Reese 66557 User Manual [en, es, fr]

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

PART QTY DESCRIPTION

A 1 BALL MOUNT

B 1 DRAW BAR C 2 3/4-10 x 4-1/2" GR.8 HEX HEAD BOLT

D 2 3/4" FLAT WASHER

E 2 3/4-10 NUT

F 1 1/2-13 x 1-1/4" GR.5 HEX HEAD BOLT G 2 1/2" x 2-1/4" SPRING BAR PIN H 2 CLIP

J 1 ADJUSTMENT PIN

K 6 ADJUSTMENT WASHERS

66557

250LB – 400LB

REESE Steadi-Flex

Weight Distributing Kits

PLYMOUTH, MI.

66558

400LB – 600LB

Fig. 1

TORQUE WRENCH TAPE MEASURE 3/4” SOCKET 1-1/8” SOCKET & WRENCH

TOOLS REQUIRED

SIZING WD AND TRAILER HITCH SYSTEMS

•Weigh loaded trailer tongue to determine proper system size.

•Choose a system with tongue rating at or above the actual trailer tongue weight.

•Tongue rating of trailer hitch must meet or exceed the measured tongue weight of the trailer. OEM hitches may not be rigid enough for tongue weight and may need to be replaced (too much flex and won’t carry the

load).

•Total trailer gross weight rating must never exceed tow vehicle rated gross tow rating.

DRAW BAR AND BALL MOUNT ASSEMBLY

• Insert draw bar (B) into the tow vehicle receiver in the desired orientation and install the pull pin and clip.

• Install either a 2” or 2-5/16” ball, (check trailer for correct ball size), with a 1” shank, onto the ballmount

and torque the nut to the ball’s instruction sheet requirements.

• Measure the coupler height of your loaded trailer. Make sure trailer is setting level.

• To begin with, install 2 washers (K) on adjustment pin (J) and insert into top hole in ball mount(A), see

Fig. 1 above. Up to 6 washers(K) can be used.

• Set the ball mount so that the ball height is approx. 1” higher than the coupler height with the trailer

setting level. See Fig. 2 below for the range of height adjustments.

• Install bolt (C) in the bottom hole of the ball mount and bolt (C) with washers (D) in the upper hole. Attach nut (E) to both bolts. Leave nuts loose at this time.

For Installation Assistance or Technical Help, Call 1-888-521-0510

HIGHEST POSITION

LOWEST POSITION

Fig. 2

PART QTY DESCRIPTION

L 2 L - BRACKET

M 2 OUTER FRAME BRACKET ASSY.

N 2 INNER STRAP O 2 FRICTION PAD

P 4 1/2-13 FLANGE LOCK NUT

Q 2 1/2-13 x 4" GR. 5 HEX HEAD BOLT

R 4 1/2-13 NUT S 4 1/2" SERRATED WASHER T 4 1/2-13 RIBBED BOLT

U 2 1/2-13 x 3.50" GR5 HEX HEAD BOLT

FRAME BRACKET ASSEMBLY FOR (66557) 250LB - 400LB SYSTEM (shown below.)

Use Fig. 3 for 4” – 6” tall frames. Otherwise use Fig. 4 on the next page.

Fig. 3

•Place 1/2” ribbed bolts (T) thru the holes shown in bracket (M). Either tap the bolts (T) in with a hammer

or install a nut (R) and tighten until the head of the bolt is recessed below the surface of the bracket (M).

Remove nut (R).

•Place the upper bolt (U) thru outer frame bracket (M) and inner strap (N). Place this over the A-frame. See

chart 1 below for frame placement location..

•Always keep the bottom bolt (U) close to the bottom of the frame. If it is not, move the top bolt (U) slightly

up and over to the higher setting.

•Start out by placing L-bracket (L) into the middle of its height adjustment. Thread nuts (R) with washers

(S) onto bolt (T).

•Repeat for the other side.

•Keep at least 3” of spring bar extending beyond the L-bracket (L) as shown in Fig. 5 below.

•Leave nuts (R) finger tight at this time.

•Torque nuts (P) to 75 ft.*lbs.

DEPENDING ON YOUR SYSTEM

3”

MIN.

NOTE: Propane bottles, batteries, etc. may obstruct installation of the

frame brackets to the trailer frame. The frame brackets can be located within the following specified range from coupler ball center to the center of friction pad:

Chart 1

Bracket Mounting Range = 25” to 32”

3” OR 4”

Fig. 5

PART QTY DESCRIPTION

L 2 L - BRACKET

M 2 OUTER FRAME BRACKET ASSY.

