The Reese weight distributing hitch uses spring bars to spread the trailer's tongue weight evenly across both axles of the tow vehicle, which levels the load and improves towing safety. To work properly, the Reese hitch must be correctly installed and adjusted for the weight of the trailer.
Position the trailer and tow vehicle on level pavement, uncoupled. They should be loaded and ready for travel. Adjust the trailer's tongue jack so that the trailer is level. Measure and record the distance from the ground to the top of the trailer's ball socket. Pick reference points on the front and rear wheel wells of the tow vehicle. Measure and record their distance to the ground.
Attach the correct size hitch ball to the hitch ball mount. Slide the hitch bar into the tow vehicle's receiver and secure it. Place the ball mount onto the hitch bar and position it so that it is slightly higher than the trailer's ball socket by 3/4 to 1 inch. Insert a bolt through the lower hole in the ball mount and secure it. Rotate the ball mount up until the ball is vertical or tilted slightly to the rear and secure it in place with another bolt. Torque the nuts to 300 foot pounds.
Move the tow vehicle into position, lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball and close the latch. Attach chains to the two spring bars using U-bolts, washers and lock nuts. Insert the end of a spring bar into the lower socket of the ball mount and push it upward. Line up the notch in the spring bar with the tab in the upper socket and lift up until it is seated. Align the spring bar with the trailer frame. Repeat with the other spring bar.
Position the snap-up brackets on each side of the trailer frame so that they are directly above the chains on the spring bars. Tighten the bracket bolts until they contact the frame, then add an additional quarter turn. Use the trailer jack to raise the trailer coupler and the rear of the tow vehicle. Lower the yoke of the snap-up bracket until it is horizontal, then slip the closest chain link over the hook. Use the bracket handle to raise the bracket, then slide the safety pin into the bracket to lock it in place. Repeat on the other side.
Lower the trailer until the jack leaves the ground. Re-measure the reference points at the wheel wells; they should have settled evenly within 1/2 inch of each other. If the front has settled more than the rear, increase the number of links between the snap-up bracket hook and the spring bar. If the rear has settled more, decrease the number of links. When properly adjusted, the unit is ready for towing.
