Can You Reverse with an Equal-i-zer Hitch?

Yes. The Equal-i-zer weight-distribution hitch is designed to allow backing up without disconnecting, including moderate turns, as long as you avoid jackknifing and proceed slowly. In extremely tight or uneven situations where parts could bind, it’s wise to temporarily remove the spring bars before completing the maneuver.

What Makes Reversing Possible with an Equal-i-zer

The Equal-i-zer hitch integrates four-point sway control into the weight-distribution system, eliminating the separate friction sway bar that often must be removed on other setups before backing. This design lets drivers reverse in most everyday scenarios—such as into campsites, driveways, and fuel stations—without unhooking. Noise (creaks, pops, or groans) during low-speed maneuvering is typically normal friction at work, not a sign of failure.

When to Consider Removing the Spring Bars Before Reversing

While the hitch supports backing, there are specific circumstances where temporarily removing the spring bars reduces the risk of binding or damage. The following list highlights common red flags to watch for before committing to a tight reverse.

• Approaching a near-jackknife angle between tow vehicle and trailer
• Negotiating sharp, off-camber turns on uneven terrain or steep driveway aprons
• Climbing over tall curbs, gutters, or ruts that cause large articulation
• Reversing in confined spaces that require repeated, extreme steering lock
• Feeling or hearing pronounced binding that doesn’t ease when you straighten out

If any of these conditions apply, pause and remove the spring bars to protect the hitch components. You can reattach them once you’re parked and ready to tow forward again.

Step-by-Step: How to Back Up with an Equal-i-zer Hitch

Executing a smooth reverse with the Equal-i-zer hitch is largely about control and awareness. The process below helps reduce binding and maintain stability while you maneuver.

1. Pre-check clearances: Confirm you have room for gentle, progressive turns, and ensure safety chains and wiring have slack for the intended path.
2. Use a spotter where possible: Agree on hand signals; keep windows down and proceed at walking speed.
3. Keep angles shallow: Make small steering inputs and avoid sudden changes that force the bars hard into the brackets.
4. Stop and straighten as needed: If you feel binding or hear aggressive grinding, pause, pull forward to straighten, and try again with a wider line.
5. Mind the surface: On gravel, wet grass, or uneven ground, go slower and avoid spinning the wheels, which increases hitch stress.
6. If binding persists, remove bars safely: Chock the trailer wheels, set the parking brake, use the tongue jack to lift the tongue and rear of the tow vehicle slightly to relieve tension, pull the L-pins, swing the bars off the brackets, and secure them before continuing the reverse (note: you’ll be reversing without sway control).

This approach balances maneuverability with component protection, allowing most backing tasks without disassembly and providing a safe fallback when angles get extreme.

What Noises Are Normal—and What Isn’t

The Equal-i-zer’s sway control relies on friction, so some popping, groaning, or squeaking—especially at low speeds and during turns—is expected. That said, there are signs you shouldn’t ignore.

The following list helps distinguish acceptable operation from potential problems.

• Normal: Intermittent popping or squeaking during tight, low-speed turns
• Normal: Brief “scrub” sounds as spring bars slide on L-brackets
• Investigate: Continuous grinding paired with restricted movement that doesn’t ease when you straighten up
• Investigate: Visible deformation, bent brackets, or bars jumping off position
• Investigate: Hardware that loosens repeatedly after proper torqueing

If noises escalate or parts appear stressed, stop, straighten, and reassess the angle. When in doubt, remove the bars before finishing the maneuver and consult the owner’s manual for maintenance checks.

Best Practices and Manufacturer Guidance

Operational Cautions

Drive slowly, avoid jackknifing, and aim for wide, progressive arcs. Never force the tow vehicle against a hard stop in steering while the hitch is under heavy tension.

Care and Maintenance

Follow the Equal-i-zer manual for lubrication points and products. Do not apply grease to friction surfaces unless the manufacturer specifies a compatible method (such as approved accessories or lubricants designed for noise reduction without eliminating sway control). Regularly inspect bolts, L-brackets, pins, and bar sockets for wear and correct tightness.

Capacities and Compatibility

Ensure the hitch model matches your trailer’s loaded tongue weight and gross trailer weight. If your setup is near capacity, be especially conservative with turning angles during reverse. Always adhere to the tow vehicle and trailer manufacturer guidance as well.

Bottom Line

You can back up with an Equal-i-zer hitch attached, and that’s one of its advantages over systems that require removing a separate sway bar. Keep speeds low, avoid extreme angles, and, if binding or sharp articulation is unavoidable, remove the spring bars temporarily to protect your equipment.

Summary

The Equal-i-zer hitch supports reversing without disconnecting under most conditions, thanks to integrated four-point sway control. Use slow, shallow maneuvers; stop and straighten if binding occurs; and remove spring bars for tight, uneven, or near-jackknife situations. Maintain the system per the manufacturer’s guidance, and inspect components regularly for safe, trouble-free operation.

Can you reverse with an equalizer hitch?

There is no need for additional sway bars with this hitch style, and the sway control can remain engaged even when reversing or in inclement weather.

What does an equalizing hitch do?

The patented Equal-i-zer hitch head creates two powerful points of rotational friction that work to stop side-to-side sway before it starts. The sway control is activated by downward pressure from the trailer tongue and upward pressure on the spring arms.

Can tow hitches be reversed?

Yes, many tow hitches are designed to be flipped 180 degrees to be used in either a “drop” or “rise” position, allowing you to adjust the height of the ball to keep your trailer level. You must remove the pin, rotate the hitch, and re-insert the pin to make the change. However, always check your hitch’s manual to confirm it can be flipped and to ensure you are adhering to the correct weight ratings, as these can sometimes change depending on the configuration.
 
This video demonstrates how to flip a tow hitch: 21sRepcoYouTube · Aug 5, 2024
Why you might need to flip your tow hitch 

• Trailer Levelness: Opens in new tabA primary reason is to achieve a level trailer. If the trailer’s hitch coupler is higher than your vehicle’s hitch ball, flipping the hitch to a rise position can correct the angle.
• Vehicle Height: Opens in new tabYou might have a vehicle that sits lower to the ground, requiring the ball to sit higher to connect to a trailer with a standard coupler height.

How to flip your tow hitch

1. Park on Flat Ground: Ensure your towing vehicle and trailer are on a level surface to get an accurate sense of the required height adjustment. 
2. Remove the Pin: Take the pin out of the receiver that holds the ball mount. 
3. Rotate the Hitch: Pull the hitch out of the receiver and rotate it 180 degrees. 
4. Re-insert the Ball Mount: Place the hitch back into the receiver, this time in the opposite position. 
5. Insert the Pin: Secure the hitch in the receiver with the pin. 

Important considerations 

• Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always consult your hitch’s owner’s manual to confirm it’s designed for dual-position use and to find the correct torque specifications for the ball mount, according to B&W Trailer Hitches.
• Weight Ratings: Some hitches have different weight ratings for the drop versus the rise position. You must verify that the flipped hitch is still capable of handling the load you intend to tow.
• Trailer Coupler Check: After flipping, check that the trailer’s coupler sits on the hitch ball without being significantly tilted up or down.

Can you backup with an equalizer hitch?

Can I back up with the Equal-i-zer hitch? Yes, the Equal-i-zer hitch is designed to allow you to back up and take tight turns with the hitch hooked up.