How to Install Your Fastway e2 Trunnion Sway Control / Weight Distribution Hitch*

*For an updated and shorter version of this installation, follow this link • Fastway e2™ Trunnion I...
A complete install of the Fastway® e2™ Trunnion weight distribution/sway control hitch.
www.fastwaytrailer.com/e2-hitch
Download the e2 Trunnion owner's manual to follow along here: www.fastwaytrailer.com/manuals
The correct set up of your e2 hitch will give you the best sway control and weight distribution. This video will show how to:
- Level the trailer.
- Get the correct shank with the proper drop or rise.
- Set the hitch head/hitch ball at the correct height.
- Correct placement of the brackets on the trailer frame.
- Check and adjust the weight distribution setup.
- Check and adjust the trailer pitch/attitude to tow level.
- Final tightening.
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[@DanielKE7UUM]

Never used an e2, but I love the original Equal-i-zer. I have used one on ever travel I've had. Set up a few for friends and and help many people adjust theirs.

[@toyota4x41]

i bought this exact hitch because of the install video and such a good reputation upon reviews. thanks fastway.

[@FastwayTrailer]

Thanks +Iain Little, and thanks for towing with an e2 hitch!

[@jefferyknudsen4028]

Thanks for the video, helped a lot when putting this on.

[@Stan-tq2kd]

Great Video of an Empty trailer. It will be Different with everything loaded for Camping

[@FastwayTrailer]

The install process will still be the same, but yes the weight will differ when loaded!

[@thomasbertram6303]

Awesome job on this video, this will be very helpful for me to setup on my new trailer this weekend. Thank you.

[@FastwayTrailer]

Glad to help!

[@suewillies2317]

Great training video. Still a little confused about the pitch. Your trailer and truck was good without changing the pitch, so we didn't get to see how to know how much the change the pitch if the last measurement was off. Thanks for the great video.

[@FastwayTrailer]

Sue, To check the pitch of the trailer, I follow a similar process as the one I use to get it parallel to the ground before starting the install. With the trailer coupled up and the weight distribution engaged, measure the frame of the trailer at the front and back, and compare the measurements. If the difference between the two is significant (more than 1-1/4"), you may want to adjust the hitch ball height - the position it is in on your adjustable shank. There is some flexibility in this. A short trailer of only 15' will be much more effected by changing the hitch ball height than a 34' trailer will be. 1-1/4" over 15' is much more pitch than 1-1/4" over 34'. Use your best judgement for your vehicles. Try a couple of different positions if necessary, and use the one that gives you the most stable ride. For example: With your hitch coupled and spring arms in place, you measure 15" to the trailer frame at the back, and 17" to the trailer frame in the front, a 2" difference, which is more than the recommended 1-1/4". Moving the hitch head down one hole on the shank changes its position by 1-1/4". But dropping the head also increases the amount of weight distribution, because it changes the relationship between the end of the spring arm and the L-bracket position. Therefore, when making this change, you need to check the weight distribution setup again. After moving the head down, the new weight distribution measurements show that it is good, dropping the front wheel well only slightly more, but not more than the uncoupled wheel well height. A second check of the trailer measurements shows 16-1/4" at the back, and 16" at the front. It is now within the 1-1/4" difference, and the weight distribution is good. This would be a better setup than before. --- There is a detailed description of this in Step 8 of the owner's manual, which you can download from the Fastway website here: www.fastwaytrailer.com/manuals If you need more help with your hitch, get in touch with our customer support team. They are available M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain time. They will be happy to help. [phone].

[@tbrogan4929]

Very helpful interpreting the manual.

[@FastwayTrailer]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@johns4870]

Great basic video thanks! The only thing missing, which is important is where you set the tow bars onto the mount plates and secure them with the pins.

