Introduction:
Welcome to this comprehensive guide on the installation process of the B&W Continuum Weight Distribution Hitch. In this guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information and step-by-step instructions to ensure a proper installation. For even more product information and specifications visit us at www.hitchrite.com. Shop now and save on all B&W Continuum Weight Distribution Hitches. Starting at $1299, free shipping, and no sales tax!
Overview of Hitch Components:
- Bar Assembly: This component comes pre-assembled and ready to use.
- Head Assembly: Also pre-assembled and ready for installation.
- Hydraulic Pump and Cylinder Assembly: Already put together and primed. You only need to adjust the vent hose length.
- Brackets: Two brackets for attaching the pump box to the frame, and three bolts to attach the cylinder to the top of the trailer frame.
- Holder Bracket: Provided to attach the Bar Assembly to the trailer jack tube when not in use.
- Additional Box: Included for underslung couplers, featuring an Extension Bracket and Bolt to compensate for the height difference.
Preparing for Installation:
- Ensure the vehicle and trailer are on a flat, level surface, such as a shop floor, concrete driveway, or asphalt. Avoid gravel or uneven terrain.
- Measure the height difference between the ground and the bottom of the trailer frame at the front and rear. Adjust the trailer tongue to match the rear height by lowering or raising it accordingly.
Installing the Head Unit:
- Measure the height from the ground to the top of the coupler. Note this measurement for later use.
- If the pre-assembled Head Unit is not tall enough, adjust the shank to the rise position, ensuring it is 1-2 inches higher than the coupler height.
- Use the Retaining Pins to secure the Head Unit, making sure the pins engage fully.
Installing the Hydraulic Pump:
- Mark the location of the propane tank cover on the trailer and remove the cover and propane bottles.
- Check for any obstructions and make necessary adjustments, such as shifting or removing the propane tray.
- Attach the outer pump bracket to the frame using the appropriate hole based on your frame height.
- Insert bolts through the outer and rear clamp brackets, and secure with nuts.
- Ensure both brackets are flat on the frame and adjust their position if necessary.
- Mount the Hydraulic Pump and Cylinder Assembly onto the bracket, aligning the pump box with the tab.
- Secure the pump box using flanged head bolts and verify that the pump handle operates smoothly.
- Torque the mount bolts to 40 foot-pounds, ensuring even tightening.
Installing the Hydraulic Cylinder:
- If applicable to your trailer, install the Cylinder Extension Bracket.
- Attach the top mount bracket and secure it with a pin and clip.
- Hang the Cylinder from the bracket, ensuring the lines and hoses are free.
- Align the Cylinder evenly on the trailer and insert the long bolts through the top mount bracket.
- Place the frame clamp bracket over the bolts and tighten the nuts on both sides.
- Adjust the position of the Cylinder to align with the previous marks and ensure it is square with the trailer.
- Tighten all nuts and torque them to 40 foot-pounds, alternating sides evenly.
Completing the Hydraulic Installation:
- Reinstall the propane tank tray if it was removed earlier.
- Verify that the Hydraulic Cylinder is fully retracted, and adjust if necessary.
- Connect the vent hose from the pump box to the vent on top, ensuring a secure and sealed connection.
Load Bar Assembly
Before we install the Load Bar Assembly, go ahead and back the vehicle up to the trailer, attach the trailer coupler to the hitch ball, and secure it properly.
Now let’s move on to the Load Bar Assembly. The Load Bars are already assembled and ready to be installed. Each Load Bar consists of two components: the Load Bar itself and the Sway Control Tab. You will have two Load Bars in total.
To install the Load Bar Assembly, follow these steps:
- Begin on one side of the trailer. Lift the Load Bar and insert the Sway Control Tab into the designated slot on the trailer frame.
- Slide the Load Bar into the receiver bracket on the head assembly of the hitch. Make sure it locks securely into place.
- Repeat the same steps on the other side of the trailer with the second Load Bar.
- Once both Load Bars are installed, use the included spring clips or safety pins to secure the Load Bars in place.
Adjust the hitch height to achieve proper weight distribution.
Follow these steps:
- Using a jack, raise the front of the trailer until it is level.
- Measure the height from the ground to the top of the hitch ball.
- Refer back to the measurement you noted earlier for the height of the coupler. The top of the hitch ball should be 1 to 2 inches higher than the coupler height measurement.
- If the hitch ball is not at the desired height, use an adjustable wrench or socket to adjust the hitch ball mount. Loosen the necessary bolts, raise or lower the hitch ball mount, and then tighten the bolts securely.
- Double-check the height using the measurements again to ensure the hitch ball is properly adjusted.
Final steps to complete the installation:
- Attach the safety chains and electrical connections between the vehicle and trailer, ensuring they are secured and functioning correctly.
- Lower the trailer jack so that the weight is resting on the Load Bars and not the jack.
- If you received a Holder Bracket for the Bar Assembly, attach it to the trailer jack tube to keep the Load Bars elevated when not in use.
- Finally, go through a comprehensive safety check of the entire hitch system, ensuring all bolts are properly tightened and all components are securely in place.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed the B&W Continuum Weight Distribution Hitch. It is important to familiarize yourself with the user manual and instructions provided by B&W Trailer Hitches for proper usage and maintenance of the hitch system.
Please note that this installation guide is a general overview, and it is essential to refer to the specific instructions and guidelines provided by B&W Trailer Hitches for your specific model and setup.
Should you have any further questions or require additional assistance, our HitchRite customer support team is here to help. Feel free to reach out to us for further guidance and support. Happy towing with your newly installed B&W Continuum Weight Distribution Hitch! Shop today at www.hitchrite.com. Save on all B&W Continuum Weight Distribution Hitches. Starting at $1299, free shipping, and no sales tax!