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To set up a Weight Distribution hitch is a difficult task, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how one can do it by himself.
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1. Measuring the height of the trailer and vehicle We start off with the measurements using the measuring tape. There are three key measurements. Note these measurements wherever you can to keep track of them. First off is the distance of the top of the trailer coupler from the ground. Next is to measure the distance of the rear bumper to the ground, and last would be the front bumper’s distance to the ground.
2. Shank Installation Installation of a shank is done at the rear end of the vehicle into the opening of the receiver tube. Mostly, shanks are installed in a specific position which can be upright or upside down. It all depends on what your towing needs are. Usually, high-riding vehicles have the requirement of a drop (upside down) position. On the contrary, low vehicles need more height to align with the trailer’s height, which requires a rise (upright) position. Finalize the shank installation with a hitch pin.
3. Head Installation The head is the unit that is responsible for holding the trailer ball. Dry fit** the component onto the Shank. Follow it up with a hex bolt and conical-tooth washer. Once it’s done, the next is to measure the distance between the trailer ball’s base and the ground. Return to the measurement in the first step and cross-check the coupler height. It should be around 1 to 3 inches higher than the coupler. (**The term dry fitting refers to the fitting and installing any component while excluding the components related to plumbing, electrical, or building works)
4. Installation of the Adjustment Road The adjustment rod is another important component that is helpful in adjusting to the proper angle of a hitch. In order to change the head angle, it makes use of the spacer washers. The more washers there are, the lesser the leverage will be, and vice-versa. Now, install the rod with the appropriate number of washers for the leverage you require into the inner channel of the head unit. Then rotate the head and ball mount downwards to get the channel’s access. Once you get the rod in place, rotate it back up and make it secure with the head unit’s (bottom) hex bolt. Repeat the process with the other parts as well.
Finish the process by securing the shank bolt into another conical-tooth washer and nut. Snug** and put the hardware on hold for the final torquing ** for now. (**Snug – close fitting **Torquing – this term is used in reference to “torque.” It basically means “to optimize the tightening”)
5. Installing the Spring Bars As a preventive measure, using grease on the attachment points of every spring bar would be a good idea. It helps in reducing friction and extending a hitch’s life. Once the greasing is done, attach the head unit and the spring bar. The installation can differ depending on the type of weight distribution hitch you will use. We have already talked about the location of installation of the two types of WD hitches.
6. Connect the trailer and the vehicle The next step is to connect the trailer and the vehicle. You can start off by lifting the tongue with the help of Jack. Also, ensure that the coupler stays clear of the trailer ball. Get the vehicle back into the position where the coupler can be lowered safely onto the ball. One thing you should keep in mind is that there should not be a full retraction of the tongue jack when you engage the latch. The jack should act as a support for the weighted trailer. Then you have to place the snap-up brackets on the frame of the trailer. You can use the spring bar chains for the guiding purpose.
Now attach the spring bar chain to the bracket and ensure that both sides have the same level of vertical spacing. There should be a lift bar to assist you with the motion of the lever included in the weight distribution hitch.
7. Measure the height of your vehicle again Once the installation of all the components is complete, check again the measurements of the height of the front and rear bumper of the vehicle. A difference of less than ½ inches should be there in comparison to the similar parts that were not coupled. If the difference is more, you need to adjust the weight distribution hitch. After completing the adjustment, the process of torquing the hardware begins. Disconnect the trailer from the vehicle again and use the wrench to get the specifications you need.
And this completes the WD hitch setup, and it should be ready to use if you follow the steps properly. Also, there is no need to keep repeating the process every single time when you want to attach the hitch. After the setup, the hitch is already adjusted to the right angle, which will save the time to set it up again. So you can leave it disassembled and attach only when you need it.
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