Hitch Sway Bracket Jackets 95-01-5150

[LarryJ]

I bought a set of these (Equalizer Hitch & Tow Bars 2Pk Sway Bracket Jackets 95-01-5150) as someone noted reduces the noise the Equalizer 1000 hitch makes on slow corners or backing. (these are slippery sleeves that rest below bars on trailer frame brackets, suppose somewhat like greasing bars?) Just "my impressions" after using:
Stopped the popping noise completely, and 'some' of the groaning during tight slow cornering or backing.
On the road found I had some sway that I didn't have before in lower winds but got used to the slight shifts though initially bit scary. In high winds was nearly terrifying (compared to no issues w/o these pads), So what I think is okay if little to no wind, going to take these off if even think going to be windy trip.


Larry J
2015 SLX 264BHW
2007 Ram 1500 5.7L w/tow package, Equalizer 1000, Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller
Priors:
Jayco Eagle 10 ST RD
Keystone Sprinter M-380BWS
Rockwood Freedom 1640TD
Jayco SLX 154BH
Still have seasonal (Hunting shack): Taurus 26'

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by LarryJ

snip...
slippery sleeves that rest below bars on trailer frame brackets, suppose somewhat like greasing bars?) Just "my impressions" after using:
Stopped the popping noise completely, and 'some' of the groaning during tight slow cornering or backing.
On the road found I had some sway that I didn't have before in lower winds but got used to the slight shifts though initially bit scary. In high winds was nearly terrifying (compared to no issues w/o these pads), So what I think is okay if little to no wind, going to take these off if even think going to be windy trip. ...snip

Larry,

Thank you for the information!

I considered buying these, but was concerned about the potential loss of some of the sway control. You confirmed that is the case.

After using this hitch for about 9 years, I am OK with the occasional noise and will pass on buying those sleeves.

Sherm

[DustyGeek]

I've used the bracket jackets for several years now without problems, and I never noticed any sway with my old truck, a 2008 5.7L Tundra Double Cab, standard bed w/tow package or my current truck. My old trailer was around 7500lbs loaded and 33' long tip to tip. My current one is 10500lbs loaded and about 34.5', with a new 14K hitch and I've only done one trip with it, home from the dealer (about 140 miles, with approximately 130miles of 65mph+ highway).

I originally added bracket jackets to mine at the recommendation of Equalizer support because I was having a problem with my L-brackets walking on my frame. Those brackets are really sensitive to being torqued down exactly right - too tight and they bend, reducing the grab.

I did find that periodically cleaning and re-lubricating the contact areas where the sockets rub on the hitch head helps a lot with the noise.

[TWP723]

I'l live with the noise!

[silverark]

I have used mine with and without the jackets. IMO the jackets are a pain to slip the bars on and off. Yes I have a little more sway with them, not much though. As far as noise it did quit it down on slow turns but like Dust says greasing the underside and around the bar sockets stops most noise. I have been in some tight spots that concern me with the brackets walking but I check them often to make sure they are tight as well as the socket bolts. I really like this hitch and have had no problem with it in 10yrs of use.

[hboy]

I picked up some replacement equalizer snap L-pin's from their store. These were suposed to eliminate the banging during slow turns.

These have worked for me. I tolerate some of the groaning from the friction points. But have used their lubricant too which helps with the groaning. I have not noticed significantly more sway on the highway when i've used the lube.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by DustyGeek

snip...
I did find that periodically cleaning and re-lubricating the contact areas where the sockets rub on the hitch head helps a lot with the noise.

That does help. I lube those parts regularly.

For the area where the WD bars and the frame brackets rub, I use black paint as a lubricant. It quiets the noise for a while, doesn't attract dirt, parts remain clean to handle & store, and it covers up the rusty places where the paint was rubbed off.

[314BHDS]

I use the jackets and wouldn't leave home without them.I have towed in wind,on windy bridges and had no sway issues other than what I noticed without them.I couldn't take that horrible noise anymore,but they say if your hearing that noise that they are working properly.My trailer is 37'3 9k an tows like a dream