Can a Trailer with an Equalizer Weight Distribution System Be Backed Up with Spring Bars Installed

Question

Question:

I have a traditional WD system with dual friction sway control bars. I was told to always disconnect or loosen those bars before backing up or damage to the WD head would result. This can be a real hassle for backing up even the slightest at, say a gas station. Can I back up with the Equalizer system fully connected?

asked by: Tom Z

0

Expert Reply:

The Equalizer Weight Distribution system part # EQ37120ET does allow you to back up without having to disconnect anything. As long as you aren't jackknifing the trailer this system can be backed up without any issues.

If you did need to make some tight turns while backing you would need to disconnect the spring bars.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

K

8/11/2020

Is there an equalizer hitch thst can be left on while backing up without fear of jackkniffing out of inexperience back up a trailer?

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Jon G.

8/25/2020

A weight distribution system wouldn't be what causes you to jackknife. Since these do help to keep your trailer in-line and leveled out you would need to disconnect the bars of any weight distribution system if you need to take some hard turns while backing up otherwise the bars could slip out of/off of the brackets they are installed on. For someone inexperienced with towing a trailer I'd try to find a nice wide-open parking lot and practice different maneuvers to get familiar with the movement of the trailer and tow vehicle.

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K

8/25/2020

@JonG okay, its just that I read some equalizer hitches you can back up with and others you cant?

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Jon G.

9/1/2020

I think you are referring to sway control systems. The older style friction sway control systems like part # 17200 HAVE to be disconnected when backing up. The vast majority of the newer styles are okay if you back up with them still engaged. I honestly don't know of any of the newer styles that keeps you from backing up. With that being said, if you are going to be making some tight turns then you will want to disengage the bars on your weight distribution system. The bars aren't long enough for most really tight turns and so that could potentially cause the arms to fall off of the brackets or bind. Usually you'll only make this kind of turn at the campground though so you'll be disengaging the weight distribution system about that time anyways.

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Answer 1

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

Some weight distribution system prohibit reversing because doing so could damage the system. If you are backing up in a straight line though it would be fine. But to make turns while backing up you would need to disengage the spring bars and/or the…

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Answer 4

The Sway Bracket Jackets for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems part #EQ95-01-5150 are compatible with the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control part #FA94-00-1000. They will slightly diminish the sway control feature because…

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Answer 5

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch #EQ37060ET you were looking at allows backing up while it is still attached along with tight turns, so this hitch will work perfectly for city driving. To make sure this is the correct hitch for you, you will…

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Answer 6

Hey there Layla! There are a few different forms of weight distribution hitches, but the majority of the systems that have sway control use friction bars, which work similar to brake pads on your vehicle. This works really well, but it can sometimes…

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Answer 7

Hello John, thanks for reaching out. We do carry parts for the Equalizer weight distribution hitches, and we actually have exactly the part you are looking for. What you will need is the Inner Link Plate #EQ90-02-5210 and outer link plate…

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Answer 8

Between the two kits you mentioned the Equal-i-zer part #EQ37120ET is the best choice. This is the highest quality option out there for a weight distribution system and is what Curt tried to emulate with their TruTrack part #C17501. The Curt kit is…

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Answer 9

I recommend selecting one of our Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitches. Equal-i-zer has earned the reputation of being one of the best systems available with their excellent quality and durability to last. You will need to select one of the hitch…

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Answer 10

I know exactly what you mean. Yes, you can flip the shank in weight distribution system #49570 upside down in order to get more of a rise. In this position the maximum rise is 6 inches measured from the top of the hitch receiver opening to the top of…

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Answer 11

When it comes to choosing between the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control #C17499 and the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control #EQ37100ET you'll want to take a couple of things into consideration: 1.…

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Answer 12

Good morning Hurley (cool name by the way. I like the clothing brand Hurley). Also, congrats on the new-to-you Chevy! That is an excellent question that comes up from time to time on various vehicles and weight distribution systems. So on your 2023…

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Can a Trailer with an Equalizer Weight Distribution System Be Backed Up with Spring Bars Installed

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