Any experience with the Equal-I-zer hitch?

[pilgrim6]

or the very similar Curt model? They are both weight distributing hitches that do not use chains. Instead, the spring bars hook directly to a bracket on the trailer that permits them to slide. They do not require additional sway control as that is a benefit of the new design. They are a bit pricier than the regular WDH that uses chains.
Are they worth it?

 

[goldtr8]

i have one and it works good, it was not that much money.

 

[pcschwenke]

They work great! I’ve used mine for 3 years and no issues even in high winds.

 

[reindeerman]

I have had my equalizer hitch for 16 years now. It's been on 3 trucks and 2 different trailers. I'm guessing 150,000+ miles. Love it.

 

[Mustangmike66]

Works well. I recommend you use the equal-I-zer grease on all metal to metal contact points. If not you will get some very loud clunking & screeching sounds when turning. Not something you want in the campgrounds.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[John Jensen]

I've been towing for 60+ years and have tried a variety of hitches and sway controls. Equal-I-Zer, without a doubt, has been the best for weight distribution and sway control.

One of my brothers also tows. 2-3 times a year he tows a heavy work trailer from Oregon to Florida to New York and all the places in between. He too uses and swears by the Equal-I-Zer.

Curt is known for quality and their hitch looks very much like the Equal-I-Zer but I have no idea if it is the same or how it performs. I could be wrong but I don't believe Curt can copy the exact Equal-I-Zer system.

 

[BlkZrx]

8 yrs. with mine. Up to 8500 lb. Buy it off interwebs and save money on it. Videos on how to set up. Any good grease keeps noise down when used regularly..



Sent from my LG-K540 using Tapatalk

 

[wgreggking]

I have fastway e2 hitch 10K lbs. WD and sway control love it. Had it on f150 4x4 and now ram 2500 CC 4x4 Its like driving on rails with a 5K camper with a 40 mph crosswind. On my f150 the weight dist was needed, but on the 2500 it didnt need it for wd, but tows great in wind, at 70 mph passing semis etc.https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Fastway/FA94-00-1000.html

 

[Docpaulo]

Works well. I recommend you use the equal-I-zer grease on all metal to metal contact points. If not you will get some very loud clunking & screeching sounds when turning. Not something you want in the campgrounds.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That will defeat the anti sway system since it relies on friction.

 

[pilgrim6]

Thanks, all. I appreciate the feedback.
The Curt cannot be EXACTLY like the Equal-I-Zer----there are copyright and patent restrictions, but the concept appears to be VERY similar. There are detail differences--some may be improvements; some may be simply to avoid patent issues.
I have used the chain-type WDH for years, and never had any sway issues--even w/o swap controls.
It actually costs more to buy new spring bars and the associated hardware than to buy a completely new hitch. Manufacturing economies of scale and inventory control at work.

 

[billyw]

That will defeat the anti sway system since it relies on friction.

One might think so, but it doesn't work that way. My Equal-I-zer has nylon pads on the L brackets to prevent noise, and I lube the hell out of the pivot points on the hitch head (per manufacturer recommendation). It still performs admirably. However, there is still plenty of noise during slow maneuvering, like when you're pulling through a campground and especially when you're backing into place. I've had mine for 14 years and two different trucks. It has worked flawlessly for me in a wide variety of different situations, from slippery driving to emergency evasive maneuvers.

 

[pilgrim6]

One might think so, but it doesn't work that way. My Equal-I-zer has nylon pads on the L brackets to prevent noise, and I lube the hell out of the pivot points on the hitch head (per manufacturer recommendation). It still performs admirably. However, there is still plenty of noise during slow maneuvering, like when you're pulling through a campground and especially when you're backing into place. I've had mine for 14 years and two different trucks. It has worked flawlessly for me in a wide variety of different situations, from slippery driving to emergency evasive maneuvers.

My friend says that if its noisy--its working

 

[Docpaulo]

One might think so, but it doesn't work that way. My Equal-I-zer has nylon pads on the L brackets to prevent noise, and I lube the hell out of the pivot points on the hitch head (per manufacturer recommendation). It still performs admirably. However, there is still plenty of noise during slow maneuvering, like when you're pulling through a campground and especially when you're backing into place. I've had mine for 14 years and two different trucks. It has worked flawlessly for me in a wide variety of different situations, from slippery driving to emergency evasive maneuvers.

Lubing the pivot heads is recommended... the nylon pads are designed to put the right amount of friction when pressure is applied by sway... dont lube the nylon pads... but using the nylon pads also diminishes the sway control

Mine is a different brand and the sway control is on the hitch head and not friction based... it uses a dual cam system which is quiter...lubing the arms is ok for mine.. but equalizer uses friction on the arms themselves... lubing that diminishes the sway control...

Since you really dont know if you need the sway control until it sways hard, you could be fine for a long time without sway control..

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Equal-i-zer/EQ95-01-5150.html

 

[SeaRefractor]

I have fastway e2 hitch 10K lbs. WD and sway control love it. Had it on f150 4x4 and now ram 2500 CC 4x4 Its like driving on rails with a 5K camper with a 40 mph crosswind. On my f150 the weight dist was needed, but on the 2500 it didnt need it for wd, but tows great in wind, at 70 mph passing semis etc.https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Fastway/FA94-00-1000.html

I also have this same WDH for two years now and won't use anything else. Very easy to setup and the sway control is awesome.

 

[billyw]

Lubing the pivot heads is recommended... the nylon pads are designed to put the right amount of friction when pressure is applied by sway... dont lube the nylon pads... but using the nylon pads also diminishes the sway control

Mine is a different brand and the sway control is on the hitch head and not friction based... it uses a dual cam system which is quiter...lubing the arms is ok for mine.. but equalizer uses friction on the arms themselves... lubing that diminishes the sway control...

Since you really dont know if you need the sway control until it sways hard, you could be fine for a long time without sway control..

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Equal-i-zer/EQ95-01-5150.html

The pads on the L brackets are strictly for sound deadening. The friction at the L brackets is minimal compared to the the hitch head pivot points where the real sway control happens. The L brackets primary purpose is weight distribution, with a small amount of sway control via that small amount of friction. I've had this hitch since 2004. Back then there was no pad for the brackets. They recommended grease to reduce noise.