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Old 07-23-2007, 09:43 AM   #1
Rich_in_Tampa
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Default Equalizer spring arms - what to look for

Background: New TM 3124KS, Equalizer WDH, lousy walk-through by the dealer, new to towing

My understanding: In the process of unhitching, you raise the tongue jack "until tension is relieved from the hitch bars." I am not able to see any visible change in the spring bars when I raise the jack higher. What exactly am I looking for? The arms appear to be straight at all times (no bowing). I figure I'm either looking for the wrong thing, or my hitch isn't adjusted quite right.

First time I did this, I may have even raised it too high, looking for "tension to be relieved" and then had to lower it before I could free the bars by trial and error. Tips appreciated.

Thanks for your help.
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Old 07-23-2007, 10:36 AM   #2
commodor47
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Rich,

You won't see any change in the spring bar(s). The reason for raising the tongue jack is to relieve tension on the spring bar tips making it easier to leverage (up or down) the chain.
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Old 07-23-2007, 12:28 PM   #3
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Mine has no chains, just the swinging bars that swing in to rest on bracket on the TM side, then get secured with a pin to prevent them from rotating out and off the bracket.

Maybe an Equalizer user (+ sway control) will chime in.
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Old 07-23-2007, 01:32 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa View Post
Mine has no chains, just the swinging bars that swing in to rest on bracket on the TM side, then get secured with a pin to prevent them from rotating out and off the bracket.

Maybe an Equalizer user (+ sway control) will chime in.
Using the tongue jack, raise the back of the TV high enough so that the bars can be easily pulled free of the brackets on the TM.
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Old 07-23-2007, 01:42 PM   #5
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Sounds like you are using a weight distribution with friction sway control system. Here is a link to that type of WDH. Scroll down and click on Typical Installation Instructions. That opens a pdf file and on page 3 they describe how to hitch and unhitch a trailer.

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-WD~49580.htm
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Old 07-23-2007, 01:52 PM   #6
Rich_in_Tampa
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rtcassel View Post
Using the tongue jack, raise the back of the TV high enough so that the bars can be easily pulled free of the brackets on the TM.
OK, meaning just wiggle them to see if they move freely within the limits of the clip (before removing the clip and sliding them out).

Tell me if I've got it:

Hitching:
  • raise the tongue to allow the ball to fit under the coupler
  • lower the tongue to fit and lock the coupler and ball
  • raise the tongue with coupler and ball about 5-8"
  • insert and secure the spring arms
  • retract the jack all the way
  • connect safety cables and electric connection

Unhitching:
  • raise the tongue/ball enough to release the spring arms (per the wiggle test)
  • unlatch and swing out the spring arms
  • lower the tongue to the neutral point to release the ball and coupler
  • unhook safety cables, electric connection

Do I get it? Forgetting anything? Thanks in advance.
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Old 07-23-2007, 05:14 PM   #7
Keith Wire
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That's the way I do it Rich.

The only thing I'd add is to put some grease at the point the arms rub on their supports. I noticed that it was noisy when turning if I didn't have any grease. I also oiled the bar sockets...

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Old 07-24-2007, 12:32 AM   #8
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Default you got it

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa View Post
Tell me if I've got it:
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Old 07-25-2007, 08:48 AM   #9
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Rich,
You probably do have it and know this but since it is not on your list.....on unhitching, after lowering to the nuetral position to release the ball and coupler you need to raise the coupler back up so you can drive the TV away from the trailer. You then raise or lower to level the trailer front to back etc.

I would add on the unhitching to Chock your wheels. Otherwise you will likely do it once (unhook without your wheels chocked) in your time camping. Most people never do it a second time. While it can be called an adventure it is the type most could do without.

Bill
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Old 07-25-2007, 09:59 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill & Lisa View Post
after lowering to the nuetral position to release the ball and coupler you need to raise the coupler back up so you can drive the TV away from the trailer.

I would add on the unhitching to Chock your wheels.
Great reminders, Bill. Thanks.

The tongue jack will get a pretty good workout, I can see.
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