Ever felt like your trailer has a mind of its own on the highway? That wobbly, uncertain feeling can turn a fun road trip into a stressful experience. It’s a common problem for anyone towing a trailer, and it often comes down to how well your hitch is set up.
Choosing the right hitch can be confusing. You want something that keeps your trailer straight and makes towing safe and easy. But with so many different types and brands, it’s hard to know which one is best for you. This is where the Equalizer Hitch comes in, and understanding it can make a huge difference.
In this post, we’ll break down what an Equalizer Hitch is and why it’s a game-changer for towing. We’ll show you how it works and what to look for when picking one out. By the end, you’ll feel confident about choosing the right hitch to make your towing adventures smooth and secure.
Top Equalizer Hitch Recommendations
- Our Integrated 4 Point Sway Control provides the highest level of resistance to your trailer's attempts to sway. There is no other hitch on the market that offers as much sway control as the Equal-i-zer.
- The Equal-i-zer hitch's weight distributing design effectively transfers trailer tongue weight to all the axles and helps keep the front of the tow vehicle firmly on the road.
- The Equal-i-zer hitch gives you a safer ride by providing both sway control and weight distribution. This provides better steering, braking, and sway control, which help eliminate stressful driving situations and work to keep your family and your investment safe on the road.
- The Equal-i-zer hitch is engineered to work with virtually all bumper-pull trailers, including RV, horse, cargo, boat, and utility trailers, including trailers with surge brakes.
- Maximum gross towing weight: 10,000 lbs.Ball size: 2-5/16" (Not included).Sway control bracket positioning: 27" - 32" back from center of coupler.Spring-bar dimensions: 36" long x 1-3/8" wide.Shank length: 12".Maximum trailer frame height: 6" | Maximum rise: 7" from top of hitch receiver opening | Maximum drop: 3" from top of hitch receiver opening
- Our Integrated 4 Point Sway Control provides the highest level of resistance to your trailer's attempts to sway. There is no other hitch on the market that offers as much sway control as the Equal-i-zer
- The Equal-i-zer hitch’s weight distributing design effectively transfers trailer tongue weight to all the axles and helps keep the front of the tow vehicle firmly on the road
- The Equal-i-zer hitch gives you a safer ride by providing both sway control and weight distribution. This provides better steering, braking, and sway control, which help eliminate stressful driving situations and work to keep your family and your investment safe on the road
- The Equal-i-zer hitch is engineered to work with virtually all bumper-pull trailers, including RV, horse, cargo, boat, and utility trailers, including trailers with surge brakes
- Equal-i-zer shanks are available in a variety of sizes which provides a custom fit for virtually every receiver height .Sway control bracket positioning- 27 - 32 Inch back from center of coupler
- At Fastway, we focus on making sure our gear saves you time and effort and is strong and dependable.
- Our innovative trailer accessories have been featured in Popular Mechanics and have won national awards.
- Spend more time making memories and less time hooking up and setting up your trailer with Fastway RV products.
- Our products are built-to-last combining strength with revolutionary engineering. The result: a faster and easier way to get each job done- no matter what the task.
- Powerful Towing: This weight distribution hitch includes a 2-5/16 inch (58.5 mm) hitch ball rated for 1400 lbs tongue weight and up to 14,000 lbs GTW. It pairs with many tow vehicles and trailers—RVs, boat trailers, horse and cargo trailers
- Stable 4-Point Sway Control: The built-in four-point system uses friction to counter side-to-side sway for a steadier ride. Our weight-distributing hitch also works with many surge/brake actuators and V-nose trailers that some hitches can’t handle
- Optimized Weight Distribution: The weight distributing hitches kit redistributes tongue weight across the tow vehicle and trailer to level the rig. This balance can improve steering and braking and make highway and back-road towing feel more controlled
- Strong & Durable Build: A solid carbon-steel head and chrome-plated ball of the load leveling hitch resist bending and corrosion. The straight-bar layout helps reduce wear on spring bars and brackets for dependable performance in harsh conditions
- Easy Install & Adjust: A standard 2 inch (50.8 mm) shank fits most 2 inch receivers. The included pry bar helps seat the spring bars quickly. Multiple shank holes let you fine-tune rise or drop to match different vehicle heights
- Fit Type: Universal
- Part number: 90-00-1201
- Package Weight: 39.961 kilograms
- Package Dimensions: 24.13 H x 96.52 L x 31.75 W (centimeters)
- Levels tow vehicle and trailer by redistributing a portion of the tongue weight
- Includes sway control kit #17200 to help reduce trailer sway
- Grease zerk fitting provides easy, continuous lubrication
- Grease must be applied to the zerk in order to lubricate
- Equipped with round, forged steel spring bars for reliable strength
- Spend more time making memories and less time hooking up and setting up your trailer with Fastway RV products.
- At Fastway, we focus on making sure our gear saves you time and effort and is strong and dependable.
- The Equal-i-zer hitch gives you a safer ride by providing both sway control and weight distribution. This provides better steering, braking, and sway control, which help eliminate stressful driving situations and work to keep your family and your investment safe on the road.
- Our products are built-to-last combining strength with revolutionary engineering. The result: a faster and easier way to get each job done- no matter what the task.
- Maximum gross towing weight: 16,000 lbs
- Enhanced Structural Integrity: Forged from high-tensile alloy steel, offering superior deformation resistance. The design ensures structural integrity even in harsh conditions, preventing metal fatigue and fractures. It guarantees all-weather security for long-distance towing, snow-resistant, wind-resistant, and heavy-duty usage.
