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The Equal-i-zer has a reputation as strong as its American-made steel. We love this hitch's solid build quality and that it helps to proactively stop trailer sway instead of just dampening it after it starts. Ball and shank included.
Features:
Specs:
| Included w/ System | Required - Sold Separately | Optional Add-Ons |
|---|---|---|
90-00-1000 Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch
| n/a |
|
Pro Tip: Before you invest in a weight distribution hitch, make sure your cargo is evenly loaded in your trailer to keep the weight balanced. If you still have a hard time even after balancing your tongue weight, a weight distribution hitch should help.
Does it seem like no matter where you go, you meet someone who owns - and has vouched for - the Equal-i-zer weight distribution system? There's one really good reason for this: the Equal-i-zer's build quality is second to none. Many companies have tried to imitate it, and they just can't. Sure, they might preempt trailer sway just as the Equal-i-zer does. But for over 75 years, using American-made steel, the Equal-i-zer's unique design has kept haulers from white knuckling the steering wheel.
Let's talk about how it does that. Essentially, this system is built to hold your trailer in place both at the connection point and along the trailer's frame. Inside the system head, the trunnions are tightly pinched in place to create resistance. Because the trunnions are held in so tightly in the head, with the help of some torqued socket bolts, once the spring bars are installed, they won't be able to move side to side without a ton of resistance. At the other end of the bars, frame-mounted L-brackets provide a rigid surface that also helps prevent any unwanted movement. Just like the tension in the head, these brackets help hold your trailer in place. All of this tension throughout the system helps to create a rigid steel-on-steel setup that keeps your trailer in line and your ride level.
If a particularly strong wind gust crosses your path and your trailer starts to get off track despite the Equal-i-zer's firm hold, the steel-on-steel friction of the bars on their brackets will stop the bars from moving, and ultimately dampen any remaining trailer sway. Between the 2 friction points inside the system head and the 2 that you get at the L-brackets, the Equal-i-zer creates up to 3 times more side-to-side resistance than other weight distribution systems, or the equivalent of adding 8 friction sway bars. And because you won't need any of those add-on sway bars, you'll actually be able to use this system when towing in the rain or over gravel roads, and you can back up without having to disconnect a thing!
Because the steel-on-steel friction between the bars and brackets is noisy, don't be alarmed if you hear a lot of banging, creaking, and grinding. It's just the system working to correct sway in much the same way that locomotives keep multi-ton railcars from swaying. If the noise becomes too much of an issue for you, there are a few things you can do to address it. You could get some of Equal-i-zer's replaceable nylon sway bracket jackets (EQ95-01-5150). Or you could lubricate any friction points with their high-performance lubricant (EQ91-00-4250). But keep in mind that cutting down on noise isn't the only thing this will do. These quick fixes will limit the system's ability to prevent sway, too.
If you're determined to have a rock-solid towing setup without making any compromises, and you have to have an an American-made weight distribution hitch, and noise is kind of a deal-breaker for you, you may want to spring for the B&W Continuum or the Blue Ox SwayPro instead.
Once you've got the hitch ball torqued down, you'll have to adjust the tilt of the head to ensure proper leverage. To do this, simply slide washers onto the spacer rivet and insert it into the head assembly. Once the spacer is in place, tighten the shank bolts to secure the head to the shank. To check if your truck and trailer are level, you'll need to hook up and release your tongue jack. If you find that the rear of your truck is still sagging, add washers to increase leverage. If it looks like too much weight has been taken off your truck's rear axle and is sitting on your front axle, try removing a few washers.
While the washer-stacking method allows you to fine-tune the setup at the time of installation, it's going to require some patience. It can be time consuming because, if you don't get everything right the first time (which, you probably won't), you'll have to take the head unit apart to adjust the washers. You might have to raise or lower the L-brackets too to get the tension just right, and that's a bit of a pain also. Not to mention that you might have to repeat this process if your tongue weight changes or if you swap out your tow vehicle.
Pro Tip: For a step-by-step guide on how to fully install the Equal-i-zer, check out our videos at the top of this page. Our installers even have some advice to offer on measuring your vehicle's squat.
Your tongue weight is the first thing you need to know when figuring out which weight distribution system you need. Most people think that if they get the highest-rated system possible, it'll be smooth sailing. But actually, this will create a rigid ride and a bouncing trailer. On the other hand, if the system isn't strong enough, it won't be able to distribute the weight properly, making it virtually useless.
Once you know your trailer's tongue weight, add it to the weight of the cargo behind the rear axle of your tow vehicle. Then just choose a weight distribution system rated for that combined tongue weight.
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (776 Customer Reviews)
The Equal-i-zer has a reputation as strong as its American-made steel. We love this hitch's solid build quality and that it helps to proactively stop trailer sway instead of just dampening it after it starts. Ball and shank included.
