Everyone’s favorite topic - hitch set up

[Hermes]

Originally Posted by AnnaBelle33

I have Equalizer hitch 1400#.
Do I actually need the WD? Not much movement regardless of WD on or not.

Weight distribution and sway control are what your two Equalizer bars do when they are pressing against their L bracket.

So you need to make sure there is sufficient pressure on the L brackets for sway control, but by the same token you are transfering some weight to your towing vehicle. You can tow without the two WD bars, but you won't have any sway control from your hitch.

[gypsydad]

Ok folks, so I purchased a new Blue Ox Track Pro WDH with 800lb bars for my sons new Basecamp 20X; drove it to Florida in his tow vehicle where he was to fly in last Thursday, pick up the Basecamp at the dealer, and drive back to TX...(you following this? Anyway, the A-frame on the Basecamp would not work with the Blue Ox due to the propane bottle location without modifications to the propane bottle holders.

Dealer suggested we use the Equalizer 4-point 6K hitch as it fits without modification. You folks who have this hitch; why did Equalizer design this without lubrication "zerk" fittings on the pivot assembly for the spring/sway bars and how do you keep these lubed? The pivot receiver joints are very tight (new of course) but, really tight. We got the Equalizer and he got back to Austin last night...I noticed how tight without any lubrication, the Equalizer is at those points. Please let me know if we are missing something here or if thats the way it is with this hitch.

My experience 10 years ago with Equalizer. I had an Equalizer that came on my 2008 25'; it actually twisted while I was backing up, and I ended up getting the Blue Ox at local dealer while on the road...on my 3rd Blue Ox now with my last 3 Airstreams...BO seems like much better design to me...

[AnnaBelle33]

I use the Equalizer hitch grease on the friction points and the pads on the brackets. No issues at all.


https://www.equalizerhitch.com/manua...ar-maintenance

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by AnnaBelle33

I use the Equalizer hitch grease on the friction points and the pads on the brackets. No issues at all.


https://www.equalizerhitch.com/manua...ar-maintenance

Is that you’re final answer?

I just saw your other hope she don’t see it post.

Just for grins.

[AnnaBelle33]

HA! Yes, except you’re supposed to grease up the hitch, not the couch!!!

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by AnnaBelle33

I use the Equalizer hitch grease on the friction points and the pads on the brackets. No issues at all.


https://www.equalizerhitch.com/manua...ar-maintenance

Ah yes...thanks a bunch! As I mentioned, the Blue Ox has Zerk fittings in each swivel joint.

Interesting Equalizer does not use this method (zerk fittings) and recommends just apply grease to the surface of the friction points...seems there is a lot of movement/friction with exposed metal to metal surfaces, IMHO. I have read here on the Forum, others who have had some issues with Equalizer similar to my experience with the bar twisting years ago.... Guess this could become another thread now?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by AnnaBelle33

I use the Equalizer hitch grease on the friction points and the pads on the brackets. No issues at all.


https://www.equalizerhitch.com/manua...ar-maintenance

Bob
🇺🇸

You need friction there for sway control.

[AnnaBelle33]

Correct. I purchased their pads they sell on their website. No lube!!!

[Collyn]

There is good case for not using tow ball lubricant. The friction inherent without lubricant provides useful low-level damping. The wear on the tow ball and receiver is negligible even after many years.

Collyn

[1StreamDream]

I'm no expert, but one of the points that stuck with me about using WD is trying to keep the steer axle firmly planted once the trailer is in place, and one of the measures to prove that WD is proper is comparing the front axle weight before/after. Goal is for it to be as close as possible to non-towing. In my case, my before/after weight for the steer axle is within 40lbs, and I see the OP has a delta of almost 300 lbs. I can't say how significant that is, and my comparison data is from a smaller trailer (I have a 25' RB twin flying cloud).

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by AnnaBelle33

Tow Veh is 2019 RAM 2500 Limited (diesel)

When I’m hooked up and have WD on, the trailer (2021 Classic 33) sits about 1/4 inch higher than level. Is that ok or should I try and lower it. I wasn’t sure if I added another washer if it would drop it lower and would end up being a waste of time.

I have Equalizer hitch 1400#.

Do I actually need the WD? Not much movement regardless of WD on or not.

The measurements were:

40 3/8 naked
40 7/8 no WD
40 3/4 WD on

My truck has:
Electronic Stability Control

Traction Control

Trailer Sway Damping

WD puts weight on the front axle...

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Collyn

There is good case for not using tow ball lubricant. The friction inherent without lubricant provides useful low-level damping. The wear on the tow ball and receiver is negligible even after many years.

Yes.
And the entertainment value as your neighbors watch you trying to unhitch is priceless. Jumping on the bumper, swearing, rocking the trailer as the coupler refuses to let go.