User Manual
Contents
1. O Line A m e B coupled no WD gt nsan C halfway back with WD l utm more A uncoupled See Weight Distribution Setup Table on p 16 Figure 19 18 www equalizerhitch com Over or under adjusted weight distribution decreases tow vehicle stability Under or Over Adjustment If the hitch is transferring too little or too much weight you must make adjustments to the hitch setup For changes during the initial setup we rec ommend adding or removing spacer washers first to try and keep the spring arms parallel with the trailer frame In our experience this can help reduce the amount of noise the hitch makes during slow tight turns It also gives you more adjustment options if needed later Once the maximum 8 or minimum 4 number of spacer washers has been reached further adjustments can be made by raising or lowering the L brackets Minor adjustments later for changes in loading can usually be done by moving only the L brackets NOTE The distance from the tow vehicle rear axle to the hitch ball significantly affects how the tow vehicle reacts to weight distribution adjustments The same washer or L bracket change will have varying results on different vehicles Under adjustment occurs when there is not enough weight being transferred to the front axles of the tow vehicle See Figure 20 Figure 20 You most likely need more weight2. cargo and horse trailers ONEStep tandem axie wheel chock Ip Trailer Breakaway Cable amp Switch The Fastway Zip breakaway cable s coiled design keeps your cable from dragging 30 www equalizerhitch com kil jack foot e No more wood blocks to stack or store e Adds 6 instantly e Puts itself away No pins to pull or insert No bending over or kneeling down Visit www FastwaytTrailer com A product of PROGRESS G INC THE ORIGINAL Equal i z n SVVAY CONTROL HITCH High Performance Lubricant Easy application tube lets you put just the right amount of lubricant right where you need it without making a mess Great for hitch ball and arm socket applications Replacement Pins amp Clips OEM replacement pins and clips come in a convenient clamshell package Keep an extra set on hand just in case Parts available include L pins Socket pins hitch pins and clips Visit www EqualizerHitch com Equal i zer and Fastway J are products of PRO G RE 99 533 S 500 W Provo UT 84601 800 478 5578 www progressmfg com All printed material copyright 2013 Progress Mfg Inc All rights reserved EQOM 0613 Instruction Manual Part BD015
3. distribution adjustment if your mea surements show that from the coupled without weight distribution measure ment the front wheel well measurement is STILL HIGHER THAN halfway back to the original uncoupled measurement See Line C on Front Wheel Well Measure Chart With an under adjusted setup your hitch is not giving back as much steering control as it could nor is it providing as much friction as it could to help reduce trailer sway A product of PROGRESS N To correct under adjustment you must add more weight distribution force to the hitch by adding spacer washers or raising the L brackets If this 1s the initial set up use the tongue jack to unload the spring arms Remove the spring arms from the hitch head Uncouple the trailer and pull tow vehicle forward Remove the hitch head and add a spacer washer Re peat step 5 and 6 to re adjust and check weight distribution If you have reached the maximum number of spacer washers or if ad justing temporarily due to a change in vehicle loading use the tongue jack to unload the spring arms Raise the L brackets 1 hole Move the spring arms back over the L brackets and retract the tongue jack Re measure the wheel wells and check for proper weight distribution Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the measurements show that the hitch 1s dis tributing weight well Over adjustment occurs when there 1s too much weight being transferred to the front axles of the tow vehicle See Figure 21 F
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5. spring arms up and onto the L brackets Use the L pins to secure the spring arms on the L brackets See Figures 16 17 Figure 16 Figure 17 With the spring arms resting on the L bracket and the trailer and tow vehicle in line with each other check to make sure that there is a minimum of 3 from the end of the spring arms to the center of the link plates See Figure 17 Move and re tighten the link plates 1f necessary Figure 17 A product of PROGRESS l NOTE Refer to Appendix B Weight Distribution Adjustments on page 27 for a more detailed description of factors that influence weight distribution setup and adjustment With the trailer coupled and weight distribution engaged re measure the front wheel well height exactly as done before in Step 1 Record this new measurement on Line C of the weight distribution setup table on page 16 Step 7 Weight Distribution Adjustments Weight distribution is only one of many things that influence sway The operator is responsible for making necessary adjustments to all contrib uting factors in order to minimize sway Good adjustment You have most likely achieved good weight distribution adjustment if your measurement on Line C of the weight distribution setup table shows that front wheel well measurement is at least halfway back to the original un coupled measurement See Line C on Weight Distribution Setup Table and Figure 19 below It should never be lower than
