First off, let me say what an excellent video this is, I have been doing this all wrong, and I want to thank you for taking the time out and showing us how to properly and safely… THE RIGHT WAY!! God bless you and your family, in the name of Jesus!!
those using air systems to level the vehicle, it may raise the rear bumper but it does not transfer the weight to the front suspension for proper steering and handling. that is the importance of the weight distribution bars, transfer the weight not just lift the rear bumper. YES! being level and weight transfer is most important for safe towing. Good video!
I just bought my 1st camper in April and mine has the exact set up. I just learned so much from this video. Thank you for explaining so clearly. Best camper video I've watched. Ps. Camper World SUCKS. I'll never go to them for a single thing again. They ripped me off knowing I'm a new camper owner, they took advantage of that.
This is a great video and good explanation of the EAZ-LIFT 1000. I used to own this exact hitch years ago and as you stated, the dealers don't know how and so, don't show customers how to properly set these up. If I may add a few tips: As you said, always maintain at least 5 or 6 links of chain to allow for pivoting while turning. Once the amount of needed weight distribution is determined, you can increase/decrease the number of required links by adjusting the ball mount angle (in addition to the bolt you pointed out, there are spacer washers behind the ball mount that are removed/added to accomplish the ball mount angle adjustment). Each chain link is 1 1/8" long. Each spacer washer removed/added will affect the chain length by one link. Also, each of the vertical holes in the shank that the ball mount bolts to are also spaced 1 1/8" apart and an adjustment here will affect the chain length by one link. Its actually a very simple, but clever design once a person wraps their head around how they work. I remember an advertisement they ran years ago, where they hitched a front-wheel drive mini van to a travel trailer and adjusted the weight distribution bars so aggressively, they were able to remove the rear wheels of the mini van and drive away! 😂
Thank you so very much I towed my rv trailer without these two pieces of metal cause I didn’t know how to use them, Thank Goodness nothing bad happened and the ride was less than a mile, Today because of you I learned how to connect them properly together! 💕💕💕
Wow! Thank you so much! You were absolutely right, they took the truck installed everything,brought it back and said there you go! Now I know the steps to installing it right!
Been using that exact same set-up since 2009. Works very well! I was lucky. The RV dealer I bought our TT from did an excellent job of teaching me how to set this up.
Having been a few years for me since pulling a trailer this was a great refresher. Very no nonsense and to the point but not too much so. Perfect balance of both and well-presented. Thanks.
Nice video. FYI, I would put the pins for the sway bar in from the top. That way if it catches something or comes loose, it won't fall out. Also, I put my chain pins in from the front to back so anything that gets thrown up from the road will not knock the pins out. Just a little safety thing to keep from loosing pins while traveling.
Mate, I'm a first time caravan owner and this video is exactly what I've been looking for - your tip for stopping the chain from getting tangled is gold! Also, I was nervous about raising the caravan on the hitch but your video reassured me. THANKS!
Really appreciate the time you took showing proper hook up to and from the vehicle... Mine was set up from dealer, but was not shown how to properly do the hook up.. thanks again ..good job
DUDE- thanks for putting this out there. Not only is this a very well done video that shows all proper steps. IT also does so with exactly the same WDS system I have. So you are answering a number of questions I had. Thanks!
I pull a 28 trailer had 6 links on a 240 mile trip. No problem it does make noise going through the campsite. So on the way home put it on 7 links-bad idea. I was swaying more the I liked in the wind. I checking my mirrors and had to keep it from 55-60 mph to avoid this. Glad I saw this video and will keep it at 6 links, Thanks!
What truck you drive tho? I think without this system my 30 foot trailer is quickly ruining my bump stops Probably gonna shell out the $1,000 for airbag installation
Being a 30 plus year Crane Operator, I was taught to never twist you safety Chains because they are to long,It really copromises the safety factor of the chain by twisting it, cut them to the right length, without twisting them. just another safety tip on the setup of trailer hitches.
Twisting chains to shorten them is literally the way DOT expects it to be done. Doesn't weaken the chain at all unless you are twisting to the point of binding
@budnuthall7903 DOT prefers you to criss-cross your chains. In your over 30 years of being a crane operator I’m wondering how many folks you taught wrong on safety chains.