[@FastwayTrailer]

+Joe S, You are right! We should have shown this step better. Here's how we like to do it: After coupling the trailer and taking the 2nd measurement, use the tongue jack to raise both the trailer tongue and the tow vehicle up until the spring arms can be moved easily over the top of the L-bracket. Place the L-pins over the bars, and secure them with the R-clips (cotter pins). Retract the jack, allowing the tongue weight to rest on the tow vehicle and engage the sway control. Unhitching is the same process reversed: Locate the trailer where you want to park it. Use the tongue jack to raise both trailer and tow vehicle until the tension is lifted off of the spring arms, and they can easily be moved away from the L-brackets. Remove the R-clips and L-pins holding the spring arms. Move the spring arms outward, away from the L-brackets. Use the tongue jack to lower both vehicles until the coupler latch can be opened. Unlock the coupler, and use the tongue jack to raise the trailer off of the hitch ball.

[@johns4870]

Overall still a good video.

[@FastwayTrailer]

Thanks +Joe S.

[@Immortal11777]

@@FastwayTrailer thanks for the update. also would have liked to see the tow bar adjustment for the sway control. kinda seemed like it was not talked about much.

[@dannyhou429]

Very helpful video, Thanks. But is it okay to put in 9 space washers? Somehow it seems like I have to put 9 of them to bring the front end of the truck down.

[@Joybellmorgans]

The top of my horse trailer coupler is only 16 inches from the ground. You are lucky yours is 20 inches!!

[@contractor9391]

Great video!

[@FastwayTrailer]

Thank you!

[@williamloeper4868]

Thanks 4 the Video, great details. Mine is completely set up wrong. Gonna redo mine 2moro

[@FastwayTrailer]

Glad it helped! If you need help you can contact our customer service team at [e-mail] or call them at 877-523-9103 and they should be able to help you further if you need!

[@martinscanlon9423]

Complete newbie here would have liked to see how you connect the ball into the coupler. Also, if you change vehicles and have to remove the fully tightened shank bolts to make adjustments, do you need new conical washers?

[@FastwayTrailer]

No, you do not need new conical washers, you can reuse the same ones. Also, we have a newer updated installation video on our channel that shows the ball being connected into the coupler. Check it out!

[@matthewmullett2634]

I installed this weight distribution hitch and it rocks...my truck rides so much better with it installed! Thanks for this informative video! I had one question. After torquing the 3/4" shank bolts with the conical washers to 250 ft lbs, the top bolt has more bolt sticking out of the nut than the bottom bolt and the conical washers on the top look more flattened out than the bottom. Both are torqued to 250 ft lbs. Will this be an issue in the future? Thanks!

[@FastwayTrailer]

Nope! That's not a problem at all!

[@jaymervin6888]

Also just some fyi, a torque wrench that has a + or - 4% error , could make a 250 ft lb at 260 ft lb if it is the full +4% off, the good brands are + or - 3%

[@ShootnTexasStyle]

Good video. But I don't understand the reason to take the trailer off the hitch and then tighten up the bolts. Since it was all loose wouldn't then hitch slide back the other way when it's turned upside down to tighten it effectively making the ball move higher when it's turned back upright? Confused somewhat.

[@FastwayTrailer]

+ShootnTexasStyle, The bolts are left loose in the beginning so that it's easier to add or remove spacer washers to change the weight distribution amount. Once you have that dialed in, you need to tighten all of the bolts up to the correct torque specs. When you engage the weight distribution for the first time, a lot of pressure is put onto the head, especially the spacer rivet and washers. This usually causes them to smash and flatten a little, which loosens the connection between the head and shank. When you turn the head over, the weight of the hitch head pushes the head tight to the rivet and washers, then you snug the angle set bolt and shank bolts to keep it there (17:46). It is important to tighten the shank bolts without the weight distribution engaged so that there is no shear stress on the bolts as you tighten them. This assures the best connection between the hitch head and shank. You are correct, turning it upside down, then tightening, makes the ball move slightly higher, but only 1/8" or so. Hope that clears up the confusion. If not, please get in touch with our customer support team at 877-523-9103 or [e-mail].

[@alandiehl8398]

The place I bought my camper from set up the weight distribution hitch. Everything sits nice and level, however when I am connected to the trailer the distribution bars have little to no weight on them. In fact I can move them quite easily with the full weight of the camper on the truck. do I need to to raise the brackets that the bars set on?

[@FastwayTrailer]

Hmm, I would contact our customer service team at [e-mail] or call them at 877-523-9103 and make sure your hitch is set up correctly!