6. that a good setup for one vehicle combination will work well for another If you change tow vehicle and or trailer you should check the hitch setup for proper weight distribution and adjust it when necessary You must use your best judgment to determine if changes to the setup are required to ensure a safe and comfortable towing situation There is no all inclusive formula for setting up or adjusting a hitch that will accommo date each combination of trailer and tow vehicle possible The setup may need to be changed slightly at times to accommodate changes in your towing configuration perhaps even during the same trip For example a trailer that starts with full clean water and propane tanks may tow differently when that water becomes black and grey water and the propane tanks are empty Or a trailer loaded with gear for a long cross country trip may tow differently than the same trailer loaded for a weekend getaway The driver must be conscious of these changes and adjust the hitch accordingly 8 www equalizerhitch com Step 1 Set up Location While installing or adjusting the hitch the tow vehicle and trailer should be loaded just as they will be while traveling This includes full propane and fresh water tanks and any other cargo the tow vehicle passengers amp gear or trailer will carry including ATVs for toy haulers Tow vehicle auto lev el systems should also be disabled or turned off temporarily Park the trailer an
7. the trailer pitch again to see what difference has been made You may need to try several setups before you get one that shows good weight distribution and trailer pitch A product of PPRoGRESS Z Step 9 Final Tightening Do not tow your trailer until all bolts and nuts have been checked and properly tightened and all pins and clips are securely in place Towing with loose bolts for an extended period of time can cause abnor mal stress on the hitch resulting in accident severe injury and property damage After you have made proper adjustments to the hitch to give your setup good weight distribution and trailer pitch all bolts on the hitch must be tightened completely Use your tongue jack to lift the trailer and tow vehicle and disconnect the spring arms Lower the tongue jack and uncouple the trailer from the tow vehicle Pull the tow vehicle forward a few feet to give yourself work ing room to tighten the hitch bolts Remove the pins and clips from the spring arms and remove the spring arms from the hitch head Remove the hitch pin and clip Slide the hitch head and shank from the receiver turn the assembly upside down and place it back into the receiver tube Replace the hitch pin to secure it temporarily Use the torque wrench to tighten both 3 4 shank bolts to 320 Ft Ibs Use the adjustable wrench to snug the angle set bolt to the shank again if needed Do not over tighten the angle set bolt Double check the
8. your trailer We also recom mend that you do not tow a 2nd trailer under any circumstance e Trailer coupled pitch Pitch refers to the angle that the trailer is tipped to It is generally accepted that a trailer should be towed sit ting parallel to the ground or with the front coupler tipped slightly down The front tipped too far up or down may be an indication of improper trailer loading or a need to adjust the ball height or weight distribution settings Vehicle weight ratings Each trailer and tow vehicle has a maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR Never exceed these ratings The tow vehicle and towing equipment including receiver shank hitch and hitch ball all have maximum weight ratings for tongue weight and trailer weight Never exceed any of these ratings Check your trailer and tow vehicle axle weight ratings Never exceed trailer or tow vehicle axle weight ratings 28 www equalizerhitch com VVarranty Limited Lifetime Warranty Progress Mfg Inc warrants the Equal 1 zer hitch against latent defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service ordinary wear and tear is excepted from the first date of purchase at retail for the ownership life of the original purchaser If this product is latently defective it will be replaced or repaired when a proper return authorization 1s obtained and the product is returned with transporta tion charges prepaid to the Progress Mfg Inc manufacturing plant P
9. THE ORIGINAL Equal i z9 SWAY CONTROL HITCH OVVNER S MANUAL Premium Sway Control Performance MADE IN THE T E Do j pA Hitch Ball Not Included 90 00 0600 600 Ib max loaded tongue 6 000 Ib max loaded trailer weight 90 00 1000 1 000 Ib max loaded tongue 10 000 Ib max loaded trailer weight 90 00 1200 1 200 Ib max loaded tongue 12 000 Ib max loaded trailer weight C 90 00 1400 1 400 Ib max loaded tongue 14 000 Ib max loaded trailer weight Your model can be found on the stickers on either spring arm Make a note of it here for future reference DEALERS PLEASE PASS THIS MANUAL ON TO THE END USER AFTER HITCH INSTALLATION www EqualizerHitch com READ ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION Attention Hitch Owner REPLACEMENT A replacement copy of this manual may be downloaded from www EqualizerHitch com or by calling 1 800 478 5578 KEEP THIS MANUAL Keep this manual in a safe place as a reference for regular adjustment and maintenance FURTHER ASSISTANCE If you do not understand any part of this manual contact a qualified Equal i zer hitch dealer in your area or Progress Mfg Inc customer service at 1 800 478 5578 or by visiting www EqualizerHitch com Congratulations on your purchase of The Original Equal i zer Sway Control Hitch Thank You for your purchase and welcome to the Equal i zer hitch family We appreciate