Twisting your chains is fine. You're never, ever, ever going to lose your hitch to test out the pressure of the chains. If you actually do end up using the chains in an emergency, you got bigger problems. Again, don't twist them till its totally bound up tho. Still needs to be able to move.
Thank you so much for this excellent video. This was my first purchase of a weight distribution and sway control hitch and while Camping World did a very quick how to after installation, I was not given any "how to" reference manual or material. Appreciate you taking the time to do this.
Thank you! I am glad I watched until the end. I have been using the same WDH for probably 10 years and never realized you could swing those bars forward to release them. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve hurt my fingers trying to pry that tension plate to release the bar.
Thanks so much, I lost the sway bar plate and bolts within the campground. Our installer didn't explain the tension factors! I'm taking off with mine this weekend, so much great help before I get on the road. Nice truck by the way, I have the same!
I have a WDH setup like this, the one thing that I always do, and strongly recommend, is to NOT stand or let anyone stand in the arc of the bars. You mentioned that during your removal portion of the video. But this is true during installation and removal. If something happens and the force is released before the safety pins are installed, or the chains are released from the hangers, they are dangerous and can break a leg if you're in the arc.
Ty for the video the camper world salesman who delivered mine Tuesday never said anything bout any othe the extra equipment. He just said you good to go and drove off. This is my first time owning on and now I have to check prices for that equipment
Todays date is 08/21/2024. I am a newbie to travel trailers. Have owned 38' Class A motor home and smaller. Super easy to drive. Sold it 3 years ago. Now my wife & I are decided to go small for quick weekend get aways. Travel trailer. Definately a diffrently learning experience. Your viedo was great, got to the info needed and precautions. Wish some of these how to viedo suggentions did'nt talk so much, even though they have good advice.
Helpful video, with a clear presentation. Btw, you might want to add a comment about greasing the bars once they're in place. Apparently that's pretty important. Edit: The zerk fittings make it simple.
Good video - but 1 thing I noticed was on the sway control the top lever is just to release the tension. The bottom bolt is where you adjust the tension.
Yeah, me too. This video clears up a lot!!! I messed up the sway control bar. I didn't extend it far enough and bent bracket for the ball it connects to when I made a right turn,, so guess I have to buy another ball.
Tks, I did not know that you could remove the bars by swinging fwd. I always use a screw driver to pull the spring strip to release the bars…Now I know how to do it (after 4 years of RVing). 😊
The side of your sway control bar explains how to set it up. Essentially, the handle gets cranked down until it bottoms out and then you adjust the tension tightening or loosening the bolt on the bottom side.
Great video! I’m looking for a trailer right now. I haven’t worked with a load distribution system since the early 80’s on my parents trailer. Good to see the system hasn’t really changed too much (except we did a lot of hand cranking back then).
You did a great job on how these work. Then only thing is the way you hook your safety chain cross yes. The hooks work best if you bring them up from the bottom instead of on top they could bounce out if on top. I do what you did but my van still bounces in the front looking for help with that. Thanks
Great video👍 I did not see where you hooked up the breakaway cable. I would recommend having a tube of lubricant handy to keep the ball joints lubed. :-) Also, it would be a good idea to have extra pins, I have been known to lose one now and then :-)
Very helpful. Thank you! I just bought a used trailer (Lance 1685) from original owner. New to travel trailers. Having a hard time getting away bars to hook on install. Hoping you have a video on air suspension as my truck has but I’ve never used.
Thanks for asking this, I honestly do not use the load distribution bars with my air suspension anymore. This my half ton the air suspension has the load leveling function that does the work for you so no need for the load distribution system. I found that the air suspension would work against the load distribution hitch and I was afraid it would mess up the air system. I still use my sway bar as this is critical for a bumper pull, but I have driven over 5k miles with no load distribution bars and it has had no issues. Just make sure you air system is rated for the load you will be pulling. Hope this helps!
