10,000lb equalizer bar snapped off

[alien_scones]

My setup is on a 2012 keystone Laredo 300rb, 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500.

I discovered the bar had snapped off the frame support when I landed at my destination in South Fork Colorado. It was attached 60 miles before I landed.

Is anyone in the business that can get me the frame parts in a timely matter? We are here until Friday 7/13. I could probably order the replacement parts from the equalizer website if I can't source it from friends in the forum

The battery box lid flew off during a rather nasty rain storm on the way here. I guess I'll use the battery box strap next time.

Thanks for insights and advice.

[66joej]

Originally Posted by alien_scones

My setup is on a 2012 keystone Laredo 300rb, 2012 GMC Yukon XL 2500.

I discovered the bar had snapped off the frame support when I landed at my destination in South Fork Colorado. It was attached 60 miles before I landed.

Is anyone in the business that can get me the frame parts in a timely matter? We are here until Friday 7/13. I could probably order the replacement parts from the equalizer website if I can't source it from friends in the forum

The battery box lid flew off during a rather nasty rain storm on the way here. I guess I'll use the battery box strap next time.

Thanks for insights and advice. Attachment 17338

Sorry for your misfortune. Looks like your L bracket has moved. Could this have caused the break? Back and forth movement.

[hankaye]

alien_scones, Howdy;

Sorry to hear about the busted parts. Here's a link to equlizer's online parts page, if you click the Red box at the top right you might find a dealer near you to get the parts from, if not then overnight might do it.
https://www.equalizerhitch.com/store/replacement-parts

Hope it helps.

hankaye

[Northofu1]

Someone's having a good week?

[alien_scones]

Originally Posted by 66joej

Sorry for your misfortune. Looks like your L bracket has moved. Could this have caused the break? Back and forth movement.

It's possible. I and my repair shop have torqued those L brackets multiple times and it still comes loose. Tightening those brackets are often a departure checklist item. This time before I departed they appeared to be right.

There is a story behind this equalizer. When I originally purchased the trailer, the seller hooked me up with this equalizer, but they gave me a lower dropping hitch ( the L piece with the ball?)

I was never happy with that setup and had way too many white knuckle experiences including some very dangerous unplanned lane departures.

On my last visit here to South Fork I stopped at the local RV service station. They swapped out the low dropping L hitch with a regular sized equalizer hitch. The after setup was extremely tight and even with maximum tongue lift required the use of that ... lifting wrench? .... when u asked if that was too much he said it's never enough unless you have to use the wrench to get the bars onto the L brackets.

After those adjustments, it was day and night difference. I could actually tow with one hand. Gone were the white knuckles.

I suppose.my latest drive with white knuckles is because my setup has become loose and I didn't realize it.

I'll order the parts online tomorrow afternoon but if anyone in the biz has them in stock please 0m me. Thanks again to all the community responses and suggestions

[flybouy]

Looking at the picture order yourself a lock or pin for that coupler on the ball while you're at it.

[66joej]

[QUOTE=alien_scones;295385]It's possible. I and my repair shop have torqued those L brackets multiple times and it still comes loose. Tightening those brackets are often a departure checklist item. This time before I departed they appeared to be right.


I agree with the torquing of the L brackets. They are too soft (the brackets on the inside of the tongue) and very easy to bend even when using proper torque.

[chuckster57]

With maximum tongue lift, I don’t think you should have to use the S wrench to put the bars on the saddles. I can’t say I’ve ever had to do that and we haven’t had a customer complain about sway yet.

[sourdough]

You're setup is wrong. The bracket should be square, not angled. All that does is put added stress...a lot, on the L bracket and I'm sure that's why it snapped. Read the instructions.

[Lee]

Hi,

I have the similarly designed E2 hitch on my TT and have also had problems keeping the saddles tight and torqued to their mount. They seem to like to work loose.

Main problem I find is the nylon "lock" nuts used that torque the saddle to the mount. By their nature, these lock nuts are really a "one time" use item. Each time they are re-torqued due to coming loose, eats away at the nylon reducing their locking ability. A few months ago while re-torquing these nuts due to them once again coming loose, the mounting stud sheared off. I ordered replacements.

I replaced the lock nuts with new ones and applied blue lock-tight compound to the studs of the new mount, then torqued to spec. Time will tell if this cures the problem. Looking closely at your picture, it appears that the studs on your mount have sheared off allowing the saddle to fall off.

[RoscoeV]

Looking at the picture it looks like the nuts were too tight/fatigued and that caused them to snap.

[ctbruce]

Just a general observation. It is IMPERATIVE on a weight distributing hitch to follow the directions exactly in setting them up. There is no guess work or way to do it by sight.

Also, go to Harbot Freight and buy the tools necessary to adjust your hitch yourself and learn how to do it!

It's not hard and increases the satisfaction of towing immensely. It also improves safety.

Now, back to our regular programming...

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

With maximum tongue lift, I don’t think you should have to use the S wrench to put the bars on the saddles. I can’t say I’ve ever had to do that and we haven’t had a customer complain about sway yet.

What he said~~~ I pulled TTs over 80,000 miles with an E-4 and never a sway problem or malfunction.

[BadmanRick]

I would get a better weight distribution hitch setup. One that doesn’t break.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by BadmanRick

I would get a better weight distribution hitch setup. One that doesn’t break.

ANYTHING can be broken with mis-use or abuse.