10. all safety warnings setup use and main tenance instructions of your trailer tow vehicle and hitching equipment before installing your hitch or towing your trailer Never cut weld grind bend or modify hitch components in any way It is the drivers responsibility to adjust equipment and driving habits to match towing conditions The driver is responsible for their own safety and the safety of passengers Never exceed the specified weight ratings for the trailer tow vehicle hitch hitch ball or any other towing equipment No hitch setup guarantees that trailer sway will be altogether avoided Always load trailer correctly Follow trailer and tow vehicle manufac turers recommendations for placement and quantity of cargo Always tow with a minimum tongue weight of 10 of gross trailer weight Always use a hitch ball with a rating that equals or exceeds the trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR Always use a hitch ball size that correctly matches your trailer coupler size and make sure it is coupled securely before towing Measuring weight distribution setup well does not ensure safe towing The operator is responsible for making necessary adjustments to the hitch to optimize weight distribution and sway control Each trip is different and the weight distribution setup and towing performance should be evaluated by the operator and adjusted when necessary Never tow with your hitch adjusted incorrectly 6 www equalize
11. cket Assembly enough plates correctly Noise Noise is a normal occurance when towing a trailer and using any weight distribution or sway control hitch In some cases the friction on the L brackets or sockets also generates noise This most commonly occurs during slow tight turns where the tow vehicle and trailer are in a twist This noise is normal and should be ex pected It is an indication that there is friction on the L bracket and sockets Most of the noise will usually subside after a few uses as the hitch breaks in Trailer and tow vehicle loading may also influence hitch noise Lubricating the socket joint may help reduce this noise and is part of the required regular maintenance routine Lubricating the L bracket joint 1s optional A better solution is a set of official Equal i zer brand Sway Bracket Jackets They quiet the ride without the mess of using a lubricant 26 www equalizerhitch com Customer Service For customer service replacement parts and accessories we recommend that you visit your local dealership that is familiar with Equal i zer brand products whenever possible If at any time you need customer service and are unable to reach a dealership please call our toll free customer support line at 1 800 478 5578 or visit us online at www EqualizerHitch com Appendix B Weight Distribution Adjustments You should carefully consider the following items and their effects when setting up initially and whe
12. d tow vehicle on level ground and in line with each other Chock and uncouple the trailer Pull tow vehicle ahead about 5 feet to allow working area and set the parking brake Step 2 Install the Hitch Ball Never exceed the specified weight ratings for the trailer tow vehicle hitch hitch ball or any other towing equipment NOTICE Using a hitch ball with a shank longer than 2 3 8 may damage the Equal i zer hitch head and could void your warranty Install a properly sized hitch ball not included onto the hitch head Ball diameter must match trailer coupler size Select a ball with a 1 1 4 diameter threaded shank no longer than 2 3 8 Hitch balls with a longer shank may damage the hitch If your hitch ball has a smaller diameter shank you must use an appropriate bush ing Make sure that the ball has a weight rating equal to or greater than your trailer s gross vehicle weight rating GVWR Always use a lock washer against the nut unless otherwise specified by ball manufacturer Torque nut to ball manufacturer s specifications Hitch balls require a 1 7 8 socket and a torque wrench capable of approximately 430 Ft Ibs torque for installation Your nearest Equal i zer dealership will have the tools needed and will usually install the hitch ball for a reasonable fee A product of PROGRESS 2 Step 3 Attach Hitch Head to Shank Level the Trailer Measure to the ground at the FRONT and BACK of the trailer fram
13. e and adjust the trailer to be parallel to the ground both FRONT and BACK measurements should be the same With the trailer parallel to the ground measure from the ground to the top of the trailer coupler The hitch ball should initially be placed as close to this height as possible See Figure 1 Trailer Coupler Height Set hitch ball to this height Figure 1 Attach Head to Shank Insert the adjustable shank into the receiver on the tow vehicle and se cure it with hitch pin and clip Insert the spacer rivet with washers into the back of the hitch head to pre load the angle of the hitch head Start with 5 spacer washers for most setups If your actual tongue weight is higher than 90 of the hitch s max tongue weight rating 1 e TW gt 1 080 Ib on a 12K hitch you may want to start with 6 spacer washers Some setups with lighter tongue weights may only need 4 washers Slide the bolt channel around the shank and hold the hitch head so that the top of the hitch ball measures from the ground as closely as possible to the coupler height This is generally a step that requires two people 10 www equalizerhitch com Observe where the top slot 5 in the bolt channel aligns with the holes in the shank See Figures 2a 2b If you can see any part of the shank hole that is lower than the bolt channel slot drop the head down to align these holes for the initial setup See Figure 2a If you cannot see the lowe
