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Steel-on-steel friction works to prevent and correct trailer sway in this unique weight distribution system. Sway control brackets ensure that your trailer stays in line with your tow vehicle. Shank sold separately. 2-5/16" Hitch ball included.
Features:
Specs:
| Included w/ System | Required - Sold Separately | Optional Add-Ons |
|---|---|---|
90-00-1001 Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch
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Create a more stable ride for your tow vehicle and trailer with a weight distribution hitch. Adding spring bars to your towing system applies leverage, which transfers the load that is pushing down on the rear of your vehicle to all the axles on both your tow vehicle and your trailer, resulting in an even distribution of weight throughout. The result is a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow the maximum capacity of your hitch.
The tongue weight rating is the most important factor in determining which size weight distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. If, on the other hand, the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight, rendering it virtually useless.
To determine the proper weight rating for a weight distribution system, you must first determine your trailer's tongue weight. Then add to that the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. These two measurements make up the tongue weight rating for a weight distribution system.
Head Tilt Adjustment
The Equal-i-zer weight distribution system uses the traditional washer-style adjustment method to achieve the perfect tilt. Controlling the head tilt helps you to fine-tune the leverage on your entire system, making it easier to install and hook up the spring bars. To adjust the tilt, simply slide washers onto the spacer rivet and insert the rivet into the head assembly. To increase the angle, add a washer. To reduce the angle, remove a washer. Most setups take four to six washers to achieve the proper height. Once you get the desired tilt, insert the shank bolts to secure the head to the shank (sold separately) and then tighten it in place.
Construction of Spring Arms
The Equal-i-zer spring bars are not made of traditional spring steel. Rather, they are constructed of a chromium-molybdenum alloy steel. Chromoly steel has a high tensile strength for extreme durability. It also features excellent dexterity, which allows it to give as required and then return softly back to its original form. This pliability is important in minimizing trailer bounce while still ensuring that the weight of your rig is adequately distributed.
Fixed Sway Control Brackets
The unique sway control brackets of the Equal-i-zer are easy to install and simple to use. They clamp onto your trailer frame and conveniently adjust to a position anywhere between 27 inches and 32 inches back from the coupler. These brackets provide the attachment points for the weight distribution spring bars. To position the spring bars during hookup, simply use the included snap-up lever to lift each bar into place on the L-shaped brackets. Then secure the bars in place with the included L-pins and clips.
The Equal-i-zer weight distribution system works to stop trailer sway before it begins. This is achieved through the rotational friction that is present in the weight distribution hitch itself. Within the system head, the downward pressure that is placed on the hitch ball by the trailer is combatted by the upward pressure exerted by the spring bars that are mounted in the sockets. This upward force is placed on the spring bars on either side of the system, creating the rotational friction that, essentially, forces your trailer in line. This type of friction is responsible for two points - one on either side of the trailer - of the 4-Point Sway Control. To ensure that enough tension is present, make certain that the socket bolts in the head assembly are torqued to at least 45 foot-pounds.
The other two points of sway control are created by the steel-on-steel friction that occurs when the spring bars slide within the L-brackets that are mounted on the trailer tongue. Most traditional weight distribution systems have spring bars that are suspended by chains. Although this ensures that the system is not so rigid as to create bounce in the trailer, it also allows a good deal of side-to-side play in the system. Letting the spring bars hang freely minimizes the rotational friction described earlier. It also eliminates your system's ability to create the type of direct friction that has been shown to be so effective in limiting trailer sway.
This direct friction that is applied to the spring bars in the Equal-i-zer system helps to stop sway once it has begun. The concept is similar to the way in which an add-on friction sway control device functions. When each spring bar moves forward or backward, or side to side, it rubs along the bracket, creating friction. The resistance created by this action limits the movement of the spring bar, thus preventing further side-to-side movement of the trailer.