This is the second equalizer hitch I’ve owned, the first was for a smaller camper. Both have performed flawlessly. I think the most important thing is to size the hitch properly for the load, then follow the directions during installation and you won’t have problems. Always torque ball to prevent catastrophic loss of trailer. This happened to me with a uhaul years ago and I can tell you it becomes a handful in a hurry.
Thanks for providing a quality product.
I rate this product "good" to alert potential users to an issue I face during installation of this Equal-i-zer hitch.
As I purchased this hitch, a 2 and 15/16" ball with a 1.25" shank stud and its nut were included. That nut requires a special 1 and 7/8" thin walled socket that slips down into a cavity where the shank stud protrudes and the nut screws on. The instructions state that socket is available at Equal-i-zer dealers. Such a socket WAS NOT AVAILABLE at any automotive parts store, car dealership, nor agricultural supply hardware I contacted in the small California town I was in. The nearest Equalizer dealer to me was over 100 miles distant, and I had planned to leave the day I began installation of the hitch. The instructions also state that a shim can be used if a 2 and 15/16" ball with a 1" shank stud and nut are used. That is the ball I already had on my truck and I was fortunate to find a properly sized shim at an agricultural supply hardware that I cut to length and used in my installation. I still needed a large socket and extension to tighten the nut because the nut was deeply recessed in the cavity. The box end wrench I normally used on the nut was of no avail; however, an automotive repair shop had such a socket and loaned it to me to complete the installation of the hitch. IF you are going to undertake the installation of this hitch yourself, then be aware of the need for either the special Equal-i-zer specified socket for the ball included, OR a 1.25" to 1" shim and a deep well socket for the smaller 1" shank stud and nut such as I used. Contact customer service at Equal-i-zer if you have questions in this regard BEFORE you purchase.
Having alerted you to the installation issue I faced, I now rate the product itself as EXCELLENT in performing the job it is intended to do when towing. Once I had the hitch installed, the instructions for making adjustments so it will perform as intended are clear. Along with the hitch I purchased a Sherline trailer tongue scale and that is an accessory I highly recommend.
I was towing a 2-axle car trailer loaded with a vehicle for a total tow load of 5500 lbs.
Using the tongue scale I adjusted my load so 10% was on the tongue. I was towing cross-country from California to Michigan with a 2010 Tacoma 4 x 4 rated with a 6500 lb towing capacity. I towed at 55-60 mph and had one incident that required immediate, heavy braking and the truck and trailer stopped perfectly, as if the trailer had no been there. So keep in mind, my rating of GOOD was to draw your attention to the installation issue I faced. The PEFORMANCE of the hitch was EXCELLENT.
Wilton M.
9/27/2020
My Equal-i-zer hitch continues to perform as I had wanted and described in my review. It has an unstated safety benefit. I tow long distances without a load on my trailer. I keep the Equal-i-zer hitch fully installed but adjusted so there is only mild tension transferred forward. That keeps the receiver ball housing on the tongue of the trailer constantly pressed against the hitch ball. If for any reason the ball coupling lock should fail or have not been set, the trailer would remain coupled to the truck.
I received this hitch a few short days after placing my order and as soon as it arrived I unpackaged it to admire the contents. Everything was intact and ready to assemble, just as expected. I also ordered the special thin walled socket, which I am glad I did since my mechanic friend that did my torquing didn't have a socket that would work for this hitch ball. I know it is expensive but I wanted everything done right.
I installed the hitch and set it up following the directions in the manual, and everything turned out perfectly. I think from start to finish it took the wife and I less than an hour and a half. Easy, and according to my measurements and a visual everything looked perfect. None of this is rocket science, and the installation is truly easy.
Well, time to try it out, and what great timing, we left Saturday morning in a 40 MPH headwind for 20 miles, and then another 25 miles with the wind quartering at us on a busy highway. This hitch worked flawlessly! I was tickled with the whole ordeal, and today coming back with no wind at all it wasn't much different than the day we had the wind. You know what wind means, right? WINDY IN ND. Yep, we get our share. This hitch served us very well, and I am extremely pleased with my purchase and the ease of installation and set up. I would order it again in a heartbeat.
My tow vehicle:
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with max trailer tow package. 6.2 L with 8 speed transmission.
My travel trailer:
2016 Jayco Octane SL, weighs in loaded at 6100 lbs with a hitch weight of 910 lbs.
Richard P.
6/4/2019
A whole year has gone by, and Im still extremely satisfied with my equalizer hitch. I hear the squeaks when I make my turns, I know people talk about this hitch being slightly noisy, but every time I hear it I smile. I know its back there, doing its thing, and it does it extremely well. I would buy this hitch again in a New York minute. I am very pleased. Did I say Im VERY pleased? Lol. Its that good.