14. er specialty shank Step 4 Sway Bracket Assembly Sway Bracket Location Measure from the center of the coupler along the trailer frame and place a mark at 32 on both sides This 1s the center mark for the sway bracket assembly Check around the trailer frame and make sure that there are no gas lines brake lines or electrical wiring that could be affected by the installation of the link plates If so make sure these are re routed or avoided and will not be disrupted or damaged by the link plate installation Placing the brackets at 32 back puts the least amount of stress on the trailer and hitch compo nents and provides the most comfortable ride Brackets should be placed at 32 whenever possible In some cases where there is an obstruction at 32 that cannot be easily moved like a battery rail or propane tank support the link plates may be moved forward toward the coupler to a minimum distance no closer than 27 from the coupler center See figure 6 l 32 optimum Forward to 27 acceptable in some cases Figure 6 www equalizerhitch com Do not use impact wrench to tighten link plate or L bracket bolts Assemble Link Plates Insert two 1 2 x 1 1 2 bolts through the outside link plate from the back side The head of the bolts should fit completely inside the pocket on the back Insert one 1 2 x 3 1 2 bolt through the single hole on the outside link plate and the single ho
15. h angle or attitude of the trailer Step back and look at the trailer to see if the front appears to be tipped up or down excessively Measure the FRONT and REAR of the trailer again at the same points you did when setting the trailer parallel to the ground in Step 1 Record these measurements on the Trailer Pitch Adjustment chart Find the difference between the highest and lowest heights Highest Measurement 22 lowesMeasuement 18 Difference between highest andlowest_ If the difference between the highest and lowest measurement is 1 1 4 or more you should try adjusting the hitch ball height If it is less than 1 1 4 different complete Step 9 and tow a short distance with this setup to see how it handles before making any adjustments If the higher measurement is the front of the trailer move the hitch head down 1 hole position on the shank If the ower measurement is the front of the trailer move the hitch head up 1 hole position on the shank Adjustments made to ball height affect how weight is distributed Mov ing it up slightly reduces the amount of weight distribution you get from a particular setup Moving it down slightly increases the weight distribution from that same setup After making an adjustment to the ball height return to Step 6 and check the weight distribution measurements again Re adjust the weight distribution if necessary until it falls within the instruction guidelines Re check
16. ight to the sides of the frame and hand tighten the nuts on the inside See Figure 12a Tightening only one nut without first pinching the link plates to the frame may cause the inside link plate to bend when torqued completely It may also give you a torque wrench reading that indicates the link plates are tight even though nuni they are not See Figure 125 S After both nuts are finger tight use a torque wrench to tighten all link plate bolts to 50 70 ft Ibs torque 2 Figure 12a Figure 12b 14 www equalizerhitch com L bracket Installation For the first setup slide the L brackets onto the link plate studs with the toe facing away from the trailer Leave 2 holes showing at the top above the studs and two below They may need to be adjusted up or down later to get good weight distribution Thread on the nylock nuts and tighten them See Figure 13 When weight distribution adjustment is complete these nuts should be torqued to between 65 75 ft lbs Bottom mounted coupler fig 8 Top mounted coupler fig 8 Figure 13 Step 5 Spring Arm Setup Never tow with loose socket bolts Tighten socket bolts to a minimum of 45 Ft lbs torque before each towing session Do not pound directly on the sockets to move them Pounding may cause the sockets to crack or chip Use o
