How To Set A Weight Distribution Hitch

How to Setup a Weight Distributing Hitch

past Contributor

When a trailer is hitched to a tow vehicle, the tongue weight typically causes the rear of the tow vehicle to lower and the front to raise. The purpose of a weight distributing hitch is to remove excessive weight from the tow vehicle's rear axle and distribute it to the front wheels and the trailer wheels.

Here's how to set this type of system up properly to ensure a safe towing feel.

Footstep 1

The get-go footstep is to take some simple measurements. This will help the states during the adjustment steps. First past lining upwards the tow vehicle and trailer on level footing, in a directly alee position, with the trailer uncoupled. Measure and write down the uncoupled height at the front end and rear bike openings to the ground, and the level trailer coupler height (come across image).

Step 2

Fix the unloaded ball meridian on the tow vehicle hitch caput about 1/2" to i" lower than the trailer coupler measurement from Step 1. This tin be accomplished by moving the hitch head upwardly or down in the holes of the hitch shank. It may exist necessary to flip the shank over to achieve the correct summit (come across image). The exact amount will depend on how strong the interruption of your tow vehicle is.

Pace 3

Side by side, lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball and close coupler latch. Using the tongue jack, raise the trailer coupler and the rear of the tow vehicle 3" at the ball.

Pace iv

Insert the spring confined into hitch head sockets. With the lift unit (come across paradigm) in the raised position, pull straight upward firmly on spring bar chain. Notation which link is closest to chain hook. Countdown 2 links and that link will exist used for hook up.

Stride five

Attach the upper end of the chain link to lift unit hook, while allowing remaining free links to fall downwardly to the outside of the trailer frame (see epitome). Swing the elevator unit into position by pushing upwardly on the lift unit hook with the elevator handle. Ensure there are at least 6 links betwixt the lift unit of measurement and the bound bar. This is necessary for proper operation of the spring bars during turns.

Stride half dozen

If there are less than 6 links betwixt the lift unit and spring bar, the angle of the head assembly (the shank and the head) must exist increased. To achieve this, the trailer must be uncoupled and the upper commodities removed from the head assembly. Pivot the head assembly downwards and add together a washer underneath the spacer pin, located in the aqueduct between the head unit and the shank (see prototype). Reinstall the upper head assembly bolt simply don't tighten it withal. Tighten the angle fix commodities to 50 lb. ft. Now tighten the upper caput associates bolt to 250 lb. ft.

Step 7

Follow Steps 3, 4, and 5 again, checking to make sure there are at least 6 links betwixt the lift unit and the leap bar. Follow Stride six once again if you still cannot obtain the six links necessary and repeat this step again. Otherwise, continue to Step 8.

Step 8

If everything is set up correctly, the tow vehicle volition settle downwardly evenly, front and rear. Compare the coupled height measurements at the forepart and rear wheel openings to the basis with the measurements taken during Step 1. If front settles lower than rear, increase the number of chain links between elevator unit of measurement and spring bar. If rear settles excessively lower than front, decrease the number of chain links betwixt lift unit and jump bars. You should be able to go within 1/2 inch both front and rear. Ensure there are ever at least six links betwixt the lift unit and the spring bar.

Once you have obtained the optimum adjustments, check the post-obit: the pin and clip securing the shank to receiver, the head to shank fasteners, ball nut, coupler latch, lift unit bolts, safety chains, lights and turn signals, and braking arrangement, including breakaway switch if equipped. Test bulldoze the combination. Try to get a feel for how the load feels during normal acceleration, cornering, and braking. It should feel stable under these conditions, with no abnormal billowy or vague steering feel. If not, see the tips below for some suggestions.

Tips

• Notation: For vehicles with air springs, air shocks, or automatic leveling systems, check the vehicle owner's manual. Level the vehicle with the vehicle loaded as it will exist when towing. Deactivate load leveling system before coupling trailer and adjusting jump confined.
• Remove hitch head from towing vehicle receiver when not towing. This will prevent contamination of head pockets, reduce gamble of hit hitch head on driveway ramps or other objects, and minimize damage in event of a rear-end collision.
• If the steering feels light or less responsive during towing, ensure that the rear of the tow vehicle is no more 1" beneath the coupled height of the forepart as measured in step 8. Re-arrange the hitch to obtain the appropriate measurements.
• Information technology may not be possible to go the tow vehicle and trailer perfectly level with respect to each other. If non, favor the front of the trailer to be slightly lower. This will add some tongue weight and provide more clearance at the dorsum of the trailer.
• Before y'all hitch upward, place a trivial chip of heavy grease in the spring bar pockets and on the hitch ball. This volition help forbid excessive wear and rusting of these components.
• Always brand sure both the tow vehicle and trailer tires are properly inflated earlier towing.

Things You'll Demand

• Tape measure
• Newspaper and pencil
• 1/2" torque wrench
• 1 1/iv" 1/2" drive socket
• iii/four" i/2" drive socket
• 1 1/4" box wrench
• 3/4" box wrench
• A level area for tow vehicle and trailer

Warnings

• Caution: Failure to connect the spring bar chain correctly and provide at least 6 links betwixt lift unit of measurement and spring bar tin can result in damage to the lift unit.
• COUPLED BALL HEIGHT SHOULD NEVER BE GREATER THAN UNCOUPLED BALL Pinnacle. Forepart wheel overload and loss of rear wheel traction can result. This tin lead to unstable handling, reduced braking ability, and a tendency to "jackknife" when turning. This may event in vehicle accident, belongings damage and personal injury.
• Never exceed the tow vehicles load chapters or tow ratings. Excessive drive train wear and/or loss of control may result.

Writer Bio

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