I was hoping for a walkthrough on the mounting the quick attach pieces on the trailer as well as the sway control ball on the trailer. The directions mentioned welding and it got me worried. Looks like yours are just bolted on so that makes me a feel a little better
Good Video. Please pin the ball retainer first once you get the weight of the trailer on the ball. Once the spring bars in place, if the retainer pops out, the tongue may well jump off the ball. I also never cross over the hitch when linking things up. Lots of heavy things that can go flying,
this is good information, but what do you say about putting the weight distribution hitch on, it may force more stress on the "A" frame of the trailer and could cause problems down the road. just asking your thoughts. pro or con. there are a video on TH-cam in reference to this.
Regarding the tension, CURT says to tighten until the lever is horizontal with the ground. It comes factory set and can be adjusted with the secondary nut.
Yes that is what the manuals say but my logic is why would I bring a wrench along everytime when there is a handle to control the tension of the bottom screw is set properly. That is why I use the bar.
If you are having an issue with trailer sway, you can also try shifting weight within the trailer to the tongue. If there is too much tongue weight, the trailer may bounce, but too much axle weight will cause the trailer to sway. Bouncing is much less dangerous than sway, and if your trailer is heavy enough, it shouldn't bounce at all.
Been doing this for almost 50 years.. just a little criticism The saddle on the tongue on the passenger side needs to be adjusted back so your 6 links are hanging straight so when you go around corners it will allow the chains to move properly… That bar you call sway control is actually to help an improperly loaded trailer from fishtailing.. a properly loaded trailer will never need that bar! Sway bars are found on axles
Good to know I am doing it right. How do you stop a trailer from hobby horsing after going over a bump? It eventually stops, but very annoying while it is happening.
Great video thanks. I have a new camper/truck combo, and when I took it for a practice run there was quite a bit of creaking and groaning, so I stopped and went down a couple links. The noise stopped but the tension was pretty loose. Thoughts on this?
I have a question, now I am not a newbie. I have a Ram 1500 towing a 2600RB. The Ram in my opinion does not tow well. Bounce sway issues. Now it has all new suspension and sway arms. Basically all new. I did this to see if it fixes. Now my truck has a 10500 tow capacity. Trailer dry is 5600. Odd part it tows better when I air up my bags and take off weight distribution. Newest find is I wanted to try my shop van to tow. It's a 2022 ford transit 150 heavy duty with 4/10 gears. It tow capacity is only 6500. It tows 150% better than the Ram. And thought?
This is the most comprehensive video on this subject. Well done man.
First off, let me say what an excellent video this is, I have been doing this all wrong, and I want to thank you for taking the time out and showing us how to properly and safely… THE RIGHT WAY!!
God bless you and your family, in the name of Jesus!!
those using air systems to level the vehicle, it may raise the rear bumper but it does not transfer the weight to the front suspension for proper steering and handling. that is the importance of the weight distribution bars, transfer the weight not just lift the rear bumper. YES! being level and weight transfer is most important for safe towing. Good video!
I just bought my 1st camper in April and mine has the exact set up. I just learned so much from this video. Thank you for explaining so clearly. Best camper video I've watched. Ps. Camper World SUCKS. I'll never go to them for a single thing again. They ripped me off knowing I'm a new camper owner, they took advantage of that.
No, you did it to yourself. Its a world of wolves out there, stop trusting other people/companies to take care of your money.
This is a great video and good explanation of the EAZ-LIFT 1000. I used to own this exact hitch years ago and as you stated, the dealers don't know how and so, don't show customers how to properly set these up. If I may add a few tips: As you said, always maintain at least 5 or 6 links of chain to allow for pivoting while turning. Once the amount of needed weight distribution is determined, you can increase/decrease the number of required links by adjusting the ball mount angle (in addition to the bolt you pointed out, there are spacer washers behind the ball mount that are removed/added to accomplish the ball mount angle adjustment). Each chain link is 1 1/8" long. Each spacer washer removed/added will affect the chain length by one link. Also, each of the vertical holes in the shank that the ball mount bolts to are also spaced 1 1/8" apart and an adjustment here will affect the chain length by one link. Its actually a very simple, but clever design once a person wraps their head around how they work. I remember an advertisement they ran years ago, where they hitched a front-wheel drive mini van to a travel trailer and adjusted the weight distribution bars so aggressively, they were able to remove the rear wheels of the mini van and drive away! 😂
This is the best WD hitch set-up video I've seen.
🤦♂️
I agtee
I had no idea all I had to do was swing the bars forward, and they fall out! Great video, thanks!
