How to Setup a Weight Distributing Hitch
When you tow a trailer with a vehicle, the weight on the rear of that vehicle increases. Moreover, the front of the towing vehicle rises up because of the weight of the trailer at the back. In order to keep a balance between the front and rear of the towing vehicle, you have to distribute it with a hitch.
Things Required:
– Tape measure
– Paper and pencil
– 1/2″ torque wrench
– 1 1/4″ 1/2″ drive socket
– 3/4″ 1/2″ drive socket
– 1 1/4″ box wrench
– 3/4″ box wrench
– A level area for tow vehicle and trailer
Instructions
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1
First of all, you have to take some very simple measurements, but with great care so as to avoid any kind of inconvenience afterwards. Just line up the trailer and the towing vehicle in the straight direction, keep them uncoupled and note down their weights on the rear and front.
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2
Then, you have to set the unloaded ball height on the hitch head of the towing vehicle. You will have to adjust the hitch shank according to the height of the trailer and the towing vehicle. It is extremely important for you to adjust it according to the height carefully, otherwise you will not be able to take the right measurement.
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3
After that, close the latch of the coupler after lowering the trailer down on the hitch ball. Take the tongue jack and raise the trailer along with the rear of the towing vehicle up to around 3 inches.
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4
Now, take the spring bars and insert them in the sockets of hitch head. Just pull the lift unit on the spring bar firmly and note down the chain hook which is closest to it. Then, you have to attach the lift unit hook to the upper end of the chain.
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5
If you see less than six links between the spring bar and the lift unit, you will have to increase the head assembly angle in order to match the two. After that, you will have to reinstall the upper head of the assembly bolt. But, don’t tighten it yet.
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6
Make the necessary adjustments in the spring bar and lift unit and allow the rear to settle slowly. In the end, just give a good look at the pin, clip, ball nut, coupler latch, safety chains and brakes.
