Product Manual

Page 11 of 16 • Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch Installation Manual 7-2019 • www.AndersenHitches.com
SECTION 5: SETTING THE TENSION
5-1. Once the frame brackets are rmly and securely in place, make sure
your chains are still tight. Then, using the 1-1/4″ socket (provided),
HAND-TIGHTEN both Tension Nuts as much as you can — this is now your
starting point when tightening with a wrench. Now, using a wrench with the
provided 1-14″ socket, tighten both Tension Nuts another 3–4 threads. The red
urethane springs will be compressed and have a little bit of a curved edge.
5-2. Lower the trailer and set the full weight of the trailer onto the ball. The
front and back end of your trailer should now be close to level.
To ne-tune the weight distribution, you can tighten or loosen both Tension
Nuts one thread at a time. Although it is not crucial, it is a good practice to
tighten or loosen both of the Tension Nuts about the same amount.
See Section 6 for further checking and adjustment.
IMPORTANT - BEFORE USING A
WRENCH, hand-tighten both Tension
Nuts until the chains are tight
SECTION 6: CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE TENSION
6-1. For most circumstances, you will be able to see just how well the installation and adjustment is going by standing
back and looking at how level the trailer and tow vehicle are. The trailer should be level, while the tow vehicle should be
pretty close to level. If either is drastically uneven, follow the troubleshooting steps on the following page.
IMPORTANT Trying to get the Tow Vehicle perfectly level is NOT necessary — you just don’t want to be too
extreme in either direction (too much towards the tow vehicle’s front axle or too much towards the rear axle). After
hundreds of installations we have found that it is quite effective to basically “sight level” the tow vehicle and get it as close
to level as you can by tightening/loosening the Tension Nuts. We have illustrated some good and bad examples below:
GOOD: Trailer and tow vehicle are level GOOD: Trailer is level, rear of tow vehicle is a little lower than front
BAD: Trailer is not level and rear of tow vehicle is a lot lower than front
1. Check the Load 2. Check Installation 3. Tighten Tension Nuts
BAD: Trailer is not level and back of tow vehicle is higher than front
1. Check the Load 2. Check Installation 3. Tighten Tension Nuts
BAD: Far too much weight on back of tow vehicle Trailer is severely off-level
1. Check the Load 2. Check Installation 3. Tighten Tension Nuts