Great Video! I appreciate the way he explains the process. I am a new RV owner, and this was very helpful.
Thank you so very much I towed my rv trailer without these two pieces of metal cause I didn’t know how to use them, Thank Goodness nothing bad happened and the ride was less than a mile, Today because of you I learned how to connect them properly together! 💕💕💕
Wow! Thank you so much! You were absolutely right, they took the truck installed everything,brought it back and said there you go! Now I know the steps to installing it right!
Been using that exact same set-up since 2009. Works very well! I was lucky. The RV dealer I bought our TT from did an excellent job of teaching me how to set this up.
Having been a few years for me since pulling a trailer this was a great refresher. Very no nonsense and to the point but not too much so. Perfect balance of both and well-presented. Thanks.
Thank you! And thank you for mentioning the sway control when backing up and making sharp turns.
Nice video. FYI, I would put the pins for the sway bar in from the top. That way if it catches something or comes loose, it won't fall out. Also, I put my chain pins in from the front to back so anything that gets thrown up from the road will not knock the pins out. Just a little safety thing to keep from loosing pins while traveling.
Mate, I'm a first time caravan owner and this video is exactly what I've been looking for - your tip for stopping the chain from getting tangled is gold! Also, I was nervous about raising the caravan on the hitch but your video reassured me. THANKS!
Really appreciate the time you took showing proper hook up to and from the vehicle... Mine was set up from dealer, but was not shown how to properly do the hook up.. thanks again ..good job
DUDE- thanks for putting this out there. Not only is this a very well done video that shows all proper steps. IT also does so with exactly the same WDS system I have. So you are answering a number of questions I had. Thanks!
I pull a 28 trailer had 6 links on a 240 mile trip. No problem it does make noise going through the campsite. So on the way home put it on 7 links-bad idea. I was swaying more the I liked in the wind. I checking my mirrors and had to keep it from 55-60 mph to avoid this. Glad I saw this video and will keep it at 6 links, Thanks!
What truck you drive tho?
I think without this system my 30 foot trailer is quickly ruining my bump stops
Probably gonna shell out the $1,000 for airbag installation
Although I am an experienced RVer, this is a great video. I am going to share this with a friend that is new and has no experience in this setup.
Being a 30 plus year Crane Operator, I was taught to never twist you safety Chains because they are to long,It really copromises the safety factor of the chain by twisting it, cut them to the right length, without twisting them. just another safety tip on the setup of trailer hitches.
Twisting chains to shorten them is literally the way DOT expects it to be done. Doesn't weaken the chain at all unless you are twisting to the point of binding
@budnuthall7903 DOT prefers you to criss-cross your chains. In your over 30 years of being a crane operator I’m wondering how many folks you taught wrong on safety chains.
Criss-crossing is not twisting.
Twisting your chains is fine. You're never, ever, ever going to lose your hitch to test out the pressure of the chains. If you actually do end up using the chains in an emergency, you got bigger problems. Again, don't twist them till its totally bound up tho. Still needs to be able to move.
Thank you for this Video. I am an ASE certified master technician. But when it comes to this stuff I am a DIY amateur
Thank you so much for this excellent video. This was my first purchase of a weight distribution and sway control hitch and while Camping World did a very quick how to after installation, I was not given any "how to" reference manual or material. Appreciate you taking the time to do this.
Thank you! I am glad I watched until the end. I have been using the same WDH for probably 10 years and never realized you could swing those bars forward to release them. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve hurt my fingers trying to pry that tension plate to release the bar.
Going out on Monday I feel so much better and safer after watching your video, My wife and I thank you!
Thanks so much, I lost the sway bar plate and bolts within the campground. Our installer didn't explain the tension factors! I'm taking off with mine this weekend, so much great help before I get on the road. Nice truck by the way, I have the same!
I have a WDH setup like this, the one thing that I always do, and strongly recommend, is to NOT stand or let anyone stand in the arc of the bars. You mentioned that during your removal portion of the video. But this is true during installation and removal. If something happens and the force is released before the safety pins are installed, or the chains are released from the hangers, they are dangerous and can break a leg if you're in the arc.
