MNRon
MN
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Joined: 08/18/2007
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Just returned from a trip to Yellowstone, it was fabulous. That's really saying something with the gas prices and the fact we broke down in the middle of Montana (fuel pump). Maybe I'll post a couple other comments/issues under different headers.
One of the largest nagging issues is the extreme noise the our hitch makes. We have an Equilizer hitch (1000lb bars) pulling an ~8500lb, 32ft trailer. The set-up was great for sway control; no issues with wind, passing trucks, or winding mountain roads. We really like it when on the road. Turning slow is another issue.
We grew tired of everyone looking to see what the noise was each time we pulled into a gas station or camp ground. One gas station attendant even made a point of asking if we had something dragging or broken. I also gave thought to what time in the morning we'd be pulling out of campgrounds because I didn't want to be bothering neighbors. It sounds like some really old rusty machinery thats creaking and groaning REALLY loudly.
I've read some posts on this in the past, but didn't really appreciate the issue until dealing with it first hand. I know some have added a type of slip-pad to the Equilizer to minimize this noise, but I also don't want to create a sway problem. What's the consensus here? Do we have to learn to live with it? Is there a way to quiet the noise without significantly compromising the sway control? Should we be looking for a different hitch?
Thanks for comments and experiences.
Ron
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DarylD
Fridley, Minnesota
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Joined: 04/14/2008
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I have the equal-i-zer system and I had the same issue after every trip.
My local dealer sells the lube for the equal-i-zer system for about $8.00. I was told to use VERY little per application. I put it on the top and bottom thats attached to the hitch where the bars slide in (Cant' think of the technical term for them). They said use "About the size of a pencil eraser on each application".
I still have the sway control and the noise is gone.
I find myself doing this application about every 2nd or 3rd trip.
HAPPY CAMPING!!!
Daryl and Sandy D.
2007 Jayco Jayflight 25RKS
Ford F150
Equal-i-zer Hitch - Prodigy Brake Controller
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mikemaiers
Hutchinson MN
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Joined: 07/05/2008
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Where did you buy the lube. I would like to get some. Thanks Mike
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BillB800si
S.E. MICHIGAN
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Joined: 01/09/2006
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First grease the ball. We use premium axle grease.
I spray with silicone spray where the torsion bars enter the hitch. I don't spray where the bars ride on the L- Brackets.
No noise- smooth ride and enjoyable trips for over two years now.
Happy trails,
Bill B. (Michigan)
2007 Dodge Ram 2500 MegaCab CTD
2007 Jayco Eagle TT Model 322FKS
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NCHornet1
Mt. Airy, NC.
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Joined: 05/17/2003
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I have the Reese Dual cam and yes they can be noisy, but that means it's working. You must be careful where you lube. Folow the manufacturers suggestions and glad you had a good, safe trip.
NCH
2000 Ford F350 4X4 PSD,CC, DRW
4:10's, BTM Muffler, Isspro Gauges,
Coolant Filter,CCV Mod
FTVB , Ford AIS
6.0 Cooler,SCT2 W/DP's 40 tow & 80 econo,Zoodad mod
2005 Keystone Hornet 30BHSS
Reese Dual Cam
Family of 4 saved by Grace!!!
MY TRUCK
OUR TRAILER
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6MISFITZ
Fort Erie, ON, CANADA
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Joined: 04/15/2003
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Keep the top and bottom surfaces of the weight bar socket heads lubed as mentioned above and the noise will lessen.
We used Reese Teflon greese on our Equal-i-zer (cheap @ Wally World) but EQ has their own brand.
Also remove the hitch head from the tow vehicle when not in use because we left our old Equal-i-zer hitch head on in the rain (when not towing) - and moisture caused the surfaces of the hitch head sockets to rust slightly which really caused some intense screeching while turning.
Had to use some sandpaper and follow the cleaning instructions in the "Eq" owners manual for that one.
Mike.
Mom, Dad, 4 kids, 2 Camping Dogs
Express 2500 LS (135"WB) 6.0L, 4.10, G80, PYO wheels, HENSLEY & McKesh
Prowler Regal 320DBHS w/QUAD BUNKS
MISFITZ RACING
MFCC Member
Rallies Attended 4, 7 Un-Rallies
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DarylD
Fridley, Minnesota
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Joined: 04/14/2008
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http://www.equalizerhitch.com/store/index.php?p=product&id=105&parent=8
Here is the link for the lube I purchased. I purchased it from "HillTop Trailer Sales" in Fridley Minnesota, but it is the same lubricant.
Works and is recommend by Equal-i-zer.
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Get'n R Kicks
IN(The State of Confusion)
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Joined: 11/03/2007
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Yeah ours sounds like a large whale. But I deal with it. When comes to pulling into CGs I usually loosen it anyway, just for the tight turns. I really could care less what others think about it. But I do try to keep it quit at night and in the AM when entering or exoting any CG.
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lonekazoo
Utah
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Joined: 06/21/2005
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You can also try these to quiet the hitch:
Equal-i-zer bracket jackets
Easier than grease--and you can remove them if you need. But, like grease, they can reduce the effectiveness of the hitch, so test them out. I can't feel any difference so far, but might take them off on long trips just in case. But for short trips into local campgrounds, particularly if I think I'll be pulling in at night, I think I'll use them...
2005 KZ Frontier 2809PQS-F
2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 SLT/4x4/8.1L/3.73/Autoride
(Previously 1999 Suburban LT K1500)
1K/10K Equal-i-zer, Prodigy, Champion
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summutt2002
Over here......no, over there!
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Joined: 02/08/2002
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Another way you can avoid bothering folks when you go in and out of CGs at odd hours is simply not to hook up the bars until you leave the CG or disconnect just before you go into the CG. When I'm on FS roads and driving slowly anyway, I disconnect the bars.
Great wife, 3.1 dogs and no money..LIFE IS GOOD
'01 Excursion Ltd 7.3L PSD pulling a '06 Prowler 260RLS, Equal-i-zer, Prodigy
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