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

Updated 09/01/2020 | Published 05/08/2016

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

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

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?

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.

8/25/2020

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

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.