Equal-i-zer Hitch Thread.

[interstateflyer]

Sway Jacket Pads. Which way should I install them, vertically "A" or horizontally "B"?

[Rich W]

Slide them on like 'A', then drop them down like 'B'. The spring arm will ride on the nylon pad. That cut in the center is to allow the pin to go through it into the L-bracket.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by richw46

Slide them on like 'A', then drop them down like 'B'. The spring arm will ride on the nylon pad. That cut in the center is to allow the pin to go through it into the L-bracket.

That's what I thought. My Airstream dealer's service manager and mechanic, both of who had formal Equalizer training, insisted that they remain vertical, "A".

They claim that the friction at the bottom resting point of the bar is what creates the ant-sway protection, so advocate position "A", vertical.

[subfan1]

Ask yourself why they would put a slot on the sway jacket. B

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by subfan1

Ask yourself why they would put a slot on the sway jacket. B

Yes.....I indeed asked that question of the mechanics. They said it gives you the option of two positions, one of which (the horizontal) keeps things quieter but inhibits sway control.

[Rocinante]

Pretty sure they are wrong about position "A". We always use our sway bracket jackets in position "B" and we're very happy with the results.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

Yes.....I indeed asked that question of the mechanics. They said it gives you the option of two positions, one of which (the horizontal) keeps things quieter but inhibits sway control.

That's true, the friction is what gives it the sway control. I have the dual axles and sway isn't a problem, even after the pad installation. I just got really tired of the noise and the grease (to stop the noise). There is still noise but I don't need to grease the spring arms, just the spring arm sockets, and that doesn't last long before they start squeaking.

If you have dual axles, I think you'll be OK. Put them on and go for a test drive on a windy day and see if you have any problems with sway. Use caution, of course.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

Sway Jacket Pads. Which way should I install them, vertically "A" or horizontally "B"?

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

That's what I thought. My Airstream dealer's service manager and mechanic, both of who had formal Equalizer training, insisted that they remain vertical, "A".

They claim that the friction at the bottom resting point of the bar is what creates the ant-sway protection, so advocate position "A", vertical.

Hi, in position "A", in my opinion, the pads are useless. In position "B", in-which Equal-I-zer shows where they go, they are quieter. Also in my opinion, and with my experience, The sway jackets create more friction than the original metal to metal design.

[garylind]

About to purchase this new trailer and wondered what model is best. The dealer seems to think that a SwayPro is more than adequate.
Thanks

[Rocinante]

That's a topic guaranteed to stir up a kerfuffle. Use whatever WD / Sway control hitch works best for you and your TT/TV combo. We like our Equal-I-zer, but there are plenty of folks out there who use other things.

[cactusjk]

Agree - very personal and often emotional. We went with the Equal-i-zer!

Originally Posted by Rocinante

That's a topic guaranteed to stir up a kerfuffle. Use whatever WD / Sway control hitch works best for you and your TT/TV combo. We like our Equal-I-zer, but there are plenty of folks out there who use other things.

[kscherzi]

There is no such thing as the "best" hitch. Often depends on the tow combination and your pocketbook. Spending more probably doesn't provide a linear increase in value. I tried one hitch first, didn't like it and sold it. Am content with the Equal-i-zer, warts and all.

[sheriff1]

I like the Equal-i-zer, also liked the EZ lift, hated the dual-cam, haven't tried the rest.


2015 F350 CC 4X4 6.7 Diesel
2010 27FB Silver Cloud "The Silver Spoon"

[CruizinDux]

[richw46 Quote:
Originally Posted by interstateflyer
Yes.....I indeed asked that question of the mechanics. They said it gives you the option of two positions, one of which (the horizontal) keeps things quieter but inhibits sway control.

......... There is still noise but I don't need to grease the spring arms, just the spring arm sockets, and that doesn't last long before they start squeaking.]

Wow, just discovered this thread. Seems I have some reading to catch up on.

We have an equalizer and our 20 tows sweet including during a recent drive down I5 at Black Butte/Castle Crags with horrendous rain & extremely gusty winds.

I realized that when I got to San Diego, that I needed to be a bit more attentive on the head grease vs just a putty knife reapplication of Marine grade grease.

I removed the sockets yesterday and cleaned everything well and started fresh on the grease I discovered that (probably during the storm above) the grease attracted a lot of grit that needed to be removed. Thanks for posting pics, as I've been contemplating the addition to the L brackets.

Longer trips I'm thinking of maybe removing the socket weekly or so to start fresh. It's really simple and I already have the torque wrench handy for the wheels, and it's the same size socket as the WH plug...which is always in my tool bag of often needed tools etc. anyway.

Bob

[paiceman]

Bob: I take the head on our Equalizer apart at the end of each season. I see no wear on it and I only grease it because I think it must need to be done. The noise is an issue, but I close the windows. We do about 10,000-15,000 each year.

I also carry all kinds of tools, torque wrench for the wheels as well as the hitch and an extra ball as the one Equalizer uses is somewhat odd in it's very short shank.

Bud

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by garylind

About to purchase this new trailer and wondered what model is best. The dealer seems to think that a SwayPro is more than adequate.
Thanks

My dealer sold us a Huskey WDS for our first Airstream. What a horrible system. That was the brand that they pushed on their customers.

I'd probably trust the collective experience of AirForum members more than most dealers, there are exceptions of course.

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

My dealer sold us a Huskey WDS for our first Airstream. What a horrible system.

Do you recall, specifically was it a Husky Centerline?

[interstateflyer]

No, it was not a Centerline. It was a previous model. I've actually heard the Centerline is better. Didn't mean to pass judgment on the whole Huskey line.

Equalizer was a huge improvement over the Huskey chain style WSD that we were sold.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, in position "A", in my opinion, the pads are useless. In position "B", in-which Equal-I-zer shows where they go, they are quieter. Also in my opinion, and with my experience, The sway jackets create more friction than the original metal to metal design.

I used to use an EQ, so I'l throw in my learnings. The nylon pads are supposed to be in the horizontal position with the bars riding on them. It does reduce friction a bit, but per my conversation with EQ, that area isn't the primary friction surface and does little for sway control. The primary friction surface is the head saddle area where the front ends of the bars are bolted to the head and swing in turns. That's why the torque on those bolts needs frequent attention.

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

The primary friction surface is the head saddle area where the front ends of the bars are bolted to the head and swing in turns. That's why the torque on those bolts needs frequent attention.

I've checked mine several times and the torque required to rotate the sway bar (not the bolt) varied greatly with where the bar socket is. Worn area, loose ish. Outside the primary work area tight ish. Observed quite a bit of wear on the bar socket surface of the head.