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Old 08-08-2013, 08:46 AM   #1
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Hitch Procedure Question

Hi all

When we picked up our new X17Z trailer, we received some orientation on how to properly hitch the trailer. The process shown to us was to raise the trailer tongue, back up the tow vehicle, and lower the tongue onto the hitch ball. We were then instructed to raise the tongue (while attached to the tow vehicle) to the maximum height, before attaching our 2 weight distribution bars, safety chains and sway bar, after which we would lower the tongue and fully retract the tongue pole.

I'm questioning the last part of the process. Does this make sense to you?

Thanks.

Bob
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Old 08-08-2013, 09:08 AM   #2
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Hitch Procedure Question

Yes. That puts tension on the bars at ride height. Otherwise they aren't doing anything.
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Old 08-08-2013, 10:01 AM   #3
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That is how we do it with our Equalizer brand WDH. However, we only raise it only as high as we need to. For example when we unhook; we lift (hand crank) the unit up, every so often I tap the bars with my foot. Once both bars are free of tension they move easily, that is when I stop cranking. I do about the same to install the bars.
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Old 08-08-2013, 11:46 AM   #4
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I think a lot of it is hitch-dependent. I stopped lifting my TV with the hitch, as I get the same tension on the bars either way. It takes a little more muscle to get my bars in place but nothing too crazy. I have a Blue Ox hitch, but noticed the same with my friend's WD Reese hitch. It's silly, but I wasn't too comfortable lifting my TV with the hitch. I just feel like it's unnecessary wear on the hitch and jack. When I see the TV starting to drop, I stop and put on the WD bars. Same with disconnecting.
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Old 08-08-2013, 12:00 PM   #5
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Be sure you also connect the electrical and break-away lanyard.
Don't ask why I think this is important.
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Old 08-08-2013, 04:53 PM   #6
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Once the trailer is secured to the ball, I snap up the round bars. In my situation there is no need to raise the TV with the jack in order to snap up the bars. The pipe handle works fine.
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Old 08-08-2013, 06:26 PM   #7
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One reason for raising the TV/HTT a little when engaging the standard WDH spring bar is to remove some of the load on the snap-up bracket arm while raising the spring bar tail. When raising the spring bar tail the chain travels "outward" of the HTT A-frame, and in some cases this added chain pull force can bend the snap-up bracket "saddle" that sets over the top of the HTT A-frame. On another RV forum a guy had the snap bracket actually pop off the A-frame while engaging the spring bar.

This is the same reason that once the snap-up bracket has the spring bar engaged, the chain should hang parallel (vertical) to the A-frame when under load.

Just food for thought.

Bob
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Old 08-08-2013, 07:29 PM   #8
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I also have the equalizer hitch and no longer raise the TV with the Jack. I have been lowering it until I can put on the bars and then drop it all the way down on the ball. I also unhook it the same way. I am not sure if it makes a difference or not but dont like the extra steps....
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Old 08-09-2013, 12:45 AM   #9
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I do it the same way as Monkeyclaw and Mcfarmall, just use common sense, even if you do lift your TV with the trailer jack, then just barely lift enough to take the tension off the bars, otherwise, you really don't need to lift it.
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Old 08-09-2013, 04:12 AM   #10
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I'm surprised no one has mentioned campsite topography. I have found this has A LOT to do with how difficult it is attach my bars. If I'm on a mound or level ground - no problem....in a dip or the vehicles are twisted?....it's tongue jack or bar tool time.....

I found it easiest in those situations to pull out onto more level ground - and then apply the bars.

Reverse is true if I'm pulling onto a wicked patch of ground. If I have to pull or back one side of the TT onto several pads of blocks to level it.....then I've probably twisted the two vehicles to the point where I'm almost guaranteed a lot of tension on one side of the bars or the other......so again, I find it works for me to remove the bars before setting up the TT on non-level sites.
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Old 08-09-2013, 07:54 AM   #11
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Yes it is right to do it that way.. it is why so many of us went with power tongue jacks..
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Old 08-09-2013, 09:42 AM   #12
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Hitch Procedure Question

If you don't put tension on the bars, then you really aren't using them.

Not everyone needs them, and not everyone realizes that.
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