Upgrading bars on Equal-i-zer

GMcKenzie · 03-27-2015, 08:01 AM

Can the bars on an Equal-i-zer hitch be upgraded from 10K to 12K?

I'm kinda at the limit for 10K, based on my tongue weight being ~950 lbs. But someone is selling a 10K setup for $375 locally (vs ~$800 new) and I think it will do me fine, but if I buy it and find I need more, what would it take to upgrade? Can I just buy heavier bars?

It's replacing a Husky hitch with 800 lb bars so I know it will be a major improvment.

Thanks

**chuckster57** · 03-27-2015, 08:10 AM

Getting the 12K bar hitch should be all you need to do. Look at the GVWR of your trailer, then figure 10-15% of that is the most your tongue should weigh.

**sourdough** · 03-27-2015, 09:35 AM

When I bought my equalizer I started with a 10k hitch which the dealer ordered. I decided I wanted to go with a 12k instead. All they did was replace the bars. I was not sure that was correct so I called equalizer and was told the hitch itself is rated at 14000 lbs so it can be used with any of the bars, so, yes, you should be able to upgrade the 10k to the 12k with just bars I believe.

GMcKenzie · 03-27-2015, 10:04 AM

Thanks. Have an email to see if it is still available, but good to know it's the same head for both.

wahoonc · 03-27-2015, 12:58 PM

Double check the part numbers on the heads for the various sizes, but I believe with the Equalizer once you get to 10k the head is the same for 10k, 12k, and 14k. I know the 8k is a different head. I have a 10k and wanted to go down in size for a different trailer but it was a no go.

Aaron

**sourdough** · 03-28-2015, 01:17 PM

I believe Aaron is correct. In my research on the equalizer I think I remember the difference is at the 10k mark at which point they start using the 14k head. After that the 12 and 14 work with it.

GMcKenzie · 03-29-2015, 06:34 AM

Hitch must be sold as they never responded to my email and the ad is pulled.

Damn. It was a decent price too.

Oh well, keep looking.

arwenmark · 04-02-2015, 11:15 AM

Hm, I ordered the 14K hitch for my 33 ft TT. So you are telling me I paid $400 more just to get the two bars?

that is the difference between the 10K and the 14K. Well at least the thing seems to tow solid as a rock, so that's something I guess.

Sorry you missed out on the cheap hitch.

chartrand · 04-03-2015, 05:04 PM

I asked equal-I-zer this question and the response was 10k head would not work with 14k bars.

BlueThunder34 · 04-03-2015, 07:39 PM

I had to switch out the 8,000lbs bars with the 10,000lbs bars due to a mess up with the dealership. I called Equalizer directly and they stated that the head for the 8k and 10k are the same, the 12k and 14k have their own heads.

bigredcherokee · 04-06-2015, 07:26 PM

I think after all the reading I have done they are not and you may have verified that by now.

I have my 10k up for sale b/c all the number put me close that the max tongue weight so Im selling it and going to a 12k.

everything says I needed to be running a 12k but so far the 10k has held up. Its a huge difference over the Husky round bar hitch

wahoonc · 04-07-2015, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Double check the part numbers on the heads for the various sizes, but I believe with the Equalizer once you get to 10k the head is the same for 10k, 12k, and 14k. I know the 8k is a different head. I have a 10k and wanted to go down in size for a different trailer but it was a no go.

Aaron

I went and did some digging. According to their catalog each weight rating has a different head number, so apparently if you need to change weight ratings you have to buy a whole new hitch assembly.

I currently run an Eaz-lift and with it you just swap out bars, in my case the dealer installed bars that were too heavy. I had to hunt down a set of 600# bars.

Aaron

GMcKenzie · 04-07-2015, 10:02 AM

The one I was looking at is gone so I think I will look for a deal on a 12K and be safe.

GMcKenzie · 04-09-2015, 08:14 PM

Ordered a used 12K one off Amazon. Decent price but not quite sure if it comes with a shank or ball, so will see when it gets here. Lots of time to get it set up as I don't go out until the May long weekend (it's still coolish up here).

hdxbonez · 04-12-2015, 03:43 PM

I have both 10k and a 12k Equalizer hitches. The 12k bars will not fit in the 10k head.

GMcKenzie · 04-17-2015, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMcKenzie

Ordered a used 12K one off Amazon. Decent price but not quite sure if it comes with a shank or ball, so will see when it gets here. Lots of time to get it set up as I don't go out until the May long weekend (it's still coolish up here).

Grrrr. Not only did it not come with a shank or ball (expected), but no bars and looks to be the 4K head.

Going back. Damn it.

bigredcherokee · 04-17-2015, 04:30 PM

Ouch

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