WD hitch - equal-i-zer questions

[newbury]

Well I'm finally getting ready to have to tow my tractor and some weight.

As a student of procrastination I've put off getting a WD because most would not fit because of the break-away box.



Almost all the WD's want to put the mount where my BA box is.

But the Equal-i-zer says to put it back up to 32" and uses a bar strap so it looks like it will fit with the least modification.

Now my questions -
My trailer is rated to 12K - should I get the 14K WD AND ball to allow for 10% trailer weight plus 200lbs in the bed?

What's the best place to buy one?
Weight Distribution Hitches - PPL Motor Homes for $570?
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution EQ90-00-1400 for $650?
Equal-i-zer 1,200/12,000 4-Point Sway Control Hitch - Weight Distribution Hitches - Hitches - Towing & Automotive for $500?

Someplace else?
thanks in advance - (I use to put TIA but people thought that was my name

 

[radioman]

First of all -- you need to look at the brackets for the wd. From the pic you showed - I'd would just put the WD bracket behind the BA box butted up tight. The chain will go at an angle to hook up just fine. Have you looked at the BA box to see how its mounted and see if you can move it forward a few inches?
As for what rating and where, I'm really not a expert at that. I just know that with metal - the beefier things are the more abuse it can take. I see you already checked out etrailer as its the place i usually go to.

 

[dkhntr04]

I would buy this hitch and move your breakaway box. I have this exact hitch and love it.

Amazon.com: Camco 48054 RV 1400 lbs Eaz Lift Bent Bar Weight Distributing Hitch with Adjustable Ball Mount and Shank: Automotive

$5 for some misc wire and hardware and you are done. Or, you can take the box off and weld the brackets on and put the box back once things cool.

 

[newbury]

The BA box is welded on like they meant it to stay forever.
The Equal-i-zer doesn't use a chain it uses two metal bars.

 

[jejeosborne]

Equalizer is probably the best hitch out there. As far a the capacity, I would make it match the capacity of the trailer. Chances are your trailer won't be maxed out with you loads. Having too stiff of bars will not be a good thing because they won't give and bend like they are designed. They have to bend to go through dips on the pavement. The disadvantage of the equalizer vs the chain style is that they are more time consuming to adjust for various loads on the trailer. Chain types you can add or subtract a link in the chain. The equalizer offers the best sway control.

 

[Stimw]

I have never seen that type of hitch, it looks like it would be hard to install and remove. ????
The chain type are simple to install with just a cheater pipe and adjustable.
Could you just put a piece of channel on the inside of the frame over the pipe or wire?

 

[hawkeye08]

I have bought and have several WD hitches from etrailer.com

Sometimes you can google etrailer.com coupons and get 5 or 10% off.

 

[schmism]

chains on bars of the WD hitches are ment to hang perpendicular to the bars. having the chains at an angle when in normal straight condition is not recommended.

there are WD brackets that dont require you "clip" them over the top of the frame rail. there are some that bolt/weld to the side.

i bought a second set of WD brackets to use with my reese WD hitch to go on my livestock trailer.

I would buy from etrailer or from CL. i got my WD hitch on CL and see them come up often. usually for roughly 1/2 new includeing 2-5/16 ball.

i prefer my reese with the sq solid tapered bars.

make shure you watch the Etrailer setup vid on how to properly setup the WD hitch. both tow vehical squat and head tilt are important for good results.

 

[Ken45101]

I have used the chains, like the picture above. I can't imagine using the fixed links. You adjust the chain links depending on the load and how it is loaded.

I agree not to set it up with the chains at an angle. They have to move back and forth as you turn. If you start out with them at an angle, I don't know what will happen on a sharp turn. There may not be enough range of movement and something will break.

You may not need the sway control bars. I think those are mostly needed with high wind load trailers that get pushed around from winds and passing trucks.

 

[jejeosborne]

I have used the chains, like the picture above. I can't imagine using the fixed links. You adjust the chain links depending on the load and how it is loaded.

I agree not to set it up with the chains at an angle. They have to move back and forth as you turn. If you start out with them at an angle, I don't know what will happen on a sharp turn. Their may not be enough range of movement and something will break.

You may not need the sway control bars. I think those are mostly needed with high wind load trailers that get pushed around from winds and passing trucks.

I agree. Equalizer style is definitely the best option if sway control is needed. On a low profile utility trailer I would save my money and get the chain style and enjoy the ease of adjustment for varying loads.

One additional point on the chains, you need to adjust the head height and angle to allow several links in use. The more the better to allow more freedom of movement. I have seen bars bend due to too few links trying to absorb the turn.