Re: [A/S] Equalizer bars

["Jim Dunmyer" <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ray,
 The purpose of the weight equalizer bars is to transfer some of the hitch
weight onto the front wheels of the tow vehicle and the trailer's wheels,
while lifting the rear of the tow vehicle to some degree.

Ideally, the tow vehicle should "squat" evenly at all 4 corners. That is, if
you were to measure the corners before hitching up, then after (and after
setting the equalizer bars), the corners should go towards the ground an
equal amount. See http://www.can-am-rv.com for a good treatise on adjusting
your spring bars.

Now, because of this weight transfer, the entire rig is more "balanced" and
should handle better and tend to sway less. However:

If your tounge weight is too low (less than 12% of the trailer weight),
it'll still tend to sway. It's recommended that you use a "sway control",
which is nothing more than a friction brake to keep the trailer from
pivoting on the hitch quite so easily. Longer trailers (>25') often are
fitted with TWO sway controls, one on each side of the tounge.

Factors that make things worse are: light tow vehicle, heavy and long
trailer, improper tires and inflation pressures, and "stiffness" of tow
vehicle, especially in the rear suspension. Soft springs and spring bushings
that allow sideways movement of the rear axle will make it worse. Long ball
mount bars are bad, the ball should be as close to the receiver as possible.
I cut off the "stinger" on mine and drilled a new pin hole to get it closer.
A Non-level rig is bad, you should get that ball mount at the correct
height.

Arguably, the "best" hitch setups are either a Hensley or a Pull-Rite. Their
geometry is much different than a standard ball hitch, so they don't tend to
sway. However, if you pay attention to the tounge weight and your setup, you
should be fine. Again, read the treatise on Can-Am RV's site for details.

                                                                <<Jim>>