- Four-Way Dynamic Stability System: Neutralizes inertia forces from all directions through reverse action, keeping the towing system dynamically balanced. This effectively reduces lateral displacement during towing, eliminating swaying, and enhancing stability in turns and lane changes. Reversing and steering become more agile, ensuring precise control in challenging road conditions.
- Weight Distribution System: Redistributes the towing load across the vehicle’s front and rear axles and the trailer axle, reducing pressure on the bumper. This optimizes the vehicle’s weight balance, significantly improving towing stability and braking response.
- Dual Protection System: The flat plate design optimizes the structure, greatly reducing friction between components. Combined with a double-layer electroplating process, it forms a rust-resistant barrier that withstands environmental corrosion, greatly extending the lifespan of the product.
- Easy Installation: Equipped with an adaptive leveling system for quick height calibration and load balancing. The tilt-head design allows real-time fine adjustments without disassembly, ensuring effortless multi-height adaptability.
Your Complete Guide to Choosing an Equalizer Hitch
So, you’re ready to tow a trailer, camper, or some other heavy load? That’s exciting! But before you hit the road, let’s talk about making your towing experience smooth and safe. An equalizer hitch is a fantastic tool for this. It helps your tow vehicle and trailer stay level and stable. This guide will help you pick the right one.
What is an Equalizer Hitch?
An equalizer hitch is a special type of trailer hitch. It connects your tow vehicle to your trailer. It uses spring bars to distribute the weight of the trailer evenly between the tow vehicle’s front and rear axles. This prevents the trailer from sagging the back of your tow vehicle. It also helps control sway, which is when the trailer wiggles back and forth.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an equalizer hitch, keep these important features in mind:
- Weight Capacity: This is super important. The hitch must be rated for the total weight of your trailer and its contents (Gross Trailer Weight or GTW) and the tongue weight (the weight pressing down on the hitch ball). Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for both your tow vehicle and your trailer.
- Drop/Rise Adjustment: Many hitches let you adjust how high or low the ball mount sits. This helps you get your trailer perfectly level with your tow vehicle.
- Spring Bar Tension: Look for hitches that allow you to adjust the tension on the spring bars. This lets you fine-tune the weight distribution for your specific setup.
- Durability and Construction: You want a hitch that’s built to last.
Important Materials
Most equalizer hitches use strong materials to handle heavy loads.
- Steel: High-quality steel is the backbone of a good equalizer hitch. It provides strength and durability. Look for powder-coated finishes to prevent rust.
- Forged Components: Forged steel parts are stronger than cast parts. They can withstand more stress and pressure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make an equalizer hitch better or not so good.
What Makes a Hitch Better:
- Solid Construction: A well-built hitch feels sturdy and robust.
- Smooth Operation: The spring bars should move easily but securely.
- Good Finish: A durable powder coat or other protective finish prevents rust and looks good.
- Clear Instructions: Easy-to-understand instructions make installation and adjustment simpler.
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Flimsy Materials: Thin or weak metal can bend or break under pressure.
- Poor Welds: Bad welds are a sign of weak construction.
- Rust Prone Finishes: A cheap paint job won’t protect the metal from the elements.
- Difficult Adjustments: If it’s hard to tighten or loosen the spring bars, it’s a hassle to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
People use equalizer hitches for many reasons.
- Camping: Towing RVs and travel trailers is a common use. It makes the ride smoother and safer.
- Hauling Boats: Boat trailers can be heavy and have a lot of tongue weight. An equalizer hitch helps a lot here.
- Transporting Equipment: If you haul enclosed trailers full of tools, equipment, or even classic cars, this hitch is a lifesaver.
- Everyday Towing: Even if you’re not going on a long trip, if you tow often, an equalizer hitch improves your daily driving experience.
A good equalizer hitch makes towing feel more controlled. It reduces bouncing and swaying. This means you can relax more on your journey. It also protects your tow vehicle from unnecessary stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the most important thing to consider when buying an equalizer hitch?
A1: The most important thing is the weight capacity. Make sure it matches your trailer’s weight and tongue weight.
Q2: How do I know what weight capacity I need?
A2: Check your trailer’s sticker for its Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and tongue weight. Also, check your tow vehicle’s manual for its towing limits.
Q3: Can any equalizer hitch work with any trailer?
A3: No, you need to match the hitch’s weight capacity to your trailer’s weight. Some hitches are designed for specific types of trailers or towing setups.
Q4: How do I install an equalizer hitch?
A4: Installation involves mounting the hitch head to your tow vehicle’s receiver and attaching the spring bars to the trailer frame. It’s often best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully or have a professional do it.
Q5: Do I need special tools to install an equalizer hitch?
A5: You’ll likely need basic tools like wrenches and sockets. Some installations might require a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the correct specifications.
Q6: How often should I check my equalizer hitch?
A6: You should inspect it before every trip. Check for loose bolts, worn parts, and proper tension on the spring bars.
Q7: Will an equalizer hitch make my trailer sway less?
A7: Yes, an equalizer hitch helps reduce trailer sway by distributing weight and keeping both the vehicle and trailer more stable.
Q8: What’s the difference between an equalizer hitch and a weight distribution hitch?
A8: An equalizer hitch is a type of weight distribution hitch. The terms are often used interchangeably.
Q9: Can I use an equalizer hitch in the rain or snow?
A9: Yes, equalizer hitches are designed to work in various weather conditions, but always drive cautiously.
Q10: Where can I buy an equalizer hitch?
A10: You can find equalizer hitches at RV supply stores, auto parts stores, online retailers, and dealerships.