Ty for the video the camper world salesman who delivered mine Tuesday never said anything bout any othe the extra equipment. He just said you good to go and drove off. This is my first time owning on and now I have to check prices for that equipment
This is the best hitch demo I've watched. Great information. Thanks!
Todays date is 08/21/2024. I am a newbie to travel trailers. Have owned 38' Class A motor home and smaller. Super easy to drive. Sold it 3 years ago. Now my wife & I are decided to go small for quick weekend get aways. Travel trailer. Definately a diffrently learning experience. Your viedo was great, got to the info needed and precautions. Wish some of these how to viedo suggentions did'nt talk so much, even though they have good advice.
Im going to buy my 1st RV. I like this set-up. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for your time in making this. I'm a newbie RV'r, and no one taught me how to use this. Very good sir.
Boy did I miss the mark. I have had 2 toy haulers over the years and never did it correct. Excellent video
Thank you. Your presentation was no-nonsense and super helpful. I'll make notes from your video.
Helpful video, with a clear presentation.
Btw, you might want to add a comment about greasing the bars once they're in place. Apparently that's pretty important. Edit: The zerk fittings make it simple.
I was going to ask if the ends of the bars should be greased
Good video - but 1 thing I noticed was on the sway control the top lever is just to release the tension. The bottom bolt is where you adjust the tension.
Yeah, me too. This video clears up a lot!!! I messed up the sway control bar. I didn't extend it far enough and bent bracket for the ball it connects to when I made a right turn,, so guess I have to buy another ball.
Tks, I did not know that you could remove the bars by swinging fwd. I always use a screw driver to pull the spring strip to release the bars…Now I know how to do it (after 4 years of RVing). 😊
The side of your sway control bar explains how to set it up. Essentially, the handle gets cranked down until it bottoms out and then you adjust the tension tightening or loosening the bolt on the bottom side.
this the only video that has explained this installation completely thank you
Great video, we are first time riders and will be taking our Coleman 214bh trailer out fir it's first trip this weekend.
This taught me everything I needed to know well done
Great video! I’m looking for a trailer right now. I haven’t worked with a load distribution system since the early 80’s on my parents trailer. Good to see the system hasn’t really changed too much (except we did a lot of hand cranking back then).
Great video! Wish I watched this 5 years ago!
I’m new to travel trailer and these hitches. Thanks for the good explanation.
Just bought a new trailer that had this set up. I appreciate the video very much.
I agree with TommyNix. Best video I've watched!!! Thank you
This video was a great review of what I'm supposed to be doing.
Thank you that was very simple and easy to understand!
Respect🫡🫡🫡well explained brother !!! soon to drive from Kingsport TN to Orange Tx
You did a great job on how these work. Then only thing is the way you hook your safety chain cross yes. The hooks work best if you bring them up from the bottom instead of on top they could bounce out if on top. I do what you did but my van still bounces in the front looking for help with that. Thanks
Great video👍
I did not see where you hooked up the breakaway cable.
I would recommend having a tube of lubricant handy to keep the ball joints lubed. :-)
Also, it would be a good idea to have extra pins, I have been known to lose one now and then :-)
Very helpful. Thank you!
I just bought a used trailer (Lance 1685) from original owner. New to travel trailers. Having a hard time getting away bars to hook on install. Hoping you have a video on air suspension as my truck has but I’ve never used.
Thanks for asking this, I honestly do not use the load distribution bars with my air suspension anymore. This my half ton the air suspension has the load leveling function that does the work for you so no need for the load distribution system. I found that the air suspension would work against the load distribution hitch and I was afraid it would mess up the air system. I still use my sway bar as this is critical for a bumper pull, but I have driven over 5k miles with no load distribution bars and it has had no issues. Just make sure you air system is rated for the load you will be pulling. Hope this helps!
Great video for an awesome hitch
The Best and most simple explanation 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 thank you Bro … orange Tx
thank you for this excellent video. I have been struggling with this for ever.
Finally a well explained demonstration!
