaway cable, safety
chains, and electrical cable. Adjust your break controller correctly. Retract the jack completely.
Maintenance and Care
Friction surfaces of the head and sockets
should be cleaned and lubricated with a good
quality multi-purpose or bearing grease
before each trip. This includes the hitch ball.
Lubricate the surfaces where the arm sockets
rub. (Figure 26) Do not lubricate the round
bar arms or L-brackets.
Check for damage or abnormal wear at the
beginning of each trip and replace damaged
and worn parts as necessary. Clean dirt and
debris from all the friction surfaces regularly.
All nuts and bolts should be checked before each trip and tightened if necessary.
Store your hitch out of the weather when not in use. Use a good quality spray paint to touch up
the finish and help prevent rust. Do not paint over the warning stickers. If the warning stickers
become unreadable, contact Fastway for a free replacement.
A properly maintained and clean hitch will perform better and reduce wear and towing noise.
Figure 26
Grease here
