How to Set Up an Equalizer Hitch for a Travel Trailer

Equalizer hitches are used to add stability when you are pulling a trailer with your truck. Equalizer hitches are designed to reduce trailer sway and help prevent trailers from "fish tailing" -- a term used to describe when a trailer begins to sway from side to side behind the vehicle that is pulling it. Fish tailing can be a result of a combination of weather conditions, road conditions and speed. Travel trailers are especially prone to swaying due to their large, flat sides, and installing a hitch equalizer may reduce sway and make the vehicle safer.

Instructions

1

Load truck and trailer in the same method you would use if you were preparing to take a trip with them. Propane and water tanks should be full. Weight affects the way the equalizer hitch will work on your vehicle. Park truck and trailer on flat, level ground then unhook truck from trailer. Move truck several feet ahead to make it easier to access and work on hitch equipment.

2

Install the adjustable shank that came with your equalizer hitch system into the hitch receiver on your truck. Place the spacer rivet into the hitch head with four or five spacer washers, depending on the length of your vehicle's wheelbase (use more washers for longer wheelbases). Align the bolt channel with the hitch coupler. Line up the bolt channel with the hitch shank and then bolt it into place.

3

Assemble sway brackets by placing them against the coupler on the outside of your trailer frame. Bolt link plates on either side of the trailer frame then secure sway brackets into link plates by bolting them into place. Bolts should be tight and there should be no space between the bottom bolt and the trailer frame.

4

Attach the spring arms onto the designated sockets located on the hitch. Attach the truck to the trailer, then attach the spring arms to the sway brackets that you just installed. You will have to use the trailer jack to lift the truck and trailer slightly up into the air in order to attach the swing arms. Once the swing arm is in place, you can lower the vehicles back down.