Just received and put together my Equalizer hitch but not set up or used with our new travel trailer yet. The quality of the parts are amazing. I have used other weight equalizing hitches and have 5th wheel hitch systems. This system is heavy duty and a pleasure to put together. Etrailer did a great job on the website describing, illustrating and proving support to make my decision so easy. Thanks Etrailer. Going to pick up new travel trailer today with new hitch system.
Tony
9/6/2019
I am pulling a 34 foot travel trailer that weighs 7,280lbs. I am very comfortable and feel secure while towing with the equalizer hitch system. There is absolutely no sway even when tractor trailer pass by. I have used other sway control products and systems where I encountered sway and white knuckle rides. I highly recommend the Equalizer 4 point sway control system to anybody thinking about a new or replacing a current system.
I towed my camper over 250 miles with the equalizer hitch. Set up and install was very easy. Very little to no sway at all with passing semi trucks.
Raymond L.
9/30/2019
Purchased last year year best sway control Ive owned. Easy hook up and disconnected from camper. Highly recommend.
Fantastic piece of gear. Super heavy-duty. Made my truck and trailer ride so much smoother, brought the back end of my 3/4 ton truck back up to level, and completely eliminated the the swaying I would get from time to time with my dump trailer. Instruction manual that came with the kit was very detailed and well-written. One minor complaint: it would be nice if the ball came mounted to the hitch assembly because most of us don’t have a torque wrench that goes to 430 feet pounds. Beyond that, an excellent investment.
A little noisy but it works awesome and makes towing so much more comfortable. I have a custom trailer that is a little too tongue heavy. This hitch helped me get things leveled out and stable. The etrailer people were very helpful with recommendations for ways to mount the brackets on my trailer frame. No regrets here.
The Equalizer Wt Dist W Sway Con And Ball
10k Gtw, 1000 Tw. Was recommended for my application and works great. [Local retailer] in New York did the installation on my New 2017 Starcraft ultra light. The product has a clean look on the trailer. The Equalizer is a great product for tight turns and backing into parking slips. No need to remove sway controls, because its incorporated into the Patented Design. I've used other styles in the past but this is the product for me.
Thanks Etrailer for the on time shipping of the Equalizer.
Did you Equalize your trailer today!! etrailer.com
Ordered this product for the built in sway control. My last hitch required another device to achieve this, but I didn't care for the additional work when backing up or on wet surfaces.
The order shipped quickly and arrived intact in 2 separate packages. The smaller of the two, contained the hitch shank and main body. It's heavy, so it was expected that the box would have a hole. The other larger package was sealed and intact. All parts were present.
Setup was straightforward, documentation excellent. Particularly the places to annotate measurements. The manual was small but effective. The ball mounting requires a thin walled 1 7/8 socket. I didn't buy this, my RV dealer torqued my setup for nothing.
Very satisfied with this hitch thus far. Will update when I have had a chance to put it through the motion.
Great hitch system. Easy directions to mount and set up for my truck (F150) and Grand Design Imagine travel trailer. Hook up at camp site is much easier compared to my chain and bar system. New set up handles sway and is very stable when trucks and cars pass.
Just bought a new Travel Trailer, had been using a Reese Weight distribution set up with traditional sway bar. This system worked well but had the tractor trailers pushing me around and on windy days I had to reduce highway speeds dramatically. So, I chose to upgrade to the Equalizer for the new TT. I had the Professionals install it since it was raining but the videos and information on etrailer make me confident I could have done it with the correct tools. The Equalizer was fantastic on the 75 mile ride home in the rain with heavy Tractor Trailer traffic. Had little to no sway. Very pleased with my decision. This is a heavy duty system and is easy to hook up.
I ordered by calling etrailer because I had a question about shipping and delivery since I needed the new set up for delivery of my new TT. Lisa was more than helpful answering my questions and getting the hitch to me on time.
I strongly recommend The Equalizer and etrailer for your towing needs.
Not the first equalizer hitch I've owned. Relatively easy set up and pretty effective.
This weight distribution works great. It was easy to get it dialed in. It tows great.
Product arrived on time and in good condition, I ended up having to purchase another shank with maximum 6" drop. The description I found of the standard shank on your web site stated Maximum drop: 3" from top of hitch receiver opening. I interpreted this to mean the shank at it's lowest setting would allow the top of the ball to be 3-inches from the receiver height. Actually at the lowest adjustment the top of the ball is approximately even with the top of the receiver. Just spent another $116.95 which I was not counting on. The standard shank that comes with the package is non-returnable by itself
Fits: 2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers
Tongue weight: 600 lbs - 1,400 lbs
Overall length: 12"
Maximum rise: 7" from top of hitch receiver opening
Maximum drop: 3" from top of hitch receiver opening
Incremental adjustment: 1-1/4"
I ordered this to pull our camper, it came the very next day. It pulls the camper no problem doing 60mph. You do have to get a special socket for the ball, but asked my local RV dealer if they could tighten it for me and they did. I couldn't be happier with this system! You won't be sorry with this hitch system or the company!
