Adjustment of weight dist hitch

Need alittle help. When adjusting the ball height (on the TV) vs the tounge height, is the ball to be higher or lower? I have looked online and found both answers.

WMJ
2002 Tundra
2003 22' Towlite

It's not real critical, but I lean toward having the ball 1/2" above the trailer's hitch. You can expect a half inch or more settlement of the tow vehicle when all the adjustments are done, so that compensates for it.

WMJ,

Back in the days when hitch blocks were welded, every time I changed TVs, the hitch specialist would weld it so that when the ball was in the socket, trailer and car would both be level. Since then, with adjustable blocks, I've continued doing the same thing. Using adjustable hitch blocks, it may not be as perfect as when they were custom welded, but its close enough.

In other words, when the trailer is hooked up, WD torsion bars properly installed, both the TV and trailer should be level to the ground.

One more thing, if your hitch block came with spacer shims to put between the shank and block portions, use them if there is any gap! When we bought our latest trailer, the mechanic for the dealer in Colorado (K & C) told me they weren't necessary (I don't know if he was lazy or lousy). I insisted he put them in because without, as he was tightening the Block onto the shank, I could actually see the block sides bending into the shank. Not a good thing for cast steel under stress ...plus the connection wobbled. The properly installed shims eliminated both of those issues. HAH, even after that the "mechanic" wasn't convinced the shims were needed (hurt pride). He didn't have an answer when I asked him why he thought the OEM had included them in the box with the other hitch components!

Jim

The Reese hitch instruction make clear, by inserting a separate sheet, that the shim be placed when there is a gap between the ball mount and the hitch bar. The shim is needed to keep the system tight and to prevent possible damage. Some cases it is not needed or maybe needs cut down, in other cases it may require two shims to fill the gap.

It's amazing what you can learn from reading the instructions.

Rich,

Read the instructions?!? Whats that all about? I always thought those sheets were factory suggestions.

Bob

I have a ball cap that says, "Real men don't need instructions!", but I don't wear it. I think it would draw bad luck.

RichR said:

It's not real critical, but I lean toward having the ball 1/2" above the trailer's hitch. You can expect a half inch or more settlement of the tow vehicle when all the adjustments are done, so that compensates for it.

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The instructions with my Equal-I-Zer hitch give about the same advice. They modify it slightly according to TV suspension. 1/2 ton trucks should have the ball higher than 3/4 ton or 1 ton trucks, since the heavier suspensions don't settle as much.

I'd certainly start with the ball higher.

- Jack