17. igure 21 You most likely need less weight distribution adjustment if your measure ments show that from the coupled without weight distribution measurement the rear wheel well measurement is HIGHER than the original uncoupled measurement See Line C on Rear Wheel Well Measure Chart Over adjustment 1s a very dangerous situation where loss of control and jack knifing 1s possible especially in wet or slick road conditions To correct over adjustment you must take some of the weight distribution force out of the hitch by removing spacer washers or lowering the L brackets If this 1s the initial set up use the tongue Jack to unload the spring arms Remove the spring arms from the hitch head Uncouple the trailer and pull vehicle forward Remove the hitch head and remove a spacer washer Repeat Steps 5 and 6 to re adjust and check weight distribution If you have reached the minimum number of spacer washers or if ad justing temporarily due to a change in vehicle loading use the tongue jack to 20 www equalizerhitch com unload the spring arms Lower the L brackets 1 hole Move the spring arms back over the L brackets and retract the tongue jack Re measure the wheel wells and check for proper weight distribution Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the measurements show that the hitch 1s dis tributing weight well Step 8 Trailer Pitch Adjustment After achieving a good weight distribution setup you may need to adjust the pitc
18. le on the inside link plate The head of the bolt should fit into the pocket of the outside link plate Slide on a split washer and then thread on the 1 2 nut a few turns See Figure 7 Identify your coupler style See Figure 8 Figure 7 Top Mount Bottom Mount Figure 8 If your trailer has a top mounted coupler drop the link plates over the top of the frame and insert the bottom bolt through the hole closest to the bottom of the trailer frame Slide on a split washer then thread a 1 2 nut onto the bolt See Figure 9 Figure 9 If your trailer has a bottom mounted coupler is a V nose trailer or has some other obstacle that makes using the hitch difficult with the brackets mounted in the standard position install the link plates upside down on your frame Slide the assembly up from the bottom Hold the bolt up tight to the bottom of the frame and thread the top bolt through the link plate hole closest to the top of the trailer frame Slide on a split washer then thread a 1 2 nut onto the bolt See Figure 10 Figure 10 A product of Progress 15 Correct No Gaps Incorrect Gaps Between Frame and Bolt e Bottom mount coupler or V nose trailer Figure 1 There should not be much space between the trailer frame and the link plate bolts on the top or bottom of the frame Move electrical or propane lines if necessary See Figure 11 Pinch the link plates t
19. ler height Insert the shank bolts washers and nuts to attach the head to the shank Tighten the angle set bolt Step 4 Measure 32 from the coupler on the trailer frame The sway bracket centers should be installed between 27 32 on the trailer frame Determine what coupler style you have before installing the link plates Pinch the link plates tight to the frame and tighten bolts evenly Install the L brackets Step 5 Take initial measurements at the front axle for weight distribution Lift hitch bars onto the L bracket Retract tongue jack until the weight of the trailer rests on the tow vehicle Step 6 Check for good weight distribution and make needed adjustments Step 7 Check the trailer pitch and make adjustments Step 8 Check that all bolts and nuts have been properly tightened and that all pins and clips are securely in place Give Owner s Manual to customer 24 www equalizerhitch com Appendix A Troubleshooting Guide Possible Cause Suggested Correction Trailer Sway Not enough weight Follow under adjustment distribution guidelines to add spacer washers or raise L bracket Tongue weight too light 1 Weigh loaded trailer and tongue weight Tongue weight should be between 10 15 of Gross Trailer Weight Follow trailer mfg guidelines for tongue weight Reposition load in trailer as needed Remove cargo car riers or 2nd trailer from rear of trailer Incorrect Tire Pressure Check and fill tire
20. n adjusting your hitch before each trip Rear Axle to Hitch Ball Distance With the same washer or L bracket adjustment the hitch transfers more weight to the front axle if this distance 1s longer rather than shorter Vehicle Suspension Soft suspensions such as an SUV will react far ther and faster to weight distribution adjustments than stiff suspensions like a 3 4 ton pickup For a smoother ride some vehicle suspensions are designed to be very soft with the first few pounds of payload and to then stiffen as the load increases This means that initially the springs move a long way with very little weight applied then later move much less even with a significant change in applied weight e Trailer Axle to Coupler Distance Trailers with longer distances will try to force distributed weight forward to the tow vehicle before absorbing it into the trailer suspension Trailers with shorter distances absorb more of the distributed weight into their own suspensions Tongue weight To operate effectively your tongue weight should be at least 10 of the gross trailer weight This helps provide the sway resisting friction force on the L brackets and head sockets of the hitch that give it the ability to resist movement and thus to resist trailer sway e Trailer loading This 1s one of the most significant factors that influ ences trailer sway Most trailers are designed to have a tongue weight of between 10 and 15 of the overall trailer
