Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins: Adjusting Equalizer WDH

Print Page | Close Window

Adjusting Equalizer WDH

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins
Forum Discription: Have a warranty or service experience to share?
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12637
Printed Date: 03 May 2024 at 8:47am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Adjusting Equalizer WDH

Posted By: Mbearden
Subject: Adjusting Equalizer WDH
Date 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

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date 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
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Mbearden
Date 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

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 10:02pm

https://www.harborfreight.com/34-in-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-63883.html - https://www.harborfreight.com/34-in-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-63883.html

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,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Mbearden
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2019 at 10:12pm

A little Permatex always helps also.

-------------
Mike Bearden

Posted By: offgrid
Date 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.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: Subzilla
Date 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"
2011 Silverado 1500 4X4