I was hoping for a walkthrough on the mounting the quick attach pieces on the trailer as well as the sway control ball on the trailer. The directions mentioned welding and it got me worried. Looks like yours are just bolted on so that makes me a feel a little better
Good Video. Please pin the ball retainer first once you get the weight of the trailer on the ball. Once the spring bars in place, if the retainer pops out, the tongue may well jump off the ball. I also never cross over the hitch when linking things up. Lots of heavy things that can go flying,
this is good information, but what do you say about putting the weight distribution hitch on, it may force more stress on the "A" frame of the trailer and could cause problems down the road. just asking your thoughts. pro or con. there are a video on TH-cam in reference to this.
I think you can have airbags installed on your truck as an alternative to weight distribution system
This was the exact video I needed 🍻
Wow. I’ve been towing my rv for years and connecting the weight distribution bars after full tongue weight. Lol! Good to know..
Thank you sir great video for a trailer newb
You have no idea how much this helped me tonight 😂😂😂😂 thanks
Great video. Wish I had seen this when I first got my trailer.
Good video, you know exactly how to do it, good teacher
Thanks new to tv world it helped a lot
Using an EQ on my TT and eagerly looking forward a ProPride. Though I am upset I didn't purchase it before quarantine when I could've saved $500-700.
Great job. Thank you. What about if I have Sumo Springs installed and replaced original bump stops????
Awesome video, definitely one of the best detailed videos ive seen
Regarding the tension, CURT says to tighten until the lever is horizontal with the ground. It comes factory set and can be adjusted with the secondary nut.
Yes that is what the manuals say but my logic is why would I bring a wrench along everytime when there is a handle to control the tension of the bottom screw is set properly. That is why I use the bar.
If you are having an issue with trailer sway, you can also try shifting weight within the trailer to the tongue. If there is too much tongue weight, the trailer may bounce, but too much axle weight will cause the trailer to sway. Bouncing is much less dangerous than sway, and if your trailer is heavy enough, it shouldn't bounce at all.
Thanks that was great I never used them now I know.
def good info putting on and taking off, thank you for the video
Great video on wd bars…… the best I’ve seen!
Excellent!! Needed to see and understand this…
Thank you for this training.
Been doing this for almost 50 years.. just a little criticism
The saddle on the tongue on the passenger side needs to be adjusted back so your 6 links are hanging straight so when you go around corners it will allow the chains to move properly…
That bar you call sway control is actually to help an improperly loaded trailer from fishtailing.. a properly loaded trailer will never need that bar!
Sway bars are found on axles
Yes you are right the saddle is a little off because Camping World had installed it wrong lol, go figure, and I’m too lazy to fix it.
Very good info, good presentation!
Good to know I am doing it right. How do you stop a trailer from hobby horsing after going over a bump? It eventually stops, but very annoying while it is happening.
Great video I’m installing mine today! Thanks for the info this will make it much easier.
Great video thanks. I have a new camper/truck combo, and when I took it for a practice run there was quite a bit of creaking and groaning, so I stopped and went down a couple links. The noise stopped but the tension was pretty loose. Thoughts on this?
Great video!
First time camper puller (is that a thing?) lol! Great video. Thanks so much!
Wow didn't know you could remove the bar like that wow.
What brand are these and where can i buy both of them? Thanks and outstanding video!
thank you, very good explanation
Great video, thank you. What is the name and brand of the hitch you use? I’ve been trying to shop around, any recommendations?
Thanks for keeping it real with the name&shame.
I have a question, now I am not a newbie.
I have a Ram 1500 towing a 2600RB.
The Ram in my opinion does not tow well.
Bounce sway issues.
Now it has all new suspension and sway arms.
Basically all new.
I did this to see if it fixes.
Now my truck has a 10500 tow capacity.
Trailer dry is 5600.
Odd part it tows better when I air up my bags and take off weight distribution.
Newest find is I wanted to try my shop van to tow.
It's a 2022 ford transit 150 heavy duty with 4/10 gears.
It tow capacity is only 6500.
It tows 150% better than the Ram.
And thought?
So very informative. Thank you for this video
Ty sir… very helpful
Very useful! Thanks
Good vid. Thanks!
Thank you. Very helpful.
Excellent video.
Should you unhook the bars and as well you try to back your trailer in for camping I presume?
No they swivel pretty good so they won’t bind up like the sway control
Well done and great explanation
If the weight distribution is correct why do you need the sway control? Can the load distribution be set incorrectly so it causes oscilations?
So do the safety chain hooks go from under or over?
Good video thanks