Most add-on units feature some sort of friction material similar to that used in automotive brakes. But the Equal-i-zer uses direct steel-on-steel contact to create resistance. This is the same sort of friction that is used with locomotives that pull loaded railcars weighing tons. No additional materials are needed. The steel will outlast any of those other materials, providing an extremely durable, functional sway control system.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (728 Customer Reviews)
Steel-on-steel friction works to prevent and correct trailer sway in this unique weight distribution system. Sway control brackets ensure that your trailer stays in line with your tow vehicle. Shank sold separately. 2-5/16" Hitch ball included.First 400 mile tow today, 50% of that way loaded. Performed flawlessly, although I don't think I have it set up 100% yet. Finding a perfectly level spot in MA is an exercise in futility. I did the best I could with the trailer level in my shop on concrete, but the truck hanging out and nose down and to the left a bit. I think I need more tension. Rides real stiff compared to the Reese SC system I was forced to retire early due to parts being NLA (lost a torsion bar on a recent tow - don't know if it broke, or just slipped out - either way, I'm DONE with Reese!). As of right now, the bars feel like they have unequal tension, too. When unloaded, the left bar sits tight to the L-bracket, while the right bar is easily lifted by hand. Could be that my receiver is worn out - she's got some miles on her. Don't think anything is bent anywhere, but who knows. Anyway, these parts are HEAVY, strong, American metal - I have no doubt this thing will outlast that Reese system I had. Now to put in some work to try and get the ride quality back like the old system.
First I want to say I think this is a really good weight distribution and sway control system. It is not perfect, but it is very effective and I'm not certain there is a perfect system on the market.
Pros- Our travel trailer rides noticeably better with this system. Our half ton bounces less and the sway is noticeably reduced vs. the old chain/tension bar WD system we had. It's easier to take the tension bars on and off.
Cons- Setting up for proper height and weight distribution is cumbersome. It takes a fair amount of trial and error (unless you get lucky the first time) to get this correct. It's worth the effort, but is a bit of work.
Tips- Keep the hitch/load bars/socket properly lubricated. Not doing so can cause the trailer to tow at an offset after making a sharp turn.
Take your time setting up the hitch. As mentioned it's a lot of work but absolutely worth it.
Research the tools you need to set this up. You may not have the correct sockets and 300 ft-lb torque wrench needed for installation.
This will not magically turn your 1/2 ton into a 3/4 ton. It might make your 1/2 ton haul your rig better, but a 3/4 ton it will not be.
Additional info- we have hauled our 30ft travel trailer (6800lb dry weight, approximately 7500-8000lbs loaded) with a 2021 Silverado 1500 (crew cab, 5.3L, rated to haul 9500lbs) and with a 2000 Ford Excursion (V10 4x4, rated for 10000lbs). Even with the Equal-i-zer the camper can push and sway with the Silverado 1500, especially over 60mph (we keep it at 65mph or below) in windy/interstate conditions. With the Excursion and the Equal-i-zer installed the only noticeable difference between driving the truck with and without the camper is the truck is slower with the camper hooked up- bouncing, pushing, swaying are really not noticed.
The equalizer hitch is a game changer i use to have to install seperate sway control with my hitch with chains now its all in one and works at eliminating sway all in one unit very happy
Product is well made and sturdy. Installation instructions were simple and easy to follow. Took about 2 hours from start to finish to install. The problems it solved for me were the truck sagging in the rear when my car hauler is coupled. Now the truck is level along with the trailer. Also when semi's pass by the entire set up is steady. No shaking or swerving. Wish I had put this on sooner. Very pleased.
Mark T.
8/14/2019
After a year of use I can say that the Equalizer has lived up to its promise. It is extremely helpful when hauling autos around in our enclosed trailer. We consider it just part of the normal hauling equipment now.
I spent time making sure this would work with my tow vehicle. I didn't think to check if it worked on a v-nose enclosed trailer. Otherwise, I would have given five stars. The description doesn't cite the trailers it won't work on. Fast delivery and heavy steel... very nice.
Head and shoulders above my previous tow equipment. Tighter turns without problems. A bit more noisier but I would purchase again.