[@kayleegl]

you recommend to load the tow vehicle with all your gear ,my issue with that is we don't always bring the same amount of gear on each trip .is this necessary for installation or is there any other options like maybe adding a 1/4 to the ball height or maybe a minimum amount of weight in the tow vehicle .

[@FastwayTrailer]

This is a good point. You will want to set it up for how it will be most often when you're towing (if possible, of course). If you are towing completely different loads each time, you may need to make a few minor adjustments to your hitch to adjust to the load.

[@COMMANDER-ONE]

My fast way hitch sway bar arms are riding on the rear of the L brackets. What adjustment it’s best to fix that? Also thank you for the video!

[@jaymervin6888]

You would lower the L brackets one hole and see if they are more parallel

[@jasbur1]

My question for you is why load the truck before taking measurements? If I load the truck it will raise the front end and isn't the idea to have it back to original height when the WDH is setup? Seems like the truck heights should be done first then load your gear and couple the trailer? What am I missing?

[@FastwayTrailer]

Hi there! It is important to load the truck trailer because then you will have the most accurate weight distribution measurements. If you do all the measurements then add new weight it will skew the number and potentially place you in an unsafe towing bracket. If all the weight is accounted for then the weight distribution accounts for all the weight, not some of it. I hope that explains it!

[@csmith0244]

If the truck is perfect afterwards but the trailer is an inch lower in the front, so I just need to raise my hitch one position and if I do that does it change everything that I’ve already gotten set ?

[@FastwayTrailer]

Good question. If you only need to raise it up one hole, you will likely be fine as is. You possibly may need to add a single washer to the hitch head as well. If you follow the Weight Distribution Setup Table in the manual, then that will help you know you're set up correctly. Thanks!

[@keithmackenzie9719]

Can Chevys "Stabilitrak" be used in conjunction with E2 hitch shown or would/should you have to turn Stabilitrak off?

[@FastwayTrailer]

No, there is no reason to turn off Chevy's Stabilitrak when using your e2 hitch.

[@drwang84]

We just changed tow vehicles and need to adjust the height of the ball and hitch. To disassemble and reassemble the bolts, is it advisable to use a heavy duty adjustable plumbers wrench instead of the ratchet with socket?

[@FastwayTrailer]

To ensure proper setup, we recommend using an appropriately rated torque wrench to secure the hardware required to install the hitch. There are many torque wrenches available from a wide variety of vendors. The torque specs required for installation are all listed within our owner’s manual which can be found on our website if needed. It is important to select a torque wrench that is capable of achieving the torque specs listed in order to get the maximum safety and performance out of your hitch.

[@MrGarbhead]

What supplies the sway control? All I see is weight distribution...thanks

[@FastwayTrailer]

The bars have built in sway control. The friction points with the L-brackets are what provide the sway control.

[@bippapatony77]

Do you make mounting brackets for an 8'' frame?

[@FastwayTrailer]

Yes, we do! Call our Customer Support team Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and they can help you get those. 877-523-9103.

[@mattr0815]

Here's a question for you - I had to move one L bracket forward to 28" to avoid the breakaway control box, but the other side was clear so I put it at 30" - should I actually move that side to match, or is it okay to have one side in a different position so long as they are both in the safe 27"-30" range?

[@FastwayTrailer]

If they are in the same range you should be okay! The closer they are to being the same the better.

[@kencurtis01]

Next time show us how to hook the bars up the sway bars

[@FastwayTrailer]

Next time we'll go more into detail on the arms! Great suggestion!

[@mroberts566]

Thanks for making this video. While it is fairly helpful and conveys the basics well, it seems like it's incomplete. Great tutorial videos explain and show what you should do if changes/adjustments are necessary or if you make common mistakes. I followed all the instructions in this video, and I'm getting almost zero compression back on my truck's front end. So now I'll just fix it by... Umm... Well... I don't know what I'll do because no adjustments are mentioned anywhere in this video; everything just magically works perfectly the first time. Sorry to come across like a grump; I'm frustrated because the dealership where I bought my travel trailer installed my e2 wrong; the ball was way too low and they didn't tighten my angle set bolt. I started from scratch using this video and now my rear fender is just a few inches from my rear tire and I don't know how to fix it. I'd bring it back but it's 200 miles away and I don't have time.