N 2 INNER STRAP O 2 FRICTION PAD

P 4 1/2-13 FLANGE LOCK NUT

Q 2 1/2-13 x 4" GR. 5 HEX HEAD BOLT

R 4 1/2-13 NUT S 4 1/2" SERRATED WASHER T 4 1/2-13 RIBBED BOLT

U 2 1/2-13 x 3.50" GR5 HEX HEAD BOLT

FRAME BRACKET ASSEMBLY FOR (66557) 250LB - 400LB SYSTEM (shown below.)

Use Fig. 4 for 3” to 3-1/2” tall frames.

Fig. 4

•Place 1/2” ribbed bolt (T) thru the hole shown in outer frame bracket (M). In Fig. 4 the lower bolt (Q)

inserts into inner strap (N) from the inside of the trailer A-frame. Either tap the bolt (T) in with a hammer or

install a nut (R) and tighten until the head of the bolt is recessed below the surface of the bracket (M).

Remove nut (R).

•Place the upper bolt (U) thru outer frame bracket (M) and inner strap (N). Place this over the A-frame. See

chart 1 below for frame placement location. Always keep the bottom bolt (Q) close to the bottom of the frame. If it is not, move the top bolt (U) slightly down and over to the lower setting.

•Start out by placing L-bracket (L) into the middle of its height adjustment. Place a nut (R) and washer (S)

on the long bolt (Q). Thread nut (R) with washer (S) onto bolt (T).

•Repeat for the other side.

•Keep at least 3” of spring bar extending beyond the L-bracket (L) as shown in Fig. 5 below.

•Leave nuts (R) finger tight at this time.

•Torque nuts (P) to 75 ft.*lbs.

DEPENDING ON YOUR SYSTEM

3”

MIN.

NOTE: Propane bottles, batteries, etc. may obstruct installation of the frame brackets to the trailer frame. The frame brackets can be located within the following specified range from coupler ball center to the center of friction pad:

Chart 1

Bracket Mounting Range = 25” to 32”

3” OR 4”

Fig. 5

PART QTY DESCRIPTION

L 2 L - BRACKET

O 2 FRICTION PAD

P 4 1/2-13 FLANGE LOCK NUT R 4 1/2-13 NUT S 4 1/2" SERRATED WASHER

T 4 1/2-13 RIBBED BOLT U 4 1/2-13 x 3.50" GR5 HEX HEAD BOLT V 2 OUTER FRAME BRACKET ASSY.

W 2 INNER STRAP

FRAME BRACKET ASSEMBLY FOR (66558) 400LB - 600LB. SYSTEM, (shown in Fig.6 below).

Fig. 6

•Place ½” ribbed bolts (T) into holes the holes shown in bracket (V). Either tap them in with a hammer or install a nut (R) and tighten until the head is recessed below the surface of the bracket (V). Remove nut (R).

•Place the upper bolt (U) thru outer frame bracket assy. (V) and inner strap (W). Place this over the A-frame.

See chart 1 below for the location.

•Place another bolt (U) into the bottom hole in the bracket. Keep this as high and close to the frame as

possible. Install nut (P) on the bolts.

•Place L-bracket (L) in about the middle of its height adjustment and secure by threading nuts (R) with

washers (S) into bolts (T). Leave nuts (R) finger tight at this time.

•Repeat for the other side.

•Keep at least 3” of spring bar extending beyond the L-bracket (L) as shown in Fig. 5 below.

•Leave nuts (R) finger tight at this time.

Torque nuts (P) to 75 ft.*lbs.

DEPENDING ON YOUR SYSTEM

3”

MIN.

Fig. 5

3” OR 4”

Chart 1

Bracket Mounting Range = 25” to 32”

BALLMOUNT ADJUSTMENT

PART QTY DESCRIPTION

A 1 BALL MOUNT

B 1 DRAW BAR C 2 3/4-10 x 4-1/2" GR.8 HEX HEAD BOLT

D 2 3/4" FLAT WASHER

E 2 3/4-10 NUT

F 1 1/2-13 x 1-1/4" GR.5 HEX HEAD BOLT G 2 1/2" x 2-1/4" SPRING BAR PIN H 2 CLIP

J 1 ADJUSTMENT PIN

K 6 ADJUSTMENT WASHERS

•With your trailer NOT CONNECTED to the vehicle, pick reference points on front and rear wheel wells of your vehicle. Measure and record distance to pavement. Front wheel well to pavement __________Rear wheel well to pavement _________.

•Insert the spring bars into the ball mount (A) and secure with pin (G) and clip (H). Apply a lubricant on the spring bars as you insert them into the ball mount.

•With the trailer coupled to the ball and the trailer setting level, (use the tongue jack to level the trailer), the angle adjustment in

the ball mount should have the spring bar 3” below the friction pad for the 400 lb. system and 4” below the friction pad for the

600 lb. system. See Fig. 5. If needed add or subtract washers (K) shown in Fig. 1 to get the needed dimension. Each washer added

will move the spring bars down approx. 5/8” to ¾”.

•If you have the 66557 and a tongue wt. of only 250 lbs., you

may need only 1-2 washers.

