Equal-i-zer Hitch Review: Full Product Review + Pros and Cons

A weight distribution hitch (or WDH) is one of those purchases that can be hard to make.

How do you buy something before knowing if it’s going to work– and it needs to work.

After all, if it doesn’t it could result in damage to either your trailer or tow vehicle (or both).

Equal-i-zer has been a name in the hitch space for nearly 80 years and become one of several trusted brands.

Below, we review their weight distribution hitches in a variety of areas:

• Construction
• Installation
• Features
• Pricing
• And general pros and cons

Read on to hear our full take on whether Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitches are worth your money. 

What Makes the Equal-izer Sway Control Hitch Unique? An Overview

If you’re looking for a short summary (the cliff notes, if you will) of what makes Equal-i-zer WDH’s unique, here it is:

• High-quality construction that is 100% made in the U.S.A.
• Dependable performance, counted on by RVers for decades
• Built-in sway control
• Easy to set up, can back up with the hitch connected
• On the price side compared to equivalent competitors
• Quite loud as WD hitches go

With all that said, here is a more detailed breakdown of each major area we reviewed of Equal-i-zer’s 4-Point Sway Control Hitch:

Construction 

Equal-i-zer scores points here. Most, if not all, hitch brands are constructed in the U.S. so that doesn’t stand them apart (but is awesome!).  

Equal-i-zer hitches aren’t just constructed in the U.S., however. Even their parts are crafted here in the states, making them 100% made in the U.S.A. unlike most brands.

Their hitches are made with high-grade American steel and made to last.

Installation

One of the major pros often cited of Equal-i-zer hitches by RVers is their easy installation:

Set up in a few minutes and go, with the ability to reverse with the hitch installed, meaning no need to remove it each time you’re backing up.

Features

Equal-i-zer hitches offer competitive features. Not much out of the ordinary here, but you’ll find nothing important missing– just what you want from a WDH. 

Some of the more notable/important features include: 

• Patented weight distribution system
• 4-Point sway control technology built-in with multiple friction points using sway control brackets and swing arms
• Flexible placement means it will fit with any setup and won’t get in the way
• Wide turning radius
• The ability to back up while it’s set up
• Lifetime warranty

Most notably, you get superior sway control performance from this Equalizer hitch, enough that many trailers won’t need any add-on sway control devices at all. With rotational friction sway control you can even maneuver your trailer and pickup truck without worrying about turns.

With that said, trailer sway should be taken seriously. Ensure your trailer has zero sway after installing the hitch (it will take some time test driving) and that your maximum tongue weight fits the hitch and the weight of the trailer If not, consider getting sway control bars for the best protection for your travel trailer. 

Pricing

The Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch is a bit pricey compared to competitors.

While prices vary– along with quality– the average price for an equivalent WDH is usually around $400 – 600.

The Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch, which has up to a 10,000-lb trailer capacity, comes in at around $745, around one to two hundred dollars more. 

By no means is it the most expensive hitch set up out there, but it is pricey compared to its competitors with similar quality hitches.

• Find Equal-i-zer’s 4-Point Sway Control Hitch on Amazon: Amazon.com: Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch
• Find Equal-i-zer’s 4-Point Sway Control Hitch on Equal-i-zer: Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control

Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch: Major Pros and Cons

Now, let’s put everything together– as well as some other notable details we didn’t mention above– to see what Equal-i-zer’s Sway Control Hitch has to offer:

Pro: Dependable performance

Users in troves report great performance and dependability, from the quality of their parts to the construction of the hitch itself, and the sway control feature’s ability to reduce sway (among other things).

The name of the game here is: you don’t want to notice it (the hitch) while you’re driving. It simply does its job. The less you notice the better.

The Equal-i-zer’s Sway Control Hitch fits that perfectly, with virtually no complaints being levied at its performance. It does its job and lets you go about your business without worry. 

If you’re looking for the safest towing experience possible, the Equal-i-zer 4-point excels. 

Pro: U.S. constructed and made

The Equal-i-zer’s Sway Control Hitch is 100% made in the U.S.A., from parts (most notably) to the actual construction of the hitch setup itself. 

Pro: Lifetime warranty

The Equal-i-zer’s Sway Control Hitch comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

This is great in a vacuum, but more notable when you compare it to its competitors who often don’t offer a lifetime warranty. 

This is not only a great comfort for buyers but a testament to Equal-i-zer’s quality. 

Pro: Good flexibility (turn radius and backup)

Equal-i-zer hitches all have great driving flexibility, not restricting your drive the way WDH’s classically have.

With the Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch, you get not only a rather wide turn radius but the ability to back up. So, no need to remove the hitch setup just to reverse. 

Con: It’s pretty loud

One of the more notable aspects of Equal-i-zer hitches is that they tend to be very loud, which isn’t normal in weight distribution hitches or sway control setups.

With that said, there is a fix. By applying a bit of grease around the hitch you can reduce the noise. 

However, it’s worth noting that some have suggested that by applying grease you reduce friction and thereby will reduce performance of the hitch itself to stabilize– i.e. to do its job.

So, it’s worth noting that the fix may not be a fix at all. With that said, it’s a hard thing to test without driving the hitch for a very long period of time both with and without grease added. 

Con: They’re pricey

The Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch is several hundred dollars more than the typical WDH of the same quality (anywhere from 30-70% more expensive).

You could argue that you’re paying for more than just construction quality and performance, however. You’re also benefiting by buying from a long-standing brand that you can trust. 

Is that worth such a steep price difference? Only you can decide. 

Con: Can’t use tailgate while the hitch is attached

One smaller con that should be mentioned is that you can’t use your tailgate while the hitch is attached. 

Some WDH’s are set up in a way that allows you to drop the tailgate fully while setup, but Equal-i-zer’s Sway Control Hitch allows it to come down by about 70% before bumping into it.

Not a major con, but a smaller convenience that might bother you. 

Final Verdict: How Do Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitches Stack Up?

The original Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitches are an industry standard in everything from part and construction quality to flexibility and performance.

There are quite a few great WDH brands on the market, including some that are more affordable if budget is a concern, so by no means is it the only reliable brand you can go with.

However, if you’re looking for a dependable brand of weight distribution hitch, it’s hard to go wrong with an Equal-i-zer.

• Find Equal-i-zer’s 4-Point Sway Control Hitch on Amazon: Amazon.com: Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch
• Find Equal-i-zer’s 4-Point Sway Control Hitch on Equal-i-zer: Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control