New EQ4 hitch install

**BobnColo** · 03-14-2021, 05:23 PM

Ok posted on here before about when I picked up new 2970RL they didn’t have the eq4 hitch I wanted. Have always used the chains and friction sway control ones on smaller lighter trailers. Did my research and decided on the eq4 for a number of reasons. Now since I brought the trailer home before the hitch came in, I had to install it. The dealer set up the head before I got there with the measurements they took off my truck originally. No problem, the instructions are pretty clear for setting up brackets etc. Only problem I had was getting the sway brackets in the head to move to attach the bars. I finally got them to move and lubed them but my question would be for those that use this system, I would guess that they would become easier to move after some use? The videos all showed these moving pretty easy.

**NB Canada** · 03-14-2021, 05:29 PM

No. They move pretty hard. That is part of the sway feature

2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

**NB Canada** · 03-14-2021, 05:31 PM

You mean moving these wear the bars go in?

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2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

**BobnColo** · 03-14-2021, 06:02 PM

Yes but thought they would be easier to move than putting 200 lbs of old man muscle behind it. That’s why I’m thinking they will loosen up a little. I understand the concept behind them but I would think you didn’t have to be an Incredible Hulk to move them a couple of inches. We’ll see, going to take it on the shakedown trip on the 26th.

**NB Canada** · 03-14-2021, 06:11 PM

Just put the bar in and grab it at the very end and use the leverage to move them
After 6 years of using mine it didn’t really get any easier

2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew

**geotex1** · 03-14-2021, 07:32 PM

Sounds like you're not inserting the spring bars first and then swinging them over using the advantage of the lever arm. That said, they will loosen a bit after all the powdercoat has come off and you continue to lube the contact points. I always used Boeshield T-9 on mine because it also prevents corrosion.

**BobnColo** · 03-14-2021, 07:57 PM

No I inserted bars first. Not my first rodeo but new to this system. I think you are right about the powder coat which is what is was getting at about breaking in time. There is no way you could turn those without leverage from the bars.

**hnsbrighton** · 03-14-2021, 08:18 PM

The socket bolts could be too tight. Per the manual:

Warning
Never tow with loose socket bolts. Tighten socket bolts to a minimum of 60 ft-lbs torque before each towing session.

Notice
Do not pound directly on the sockets to move them. Pounding may cause the sockets to crack or chip. Use only the lever force of the spring arm to move tight sockets. Loosen the socket bolt if required. Re-tighten them once the socket has been moved.

**BobnColo** · 03-15-2021, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by hnsbrighton

The socket bolts could be too tight. Per the manual:

Warning
Never tow with loose socket bolts. Tighten socket bolts to a minimum of 60 ft-lbs torque before each towing session.

Notice
Do not pound directly on the sockets to move them. Pounding may cause the sockets to crack or chip. Use only the lever force of the spring arm to move tight sockets. Loosen the socket bolt if required. Re-tighten them once the socket has been moved.

Yep did this as well. Thanks for all the ideas, but I think it is related to the amount of paint or powder coat applied. I think after the first trip it will wear off the powder coat and be able to move a little easier.

**Pap and Mimi** · 03-15-2021, 09:06 PM

Which EQ hitch do you have? I started with the 10k, which was on my first camper, and my dealer assured me that it was good for my 2970. Tried every adjustment possible, to the point of seeing the arc in the bars and still couldn’t get the front end of the truck down. Bought the 14k and it came right in.
Ended up with a f250 last spring and towing is so much more fun now.