Question about equalizer hitch

[DAVLIN]

Get and use the Sway Bracket Jackets (pads). Stops the noise and doesn't affect sway control (at least not noticeably). I would recommend that you get the genuine Equal-i-zer pads; some of the cheaper knock-offs get bad reviews on Amazon. I bought a "backup" set when I added mine, but after three years of towing the originals still look fine.

[Redapple63]

They certainly make things quieter. All good advice, one note however, the plastic jackets do not fit on the 16k hitch as the L-Brackets are thicker. I noticed when I upgraded from the 14k to 16k they don't fit.

[OurNewEra]

Thanks for the responses. I will lube the hitch and see how it goes. Just to be clear it isn't insane, but was only when I would turn sharp. Understood that the friction is what is part of the function of the hitch but also metal on metal can be bad, and the galling was worse on the one bracket.

I really didn't pay attention when it was newer however. I will know for certain this weekend.

So I did a 5 hour trip today with the new equalizer hitch pads. No noticable difference in sway but they sure make it quieter. Noticed exiting the park we were at. Metal on nylon noise but it was much better. I will keep using them and order another set for when these wear out.

[Band1t]

I've used this Reese weight/sway combo on every TT I have had from small to heavy toy haulers. I would use nothing else.

https://www.reesehitches.com/product...tion_Kit,66130

Good luck.

[Refclown]

I purchased a Reese Stead-Flex (P/N 66565) 12,000 lb WD Hitch with 1,200 lb lift bars. The hitch came with brake pad material that the bars ride on that eliminates any noise yet furnishes sway control as well as weight distribution. It has worked out great for us...don't have to remove the lift bars when backing up, making any tight turns

[huntindog]

So I did a 5 hour trip today with the new equalizer hitch pads. No noticable difference in sway but they sure make it quieter. Noticed exiting the park we were at. Metal on nylon noise but it was much better. I will keep using them and order another set for when these wear out.

Don't get in a rush to buy replacements. I used those for 10 years, and sold them with the hitch/trailer, and they were not even close to needing replaced.

[OurNewEra]

Don't get in a rush to buy replacements. I used those for 10 years, and sold them with the hitch/trailer, and they were not even close to needing replaced.

That is good to hear. They're not cheap and I wasn't sure how long they would last.

[Malco1]

Equalizer actually makes a teflon pad that goes on the rear of the bars where the little L shaped clips contact them. When I had my Imagine trailer and that hitch I also but a little bearing grease in the front portion of the bars where they pivot in the
hitch head if that makes sense. You actually can wipe a little grease on the top and bottom portion of the receiver head and it will stop all the noise. Hope that description makes sense but if you look at the hitch it's obvious where the noise is coming from.

Check the equalizer manual do not use grease, and the Teflon pads defeat the purpose of the sway control. the metal on metal is how the sway control works. The noise is normal.

[Malco1]

You will not have any failure due to friction. The entire premise of the Equal-i-zer is to work on friction, and because you have indicated the noise is while turning it is at the bearing points on the L-brackets. It was only several years AFTER the hitch was out that they made the Teflon pads because folks didn't like the noise. The reality is, you're robbing some of the performance of the hitch by lubricating where the bars bear on the L brackets. However, regular cleaning and lubricating of the bar sockets is a must-do maintenance, and the best lubricant and rust-protection is offered by an old aeronautical lube - Boeshield T-9.

Yes what Rob & Nikki said!

[Txfivver]

Check the equalizer manual do not use grease, and the Teflon pads defeat the purpose of the sway control. the metal on metal is how the sway control works. The noise is normal.

I'm talking about just a dab of grease on your finger and rub on the hitch head where the bars rub when turning. I never had and noise from the bars and the L clips and did not use the pads. I curious why Equalizer would make the pads if you're not supposed to use them? I never noticed any loss of sway control with mine when I had the Imagine.