21. nly the lever force of the spring arm to move tight sockets Loosen the socket bolt if required Re tighten them once the socket has been moved Insert spring arms into the sockets in the hitch head Arms for the 12K and 14K models are side specific They are notched slightly off center and should be inserted into the socket with the notch on the inside and with the label facing outward PROGRES 15 MFG INC A product of Insert the socket pin through the hole in the socket and spring arm and secure it with the socket pin clip You may need to use the spring arm as a lever to spread the sockets open which will allow the spring arms to be lifted and placed onto the L bracket more easily Step 6 Weight Distribution Setup Use the following guidelines to set up and adjust your Equal i zer hitch for weight distribution Good weight distribution is a critical component of the Equal i zer hitch setup A hitch that is set up poorly for weight distri bution will not perform like one that is set up well Every tow vehicle and trailer combination will react differently to weight distribution To correctly set up weight distribution you must take 3 sets of mea surements on your tow vehicle First measure without the trailer coupled Next measure with the trailer coupled but with no weight distribution Third measure coupled with the weight distribution bars tensioned Start by measuring the distance from the ground to the wheel
22. nuts holding the L brackets to make sure they are torqued to 70 Ft Ibs Check that all link plate bolts are tightened to 65 Ft Ibs Remove the hitch pin and return the head and shank to the upright posi tion Replace the spring arms and secure them with the socket pins and clips Couple the trailer again to the tow vehicle and put the spring arms back in place on the L brackets Secure each with an L pin You are now ready to take the trailer out for a tow Remember to con nect the safety brake cable safety chains and electrical cables Make sure your trailer brake control is correctly adjusted Retract the jack completely Tow carefully at first and pay attention to how it feels Follow the Trouble shooting Guide in Appendix A which suggests ways that can help improve your towing experience if needed D www equalizerhitch com Step 10 Regular Maintenance The friction surfaces of the head and sockets should be kept clean and well lubricated with a good quality lubricant They should be lubricated be fore each trip Check for damage or abnormal wear at the beginning of each towing day and replace if necessary Clean dirt and road grit from all friction surfaces regularly All nuts and bolts should be checked before each towing day and be tightened or replaced if necessary Pay special attention to the angle set bolt There is a break in period for each hitch and towing configuration This period is not the same for every towing c
23. onfiguration With use the spacer washers and rivet may compact slightly leaving a small gap between the angle set bolt and the shank The bolt should be checked carefully through the break in period and re tight ened as explained in Step 8 You will notice that over time the need to re tighten the angle set bolt will decrease but you should still check it regularly before each towing day as part of your hook up routine Store your hitch out of the weather when not in use Keep it clean and free from rust From time to time use a good quality rust inhibiting spray paint to touch up the finish and keep it looking good Do not paint over the warning stickers If the warning stickers become worn or unreadable con tact Progress Mfg Inc for free replacement A product of PROGRESS 23 IN Service Tech and Experienced Installer Check List Step Have your loaded tow vehicle and trailer on a level surface Step 2 Install the hitch ball If already installed check that the ball is in good condition and is tight on the head Step 3 Measure from the ground to the trailer coupler Insert the adjustable shank into the receiver and secure it with the hitch pin and clip Insert the spacer rivet with washers into the back of the hitch head to pre load the angle of the hitch head Slide the hitch head bolt channel around the shank and hold the hitch head so that the top of the hitch ball measures from the ground as close as possible to the coup
24. r hole in the shank raise the hitch head so that the top slot aligns with the shank hole slightly above it and use this hole for the initial setup See Figure 2b Figure 2b Bass In some cases shank may need to be turned 1 upward or a specialty length shank may be needed so that the ball can be placed at the correct height See Figure 3 Q 0 8 Figure 3 Insert a 3 4 shank bolt vvith a flat vvasher through the top slot in the bolt channel and shank hole to hold the head at the correct height Slide the flat washer split lock wash er then nut onto the other side of the bolt and finger tighten them Then repeat this process for the bottom shank bolt See Figure 4 Use a wrench to tighten the angle set bolt until it comes into contact with the shank and lifts the head to where the spacer rivet also comes into solid contact with the shank Tighten the angle set bolt an additional 1 2 turn The hitch head should be angled down slightly See Figure 5 Figure 5 A product of PROGRESS fal NOTE The shank bolts will be fully tightened at the end of the set up and adjustment process NOTE Extended bumper guards truck campers or rear mounted spare tires can limit turning radius and may lead to a collision between tow vehicle and trailer in a tight turn unless a longer shank is used If you are not able to turn tightly with the standard length shank consult with your dealer about purchasing a long