[@FastwayTrailer]

Mark Roberts, Sorry to hear that you're frustrated. I'm confident with a little work we can get you on the road with a good setup. At first glance, it sounds like you are under-adjusted, which means you need to have more spacer washers, and/or raise the L-brackets on your trailer frame. However, I don't want to recommend a solution without first having a good understanding of what you're working with. Tell me about your equipment - what are you towing, what is the (approximate) tongue weight and trailer weight? What is your tow vehicle? What size hitch do you have? How many spacer washers do you currently have in your hitch head? What position are your L-brackets set to? Do you have the Owner's Manual? If not, download it here: www.fastwaytrailer.com/manuals

[@FastwayTrailer]

Mark Roberts, Were you able to make some adjustments? If you still need some help, please get in touch with our awesome Customer Support via email at [e-mail], or by calling 877-523-9103, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time.

[@michaelbiecker5498]

FastwayTrailer same problem. Had a dealer install and it has done nothing for sway or weight. Either they used all the washers or threw the rest out.

[@kmstokesful]

Can you open your tailgate once installed ?....I noticed that the weigh safe hitch allows for full gate operation..

[@FastwayTrailer]

Depending on the vehicle and trailer, you should be able too open your tailgate.

[@Drogos79]

again....what's the wrench size that holds the hitch ball while torquing ?

[@FastwayTrailer]

The one used in the video was a 1-7/8 thin walled socket. For the trunnion model, it doesn't need to be thin walled.

[@TheJulia61]

Is there anywhere in jax fl this can be put on a grand jeep Cherokee limited 4x2 towing an Rpod 2010 173? What would a good price be to gave this installed on camper and jeep?

[@FastwayTrailer]

Julia Torjusen, Yes! There are a number of good dealerships in the area that can install a Fastway e2 hitch for you. Use the dealer locator on our website here: www.fastwaytrailer.com/find-a-dealer Be sure to call ahead to verify that they have the product you're looking for, and a service facility to install it. Some locations may not carry the full line of Fastway products, and others are retail locations only, with no service center. The price will vary depending on which model you chose, and the specifics of your tow vehicle and trailer. Our MSRP for an e2 trunnion hitch ranges between $469 for the 4.5K up to $505 for the 12K model. All dealer's shop rates vary, but typically we would expect that your hitch could be installed in an hour or less. Special circumstances for your vehicles may affect this, so be sure to talk specifics with the dealership's service department for your situation. Get a quote from several reputable dealers, and chose the one you feel will do the best for you. As always, you can call our great customer support team with any questions you have at 877-523-9103. Good luck!

[@FastwayTrailer]

Leslie B, If you have access to the proper tools, and follow the owner's manual and install video, an e2 hitch is not difficult to install. At the same time, it is a critical piece of towing equipment, and therefore, if after reviewing the process in the owner's manual and watching the video you are not confident in your abilities, we recommend you consult a qualified dealer to have it installed there. Safe and happy customers is our first priority. Something to consider before tackling it yourself: To install the hitch and hitch ball, you will need a large torque wrench, and some other large wrenches / sockets: a 1-1/8" and 1-1/16" with a 250 ft-lb torque wrench for the shank bolts, and a 1-7/8" socket with a 400+ ft-lb capable torque wrench for the hitch ball. There is a 10K model with a pre-installed hitch ball (92-00-1065), which would eliminate the need for the largest wrench and socket. You may also be able to find an auto parts store near you that offers tool rental. The e2 owner's manuals can be found here: www.fastwaytrailer.com/manuals You may also contact our customer support team with questions at 877-523-9103 or [e-mail]

[@FastwayTrailer]

You can use the Dealer Locator page on the website to find dealers that carry our products near you. www.fastwaytrailer.com/find-a-dealer You can also contact our customer support team, and they can help locate a dealer near you as well. 877-523-9103 or [e-mail].

[@ShootnTexasStyle]

What is the theory behind the tilted ball in the first place? Is it to adjust the tension of the bars on the trailer?

