Equalizer Hitch
For the past several years I have been using a standard hitch and friction-type sway control device. I was towing a p’up camper, and never had a need for a weight distribution hitch, and the friction-type sway control arm was sufficient. When we decided to upgrade to a travel trailer and all the additional weight we will be pulling, I figured it was time to start looking for a good weight distribution hitch with anti-sway control. My research took me in many directions and I discovered that no two hitches are created equal (so-to-speak).
There are some highly rated hitches out there, such as the Hensley Arrow, but they come with some hefty price tags as well. I set out to find a hitch that gave me the most bang for my buck, and if the Hensley was that hitch, then I was willing to part with the nearly $3000.00 for one. After much reading and comparing, I decided upon the Equal-i-zer system.
The Equal-i-zer can be purchased for around $420.00 for a 10,000 lb. hitch. Among this price-level of hitch, the Equal-i-zer and the Reese Dual-Cam setup seem to be the two favorites, the Reese a bit more expensive. They both are quality hitches. One question I had was that, at approximately $420.00 for an Equal-i-zer hitch, and the Hensley hitch at about seven times that price ($3000.00), would I be getting a hitch that is significantly (seven times) better with the Hensley than with the Equal-i-zer. My initial determination was that I would not.
I spent several weeks reading about the various anti-sway weight distribution systems on the market, and I eventually narrowed it down to the Equal-i-zer and Reese brands. From what I read, they both had their pros and con’s. The Equal-i-zer came with a shank, the Reese required purchasing one separately. Most people seemed to think that the Reese has better sway control. The Equal-i-zer seemed easier to hook up. It really was a toss-up between the two; both hitches have a huge following, and owners of either hitch will tell you that the other hitch is equally good. So after all the reading and researching, these two seemed to be in a class by themselves but no clear-cut winner between the two.
I initially decided on the Reese Dual Cam. I began looking around for the best price, ready to make the purchase. But all the while I couldn’t let go of what appeared to be an easier hookup of the Equal-i-zer hitch. So, I changed my decision, and immediately ordered the Equal-i-zer. Then I sat back, crossed my fingers, and hoped I made the right choice.
I had read the installation instructions several times before the hitch arrived, so when the day came to install the hitch I could have done it in my sleep. In about 1 hour I had the entire hitch set up to the standard specifications. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to give it much of a test on my first trailer tow; I only towed it about 1 mile back to the dealer for a repair it required. I would have to wait another three weeks to give the hitch a good assessment.
When I picked up the trailer after the repair was completed, I hooked up the hitch and set out for a 200 mile drive home. I ran the trailer through many different obstacles; open road with and without wind blowing, driving through towns, Interstate 95 from Vero Beach to Melbourne (about 1 hour’s drive), two lane highway with tractor trailers passing in the opposite direction at highway speeds… I got to experience several good examinations with the new hitch. The results were nothing short of excellent!
Our trailer, approximately 5000 lbs. tracked virtually perfectly. I would notice a slight ‘shove’ when a tractor trailer would pass by, but nothing that sent fear up my spine. Sway was completely unnoticeable. When researching this hitch, several people mentioned that this hitch would ‘pop’ or ‘snap’ occasionally. I only noticed these sounds when making slow, sharp turns, but not once did I hear any such noise when on the open road. Without any doubt, this hitch met all my expectations in a weight distribution with anti-sway system.
After using the Equal-i-zer, albeit one time, I am absolutely convinced that other hitches priced seven-time that of the Equal-i-zer cannot possibly be that much better. My ride was everything I would expect with a WD, AS hitch. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m sure that the Hensley is an outstanding hitch. But more than ever, I’m certain that spending more than the price for an Equal-i-zer does not buy you a measurably better hitch system.
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