25. rhitch com Check all hardvvare before each trip Do not tovv your trailer until all bolts and nuts have been checked for vvear and fatigue are properly tightened and all pins and clips are securely in place Do not tow your trailer on rough roads Do not tow your trailer through profound ditches dips or svvales Excessive strain on the spring arms and hitch head may cause hitch fatigue or failure If your dealer installed your hitch make sure to verify that it is still ad justed correctly after loading your trailer and tow vehicle for your trip Replace worn faded or unreadable warning stickers on the spring arms and arm sockets Do not transfer hitch to a different tow vehicle or trailer without re adjusting the hitch for proper weight distribution Do not loosen or remove any part of the hitch while the hitch is under load Use the tongue jack to take the tension off the spring arms before removing L pins Always secure tow vehicle and trailer with parking brake and wheel chocks before setting up or adjusting hitch Important Hitch Information Weight Distribution Weight distribution is the ability of a hitch to transfer some of the tongue weight of the trailer from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the front axle of the tow vehicle and backward to the trailer axles Without weight distribu tion the tow vehicle teeter totters on the rear axle of the tow vehicle and unweights the front axle Proper weight dist
26. ribution transfers weight back to the front steering axle forcing it back to the ground A product of PROGRESS 7 Proper weight distribution also adds performance to the Integrated Sway Control feature of your Equal i zer hitch The Equal i zer hitch requires a minimum tongue weight of at least 10 of gross trailer weight This tongue weight gets distributed and helps generate the friction needed to reduce trailer sway Sway Control Integrated Sway Control is a built in patent pending feature of your Equal i zer hitch Once the spring arms are tensioned the sway control is in force Integrated Sway Control works through the connection between your spring arms and L brackets and between the sockets and hitch head The Equal i zer hitch takes advantage of the steel on steel friction generated at these points to help reduce trailer sway This added friction makes it much more difficult for the trailer to sway side to side while its being towed as sometimes happens when you encoun ter a gust of wind or passing semi When set up well and properly adjusted for your load the Equal zer can noticeably reduce sway Important Setup Information These instructions are a guideline to aid in setting up your hitch Every trailer and tow vehicle combination requires a different setup and adjust ment because of factors like trailer weight and length trailer loading hitch weight and tow vehicle geometry and suspension It is not likely
27. rogress Mfg Inc shall not be required to replace or repair any products damaged as a result of improper installation alteration unreasonable use or improper maintenance including without limitation loading the product beyond the factory rated load capacity This warranty does not include labor charges nor does it include transportation charges for returning the product to the con sumer To the extent allowed by law Progress Mfg Inc shall not be liable for any incidental consequential or any other damages including without limitation breach of any implied warranty merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose of any Equal i zer product In no event shall Progress Mfg Inc be liable for any damages other than the replacement or repair of the affected part Authorization and warranty procedure may be obtained by calling Progress Mfg Inc customer service at 1 800 478 5578 To register your hitch online visit www EqualizerHitch com NOTES IN A product of PROGRESS 29 More great towing products from Progress Mfg 284 4 Trailer Products m ON The Fastvvay ONEstep is convenient Y and easy to use Simply step down on the scissor arms to firmly lock your trailer in place and lean the cable against the tire To remove pull up on the cable and the chock slides right out Center pin design quickly adjusts the chock from 16 to 24 to fit most tandem axle trailers Great for travel trailers 5th wheels boats
28. s as needed to mfg recommendations Socket bolts loose Make sure socket bolts are tight ened to between 45 65 Ft Ibs torque Tow capacity exceeded 1 Make sure your tow vehicle is rated to tow your trailer s tongue weight and Gross Vehicle Weight If it s not DO NOT TOW Hitch Undersized Check to make sure your hitch rating meets of exceeds both your Gross Trailer Weight Rate ing and Max Tongue Weight If it does not DO NOT TOW Purchase an Equal i zer hitch with a higher rating Tow Vehicle Too Not enough weight dis Follow under adjustment High in Front tributed guidelines to add spacer washers or raise L bracket Front End Feels Not enough weight dis 1 Follow under adjustment Floaty tributed guidelines to add spacer washers or raise L bracket A product of PROGRESS 25 Trailer is Too Low Incorrect shank Consult your local Equal i zer or Too High in hitch dealer about using a spe Front cialty length shank Use Shank Selector Tool on www EqualizerHitch com to determine the correct shank for your setup Improper hitch ball Follow Step 8 Trailer Pitch height Adjustment section to change ball height Bent or broken L Link plates installed too Follow Step 4 and set center bracket L pin or far back from hitch ball of link plates between 29 32 Link Plate center from the center of the coupler Walking Sway 1 Link plates not tight Follow Step 4 to tighten link Bra