[@FastwayTrailer]

Thanks for the question +ShootnTexasStyle, The ball is tilted because the head is tilted, and tilting the head changes the angle of the spring arms relative to the trailer and tow vehicle. It is that relative angle that determines the amount of weight distribution being applied to your combined trailer / tow vehicle. More washers give you more of an angle, and thus, more weight distribution. Less washers = less weight distribution. We recommend that you set the hitch up initially by using the addition or subtraction of spacer washers as much as possible, with the L-brackets in the center holes. This allows the most flexibility later, when a simple adjustment to the L-brackets on the trailer frame can be made to adjust weight distribution if needed for the load you are towing. Here is a video that shows the adjustments when you have too much or too little weight distribution: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r57Gc2Wvmr-latU

[@walterm5787]

Your video skipped the part of putting the weight bars on and off. I have everything else but that. I know the dealer gave me a bar to do but no idea how he did it. Any help?

[@walterm5787]

But I must say it pulled real nice on theh way home (5 hours). So I love what it does just need more info on how to set it up for my next trip.

[@FastwayTrailer]

Thanks for watching! On our channel we have a new video called "How to hitch and unhitch your e2 hitch". This is exactly what you're looking for! This video is simply just the initial setup and installation. Glad you're enjoying towing with the hitch!!

[@walterm5787]

@@FastwayTrailer Thank you.

[@chenwu9788]

What is the max load of this package?

[@FastwayTrailer]

Fastway e2 trunnion hitches come in packages rated from 450 lb tongue weight / 4,500 lb gross trailer weight, up to 1,200 lb tongue weight / 12,000 lb gross trailer weight. See more on our website here: fstwy.co/home.

[@patb9375]

Probably would help more if you showed all the steps. Kind of like a Crew leader I had that liked to leave people he trained out of a few of the steps to finish anything. If someone has never used it you skipped enough to make it dangerous.

[@FastwayTrailer]

Thank you for taking time to watch the video, and for the feedback. The install is covered thoroughly in the e2 hitch owner’s manual [www.fastwaytrailer.com/pdf/e2_Trunnion_Instructions_2016-06.pdf], and the video was done as a visual supplement to that. Which steps of the install do you feel are missing? Where could we improve it?

[@1towmater1]

I've been using a chain weight distributing hitch from way before all these new fancy ones where even thought of and il tell you that ANY weight distributing hitch will add away control without using an actual sway control.... Simple mathematics and physics.

[@FastwayTrailer]

You are correct, any weight distribution hitch, when set up and used properly, will increase the control the tow vehicle has over the trailer, because you are returning weight to the front axle, which increases braking and steering control. However, sway control hitches add the extra advantage of friction resistance that opposes or dampens the trailer’s side-to-side movement. Set up correctly, a sway control hitch, like the e2 [www.fastwaytrailer.com/e2-hitch] will perform better than a weight distribution hitch with no sway control.

[@simplyblessedrvlife9067]

Can you send me the owners and installation manual for this hitch ?

[@FastwayTrailer]

Of course! Will you message us on facebook? I'll get one sent out asap.

[@russfoster8374]

Is the hardware stainless?

[@FastwayTrailer]

The e2 hardware is zinc plated steel, not stainless steel.

[@timothyantonius2391]

Did you say 460 ft pounds for the ball 🤨

[@FastwayTrailer]

430 ft lbs. if you have a Fastway ball, if not, then use the recommended torque of the hitch ball manufacturer. Thanks!

[@raywilliams6098]

your a liar,3 washers is the max it will take to make the holes line up to be able to get the bolts through@!

[@FastwayTrailer]

+Ray Williams, Perhaps you are using a different brand hitch, or the 4.5K model? The e2 trunnion hitch (6K to 12K model) uses a minimum of 5 and maximum of 9 spacer washers, which is what this video is covering. The e2 4.5K trunnion hitch uses either 2 or 3 spacer washers.

[@n1spirit]

@Ray Williams - Wow! Grow the hell up and quit making assumptions. This guy is trying to help you and you're calling him a liar? (When in fact you are likely using a different hitch entirely.) Were I him I'd have told you to bugger off and go find somebody willing to put up with your b.s.