Most hitch manufacturers offer equalizing hitches in several sizes
designed to handle trailers of various hitch-weight classes. Get the
hitch size that is right for your requirements. Your dealer will help
you select one on the basis of your trailer weight and tow vehicle.
Improperly sized equalizing hitches can damage your trailer frame.
Please consult your tow vehicle’s owner’s manual for requirements
on using load equalizing hitches.
Hitch Weight
This is the portion of the total trailer weight that is carried by the
hitch, and typically ranges from 9% to 15% of the total weight of the
trailer and all contents.
Be aware that hitch weight can vary significantly if cargo is not
properly distributed in the travel trailer. When too much cargo is
stowed toward the front of the trailer, hitch weight tends to increase;
when too much cargo is stowed in the rear, hitch weight tends to be
reduced. Either condition significantly affects the control and
handling of the trailer when towed, and these unsafe conditions are
magnified at highway speeds and when making maneuvers.
Hitch Height
Determine the static height of your travel trailer hitch with the trailer
fully loaded and hitched to your tow vehicle on a level surface.
Visually inspect how level the tow vehicle/trailer combination is and
adjust the chain link selection accordingly. In order to have a level
tow vehicle/trailer combination you may have to raise or lower the
hitch ball on the tow vehicle. Most, if not all, equalizer hitches allow
for height adjustments of the hitch ball.
Next, adjust the equalizing bars of the hitch so that the trailer and
the tow vehicle are essentially level. Refer to the instructions
provided by the hitch manufacturer to adjust the weight-distributing
hitch to the correct height. Check with your dealer if you need
additional assistance. Remember which chain link is used on the
equalizer hitch spring bar for your most common load conditions.
This will save time in future use!
Depending on the trailer load each time the trailer is used, you may
have to go up or down one link to have a level tow vehicle/trailer
combination. Towing with the hitch either too high or too low may
result in handling issues that make the system unsafe.
Sway Control (Owner Supplied)
Most trailers should employ some type of sway control device.
There are several types of these devices available, operating on
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