How Do I Hook Up An Equal-i-zer Hitch?
- 1). Park the tow vehicle on level ground, disconnected from the trailer. Measure the distance from the ground up past the center of the axle to the upper edge of the wheel well for both the front and rear wheels on the tow vehicle. Record these measurements for later use.
- 2). Back the tow vehicle to the trailer, attach the coupling to the hitch and lock it. Lower the trailer jack until it is raised by about 1 inch. Measure the wheel well height again for the rear wheel of the tow vehicle and record this measurement.
- 3). Extend the trailer jack, raising the hitch assembly until you can swing the spring arms into place into the L-brackets on either side of the trailer tongue. Attach the clips to hold the spring arms in place. Retract the jack until it comes off the ground by about 1 inch. Now take a final measurement of the wheel well height at both the front and rear wheels of the tow vehicle.
- 4). Compare the measurements to determine proper weight distribution. The final front wheel measurement should be the same as, or slightly higher than the first (uncoupled) measurement. The final rear wheel measurement should be between the first and second measurements, but much closer to the first (uncoupled) measurement, although never higher than the uncoupled measurement. If this is the case, the weight is properly distributed and you are finished. If not, proceed to the next step.
- 5). Disconnect the trailer from the tow vehicle by reversing the steps. Adjust the amount of weight distribution by adding or removing spacer washers from the back of the hitch head (recommended during initial setup) or by raising or lowering the L-brackets (for minor adjustments.) If the final rear wheel measurement was higher than the initial measurement, too much weight is being distributed forward. If it is too far below the initial measurement, not enough weight is being transferred. Make adjustments until the measurements fall within the limits described in the previous step.