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Old 07-08-2014, 07:41 AM   #1
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Equlizer Hitch - Starting to losen up

Hi,
I posted here last week with a problem I was having with the ball on an Equlizer Hitch becoming loose. Thanks to you all I was able to get it fixed in time to go camping for the 4th.

After coming back from that camping trip, I noticed some 'play' in another part of my hitch (1000/10000 Equlizer). This is the 4th time I've used the hitch. Each trip being about 3 hours away.
Please see attached photo. It shows an area of the hitch that is loosening up.
My general question: is it normal for most parts of a hitch to loosen and need to be tightened up?

A more specific question, should I tighten the nuts in the photo with an impact wrench or should it just be with a regular open ended wrench?

Last question: Regarding the parts on the hitch where the sway bars attach to. How much play should there be in those areas? About the amount where I can put in the sway bar and move it back and forth by hand having to use a decent amount of force?

Thanks,
mike
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File Type: jpg hitch.jpg (156.4 KB, 4 views)
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Old 07-08-2014, 07:51 AM   #2
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All hitches have a significant degree of force exerted on them as you tow. Especially when new, the torque of these bolts should be checked after the first several trips. They should be tightened with a torque wrench to appropriate specification. A heavy duty impact could over tighten them or leave them too loose. Unless you have a built in torque meter in your arm, I suggest a proper torque wrench and socket. I'll try to find the torque specs on that. We used to have one of those hitches.

I looked it up, they are to be tightened to 320 ft/lbs or torque. Interesting that I don't even have a torque wrench with that setting, so you need to find a mechanic / trailer shop for this.

Also, check the angle set bolt below the head first (it may be loose).

Here's the link for the manual.

http://www.equalizerhitch.com/pdf/eq...anual_0111.pdf

Second, if you are talking about where the WD square bars go into the receiver end (truck side under the ball) of the Equalizer hitch, you should be able to move them back and forth (swing them in and out) with a reasonable amount of force. They shouldn't swing freely. If they are too loose, tighten them up to this point. You shouldn't have to put all your weight into it to move the bars from side to side but there should be some resistance.
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Old 07-08-2014, 07:52 AM   #3
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Loosen those 2 nuts a bit ( obviously they already are) and tighten the one (5/8ths I think) under the hitch...you will see it . That one will tighten the hitch to the washers. NOW tighten the crap out of the 2 you are pointing to. I use a pipe as an extention to my wrench to make it tight.
The 2 that you put the bars into should be tight enough that you need the bars in to move them . should take a bit of strength to do it . Put a dab of grease on those points you see paint worn off on the pivots.and you are good to go.
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Old 07-08-2014, 08:22 AM   #4
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Those nuts should be at 300 Ft/lbs. If there is to much play between the shank and head they sell shims to fill in the gap. You need to forget about the impact wrench and get yourself a torque wrench. Harbor Freight has them at a reasonable cost.
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Old 07-08-2014, 09:07 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harley View Post
Loosen those 2 nuts a bit ( obviously they already are) and tighten the one (5/8ths I think) under the hitch...you will see it . That one will tighten the hitch to the washers. NOW tighten the crap out of the 2 you are pointing to. I use a pipe as an extention to my wrench to make it tight.
The 2 that you put the bars into should be tight enough that you need the bars in to move them . should take a bit of strength to do it . Put a dab of grease on those points you see paint worn off on the pivots.and you are good to go.
Yes the angle set bolt is a 5/8" bolt. That means the wrench required to tighten it is 15/16". I see the Equalizer manual states not to over tighten the angle set bolt. I have an E2 hitch, which is essentially the same as an Equalizer and the E2 manual say to tighten the angle set bolt to solid contact plus 1/4 turn.
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