I was quoted it would cost $900 for a local camping shop to put on the weight distribution hitch. I looked into eTrailer and found one much cheaper. It was delivered quickly and with free shipping. Through talking with them via email and watching the instructional video, I easily installed it myself in a couple hours.
The electric jack was also purchased through eTrailer and installed in 20 minutes.
I towed a 37" Grand Design from Brainerd Mn to Kansas City using my 2008 single cab F-250 without any problems.
Worked great
Anthony
8/21/2018
We still have it and it’s been working great. If I need anything else, I will definitely let you know. I had a very tight timeline and you guys made sure I received it before picking up the new trailer. Thanks again
Solid hitch, it should last longer then my RV. Started with recommended settings and only needed one more adjustment. Now with everything loaded and scaled I'm sitting level and have zero sway on the HWY.
After many hours of reading reviews and research on this weight distributing hitch I am very impressed with the quality of this hitch and the fact that is American made in the USA. I have a new 34' 2016 Tracer travel trailer which I will be using this hitch with. I have been using a easylift spring bar hitch with the brake pad type sway control. Never was that satisified with it. This equalizer is a very impressive hitch. The staff a e-trailer was very helpful in suggesting and recommending this hitch. I talked to a different sales person on 3 different calls and they all gave me great information. E-trailer has one of the most informative advertising and videos on the internet.They met a price match of another offer with no beating around the bush. I would highly recommend them and plan to use them in the future.Order was shipped on Friday and I received it the following Wednesday.Thank you E-trailer and staff...
Ray S.
1/15/2017
I am very pleased with the hitch and its operation. I dont miss the old chain style hook up.This is so much easier to connect to more important is its performance while towing. I highly recommend this hitch.
World of difference, my wife's truck is our tow pig (2500 yukon) and the nose barely rises even with 750+ lbs on the tongue (~1/2"-3/4"), but you can feel a huge difference with/without WD and sway control. Steering is significantly more positive and responsive due to more weight on the front axle and the trailer handles the wind much better. Excellent product that is easy to install WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE BALL. I recommend going to an RV place to get the ball put on the head (and I am a VERY handy guy) if you don't already have a massive torque wrench and the random thinwall socket. Not worth the hassle.
Mason
7/2/2021
A year into ownership, this thing is even better than I originally thought. I will never consider towing heavy of towing largewind affected trailers without this setup. This hitch makes what is a terrifying experience even at 45mph towing our 32+foot travel trailer in heavy winds trust me, Ive tried with a regular hitch setup into a stress-free experience up to 65mph in the same conditions. Awesome piece of kit no true tow rig should be without!
This hitch, after professional adjustment, tamed my trailer sway on our 27’ Coachman Freedom Express and leveled out our F150 as designed!
No white knuckle driving, highly recommend this hitch.
Easy mount and dismount of trailer on hitch and friction bars by following appropriate instructions.
From the first moment I called this was a wonderful experience. William B was the gentleman I got on the phone and he was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable about the product. He helped me order the right size hitch and it arrived in three days. I installed the hitch and while yes it’s noisy as other reviews say it is the best hitch I could’ve purchased. I own a 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 and am pulling a 20’ enclosed V nose trailer. I can do 70 with no problem or any seaway whatsoever. Thanks again Will.
This hitch was fairly easy to set up and the weight distribution was better than I expected. The product seems very strong and is built extremely well.
Great service and product thanks Adam
My wife and I installed the Equal-i-zer (10,000/1,000) without too much difficulty. The instructions are written in easy to understand steps. Measuring actual weight distribution was a long and iterative process, but was worth the effort to get a well balanced truck/trailer system. We started by loading our truck with the heavy stuff to closely match a typical camping trip. It took us several iterations of adjusting the bracket position and changing shank angle (changed from 6 washers to 4) to get distribution within specs. We also adjusted the hitch head height position on shank to level trailer. Our primary difficulty was loosening the socket bolts so sockets and spring bars could rotate. Instructions did not specify the 15/16" socket size needed to loosen bolts. We purchased the socket and used a 2' breaking bar which loosened bolts enough so bars could move to break the paint. We then tightened them back to specified >60ft-lb torque and greased as specified. It would be an improvement if manufacturer did this prior to shipping.
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Victoria B.
10/8/2019
The thin walled socket needed to install the hitch ball is available as a Related Item here at etrailer. Equal-i-zer offers such a socket as part # EQ70-00-4800. We have also found that the Powerbuilt 1-78 Inch Thin Walled Socket, part # ALL643216, works well with the Equal-i-zer system.
Helpful Links
Accessories-and-Parts/Equal~i~zer/EQ70-00-4800.html
Tools/Powerbuilt/ALL643216.html