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Topic ClosedAdjusting Equalizer WDH

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Mbearden View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Oct 2018
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Adjusting Equalizer WDH
    Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 7:50pm
I have changed my tow vehicle and need to adjust the Equalizer WDH. The new hitch receiver is 3 inches higher.  The Equalizer Hitch instructions look pretty straightforward...except for the need of a 430 ft lb torque wrench.  Has anyone made this change themselves?
Mike Bearden
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 8:28pm
The 430 ft. lb. torque wrench is for the hitch ball. Unless you are changing that, you don't need to torque the hitch head to shank bolts nearly that tight. You will be okay. I had to do it more than once. The first time was because the dealer set-up was not correct. When we changed to a Frontier, I needed to do it again for the new TV. It isn't hard.
StephenH
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Mbearden View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 8:51pm
The shank bolts need to be 320 ft lbs.  I misspoke.

It sounds like a reasonable job.  Thanks for your help.

Mike Bearden
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 10:02pm
This one will get you 300 ft. lbs. I just used a long socket wrench and a breaker bar when I tightened mine. I'm pretty sure I got close to the 320 by the time I was done. It never loosened up on me. Our older daughter has it now. We got a Hensley Cub hitch which we use now.

StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
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Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Mbearden View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 10:12pm
A little Permatex always helps also.
Mike Bearden
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Mar 2019 at 6:30am
There is nothing magic about torque values. You don't need an expensive torque wrench.  1 ft-lb is one lb of force applied perpendicularly at 1 ft distance from the center point. Sinple as that.  So if you want 320 ft-lbs you can simply stand (carefully!) on your breaker bar at the correct distance based on your weight. Here is the calc: 

320 ft-lb X12 in/ft = 3840 in-lb.  Divide 3840 by your weight = the number of inches from the center where you will stand. Try to have the bar more or less horizontal (doesn't need to be perfect), and if the bolt you're tightening is vertical, turn the hitch 90 degrees in the receiver temporarily. 

That's all there is to it. 
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Subzilla View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Mar 2019 at 3:18pm
I did what offgrid did.....breaker bar and standing on it at the right location based on my weight....close enough.
Mark
Concord, NC
2017 RP 179 "Podzilla"
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