This hitch works great! Just got back from my first 300 mile round trip pulling a 25' travel trailer and I had no issues at speeds above 55mph. The hitch really helps lock the trailer with the tow vehicle and helps prevent sway! Set up was pretty simple, there were great instructions provided.
The service and support has been excellent. I have not been able to install the hitch yet. However I will update once I've had a chance to use it.
Picked up my new trailer, traveled through rush hour traffic in heavy rain and wind. Trailer didn't budge an inch, pulled with ease and confidence. Phone Staff was extremely helpful with getting the right product for my needs and it was shipped out immediately putting me on schedule. Excited to hit the road. Thanks etrailer!!
Went together fairly quick and easy now waiting for our first trip
Had a Fastway e2 liked it and did a fair job, sure was easy to hook up. After research and RV being at 30 feet, ordered the e4 and it made a difference you can feel. etrailer is a place you can buy with confidence and you always know where your order is during transit . Perfect and I recommend the E4 and etrailer.
K. M.
8/15/2018
All I can add is it works and I want pull an every without it. Now that it is broken in it is quieter too.
Great customer service. Fast delivery. Product as described and works as intended. Would buy again.
I have been highly satisfied with this hitch. we have been using this for a year now and have several trips with using this. I pull with a Ram 1500 and this hitch made night and day difference in the stability of pulling my 35 foot bumper pull camper. i would highly recommend this hitch to anyone.
Figured out on Saturday what type of anti-sway hitch I needed to order, receive and install by Wednesday night. Tried another site, they couldn't meet the deadline, turned to google and discovered etrailer. Called at 1 PM on Saturday and talked to Steve Z, he got the order placed, and promised to check the status and follow up with me on Sunday. Everything was delivered on Tuesday and that night the hitch was installed, a day ahead of schedule.
I don't expect to have a high need for towing / trailering, but when I do I'll be checking and calling etrailer first. On a scale of 1 to 10 their customer service is a 15.
This is my second equalizer wdh. My new truck requires a 2 1/2 inch receiver and my old truck had a 2 inch receiver. Great reliable product. The experience with etrailer.com was top notch. I highly recommend the equalizer hitch and trailer.com
Drastically improved towing our Airstream with 2017 F250 than just on the ball.
Matched with 2 1/2 receiver 6" shank.
Easy to install, but need bigger tools than in standard toolbox.
Definitely would recommend.
Excellent buying experience, great web site and customer service. I have used the equalizer hitch before and am replaceing my round bar hitch which was marginally adequate for a 33ft. trailer.
Little noisy, but very effective device. Much easier to use if you have an electric tongue jack on tour trailer
Have a Suburban pulling a trailer with Mustang the product works exactly as states, very easy installation and absolute high-quality. Would recommend it with highest of recommendations and has made a significant difference in the balance of the car. Plus the staff was very helpful with some points of installation.
Great product. Working great. Would recommend product and supplier.
Very satisfied with this hitch. We used the hitch for a total 8000 miles last year. Once I adjusted the hitch to the truck it was a noticeable difference. Pulls that sag out of the back of the truck and leveled the truck. Feels tight in the high wind areas.
Just received the hitch very heavy duty easy instructions. Bought it for to tow my 30 foot travel trailer. It should do a great job towing and controlling sway.
Great hitch. Fast and easy to use. Etrailer.com has super fast shipping.
Thank you for your 10 Star customer service.
Cathy T took time and reassured me on my order was the right order for my set up. I tell you what it’s nice to know you both are giving great customer service. I will go out of my means to tell people about your excellent service!
Thank you
unit packaged great. Used the on-line instructions and once I found all my tools, it was relatively easy to do.
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Smithsonite
11/30/2023
Not a big fan of this system. The unequal tension of the bars became worse when I got rid of my 07 Silverado 1500 for a 93 Ram W250 with a custom flatbed Its 11 higher, so everything had to be reset to a new, longer hitch. The Reese system was really good - so infuriating that they discontinued it AND parts for it! The way of the world today. Im probably going to scrap this entire setup, and trailer, for a gooseneck for less hassle, more stability, & speed of hookup.