Can a Reducer Bushing Be Used on 10,000 Pound Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch

Published 12/30/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(864)

$679.86

Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Ball Set - 3 Balls - 1" Shank - Stainless

(343)

$121.32

Equal-i-zer Wt Distribution Shank - 12" - 13" Rise, 9" Drop - 600 to 1,400 lbs TW

(510)

$207.60

2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs

(226)

$33.05

Question:

Could the 1inch shank interchangeable ball set and a reducer sleeve be used in the 1 1/4inch hole of an equalizer hitch? Are these balls ok to use on a distribution hitch? I have been using the 10000 lb equalizer on a car hauler 7000 lb gross with a 2inch ball and just bought a Jayco X23b 5000 lb gross with a 2 5/16inch coupler. I would prefer not to have to swap the full ball out every time I switch trailers. Also, could I use the smaller 600# bars in my hitch when towing the lighter trailer, or would the loose fit cause a functional problem for the hitch? Tow vehicle is a 2007 Chevy Tahoe 5.3L 4x4

asked by: Sonny W

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Equal-I-zer about using a reducer bushing on the Equal-I-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET. He said that he would not recommend using a reducer bushing with a hitch ball on this system. Using a hitch ball with the correct size shank diameter is the best option.

Equal-I-zer offers a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball that will work great with your 10,000 pound system, # EQ91-00-6100. I have also attached a link to all of our 1-1/4 inch shank diameter hitch balls.

The Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Ball Set # 902B is okay to be used with a weight distribution system, however since the shank is only 1 inch diameter it is not ideal for your Equal-I-zer system.

Lighter bars are not necessary to use this system with your new travel trailer. My contact confirmed that the 10,000 pound system # EQ97100ET will work well with your 5,000 pound trailer. They have not had any issues with this system being used on trailers similar to your new trailer. You may notice a slightly stiffer ride with your newer trailer than the 7,000 pound trailer while using the 10,000 pound weight distribution system.

If the hitch height of the trailers is different, you can change the shank for the weight distribution system to compensate for the height difference. I have attached a link to all of the Equal-I-zer weight distribution shanks that will work for your system and that fit a 2 inch receiver for you. The largest rise/drop is 13 inch rise or 9 inch drop offered by the # EQ90-02-4400 shank.