29. stall the hitch properly 1 1 8 Box end wrench Shank Bolts 1 1 8 Socket wrench Shank Bolts 3 4 Box end wrench Link Plates and L brackets 3 4 Socket wrench Link Plates and L brackets 5 8 Socket or box end wrench Angle Set Bolt Measuring tape Pencil Torque wrench capable of 320 Ft lbs of torque Shank Bolts Torque wrench capable of 75 Ft lbs of torque Sway Bracket Assembly Recommended tools for installing the Hitch Ball 1 7 8 Thin wall socket available from Progress Mfg Inc Torque Wrench capable of 430 Ft Ibs of torque or higher if hitch ball manufacturer specifies A product of PROGRESS poyeouqnj sooegmns 0012 euorjejod s Ioz 1 enb4 doo yil q rq 1o8uo 104 Sq 3J Sp xo1dde usn 3 oq 1920s d y 1exons BuiuJeM 1exoos ez uei lt 5 Go SS papnjou JOU 20 42 31 www equalizerhitch com ur02 q231q 12Zi enbo M AA 1161 10 8299 827 008 1 1e l BI sseuboud ile suononujsul 4011 eu jo Adoo e 104 ou 55 e 51 sJez i enb3 p ls l AVS SA sq 1uBISM xe 8 1 4 iamM enBuo xe 00 06 I pPON VSN 4HL NI 30VINA HOLIH TOYLNOD AVAS wae ging TVNISIYO AHL m o gt a JUHLI JO peou yoy e YIM uonoung jou T LA swe Sunds peog YouY INOA 10 pozis Ayjeoytoods ore swe s q sume Sutids 7 om surejuoo oSeoed 092 y
30. weight Always follow the trailer manufacturer s guidelines for tongue weight Trailers that A product of PROGRESS 21 N are back end heavy can often cause trailer sway Trailer loading changes tongue weight dramatically and loading can change dramati cally from one trip to the next or even during the course of a short weekend trip For example full water fresh tanks that are tongue weight when you leave can empty and become full waste tanks that subtract tongue weight for the return trip Shifting just 40 gallons of water from the front to the back of your trailer can change 330 Ibs of positive tongue weight to 330 lbs of negative tongue weight Rear load toy haulers are designed to have very heavy dry empty tongue weights so that when they are loaded with toys they become a more balanced load Front load toy haulers are exactly the opposite They have much lighter tongue weights without toys and then can get very heavy when toys are loaded You must be careful not to exceed receiver hitch and tow vehicle rear axle ratings when towing a front load toy hauler All toy haulers may require significant changes to weight distribu tion setups between towing loaded and towing unloaded Cargo carriers bike racks and second trailers attached to the rear bumper of a trailer add weight to the rear of the trailer that automati cally subtracts tongue weight We recommend that you do not add weight of any form to the rear bumper of
31. well direct ly above the front axle with the trailer uncoupled See Figure 14 Record this on Line A of the weight distribution setup table Measure from ground to fender through the center line of the axle Figure 14 Rear Front Weight Distribution Setup Table FRONT Example Towel roade for tip but sti uncoupied tom aier zs Tow veil coupled bur NO vanda l n Calculate height halfway between And B AWB z Tow vehicle coupled with weight distribution engaged 28 29 Should be at least halfway back to Line A Higher Good than this may still be under adiusted Lovver than Line A 200 is over adjusted See Figure 19 Need More 16 www equalizerhitch com Back the tow vehicle to the trailer and lower the coupler onto the ball Lock the coupler and retract the tongue jack until it raises off the ground about 1 so that the full tongue weight of the trailer is resting on the hitch Measure the tow vehicle height again exactly above the front axle to the same point that you measured to earlier when uncoupled Record this on Line B of the weight distribution setup table above With the tow vehicle still coupled to the trailer use the tongue jack to lift both vehicles until you can swing the spring arms into place over the L brackets See Figure 15 Figure 15 If you reach the top of the jack before the spring arms will swing into position you can use the Snap up Lever to lift the
32. your business and constantly strive to exceed your expectations Read this owner s manual thoroughly to become familiar with proper set up and maintenance procedures to ensure that your Equal i zer hitch will give you maximum performance and years of Service Happy Towing The Employees of Progress Mfg Inc PROGRESS p www equalizerhitch com Table of Contents Page Parts Breakdown sexo woo oR da bee BRB Od HG 4 Important Safety Information 6 Important Hitch Information 7 Step 1 Setup Location 39 xo oe wR ERE 9 me SR 9 Step 2 Install the Hitch Ball 9 Step 3 Attach Hitch Head to Shank 10 Step 4 Sway Bracket Assembly SetUp 12 Step 5 Spring Arm Setup 15 Step 6 Weight Distribution Setup 16 Step 7 Weight Distribution Adjustments 18 Step 8 Trailer Pitch Adjustments 21 Step 9 Final Tightening 22 Step 10 Regular Maintenance 29 eee lech C BOUE LIS ss s eke x EURO OX 9 E d 24 Appendix A Troubleshooting Guide 25 Customer ETY C a s 4 eee woe RR s l A REG E XA RS 7 Appendix B Weight Distribution Adjustments 27 s oco EUR UR UR E GIA eee eee eee eee eee 29 TOOLS NEEDED FOR INSTALLATION The following tools will allow you to in
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