•If you have the 66558 and a tongue wt. of 600 lbs., you may need 3-4 washers.

•Install and tighten bolt (F) shown in Fig.1

Fig. 1

DEPENDING ON YOUR SYSTEM

3”

MIN.

NOTE:

3” OR 4”

Fig. 5

• During ball mount adjustment, it may be necessary to raise or lower the L-bracket (L) to get the proper spring bar load if there is not enough head angle adjustment. If their are not enough washers to get the dimension shown in fig. 5, move the L-bracket (L) up 1 set of holes.

• If you have a 6” tall frame with a bottom mounted coupler (inverted coupler) it may be necessary to

install brackets (V) and (W) upside down in order to get the L-bracket (L) mounted low enough. This will lower the L-bracket 1.75” Otherwise their may be too much spring bar pressure.

• Torque both 3/4” nuts(E) to 300 ft.*lbs. when the desired angle is achieved. If a large enough torque

wrench is not available, torque nuts to 150 ft.*lbs. then tighten the nuts an additional 1/4 turn. Do not lubricate the threads.

Brackets in standard

Brackets flipped for bottom mount coupler.

Studs 1.75” lower

position for standard

coupler.

Trailer A-Frame

Fig. 7

SPRING BAR HOOK-UP

• To place the spring bar on the L-bracket (L), keep the coupler attached to the ball. Raise the coupler using the tongue jack until the spring bar will go onto the L-bracket (L).

• If the jack will not raise the coupler high enough, use the lifting handle shown in the Fig. 8 below. Place the hooked end of the handle in the rectangular hole of the L-bracket (L). Place the end of the spring bar as shown and lift the handle. Remove the handle.

• Place spring bar retention bracket (I) into the L-bracket (L) and secure with clip (H) as shown in Fig. 9.

WARNING: to avoid serious injury, always stand to the side of the lift handle. Never stand at the end of the handle or allow any part of your body under the handle.

• Lower tongue jack. Re-measure the front wheel well reference

point. Front wheel height must be equal to the original

measurement. If the front wheel height is higher than previously

measured, the head tilt angle must be increased (tilted

Fig. 8

downward). If the front wheel well height is substantially lower

than originally measured (1” or more), the head tilt angle must be

reduced (tilted upward). For coarse adjustment, the L-bracket (L) can be lowered one hole to bring the front wheel well back up. The spring bars must be unloaded and removed from the Lbracket (L) prior to adjusting the head tilt angle or removal of the nuts (T). If the head angle or L-bracket adjustments are made, repeat hook up steps until the front wheel well height is approx.

equal to the original measurement. It is preferred that the rear of

(L)

the vehicle settle about the same amount or more than the front.

L-BRACKET adjusted to spring bar angle.

RETENSION BRACKET (I)

Fig. 9

NUT (R)

CLIP (H)

Fig. 10

IMPORTANT

ADJUSTING & TIGHTENING THE L-BRACKETS

• Always keep nuts (R) finger tight until the spring bars are in place and loaded with pressure on the Lbrackets (L). This will allow the L-brackets (L) to adjust themselves to the spring bar angle giving the maximum contact with the friction pad (O) and resulting in better sway control. See Fig. 10 above. Tighten nuts (R) to 75 ft.-lbs.

• If you tightened the nuts before you applied the spring bar tension, loosen the nuts (R) slightly. Do not remove the nuts completely. They are under pressure from the spring bars. The L-bracket (L) will then adjust to the spring bar angle by itself. Re-tighten the nuts (R) to 75 ft.-lbs.

UNHITCHING

•Block trailer wheels front and rear.

•Raise tongue of trailer with tongue jack as high as possible, usually 8-12 inches.

•Remove spring clip (H), fig. 9, from spring bar retention bracket (I). Remove bracket.

•Push the spring bar off the L-bracket.

WARNING: To avoid serious injury, always stand to the side of the lift handle. Never stand at the end of the handle or allow any part of your body under the handle or spring bar.

•Remove clip (H) and pin (G), fig. 1. Pull the spring bar out of head (A).

•Repeat for the other side.

•Lower the tongue of the trailer until the jack is slightly off the ground and unlatch the trailer coupler. Once

unlatched, the trailer may be raised again to clear the top of the ball and vehicle can be driven away.

LUBRICATION

•Lubricate the hitch ball to prevent unnecessary wear. Lubricate the contact area in the ball mount where the spring bars insert. Excess oil and dirt should be wiped out whenever the trailer is uncoupled.

•Do not lubricate the friction pads (O).

Area to lubricate Under coupler

Area to lubricate

WARNINGS: LOADED BALL HEIGHT SHOULD NEVER BE GREATER THAN UNCOUPLED BALL HEIGHT. Front wheel overload and loss of rear wheel traction can result, and can lead to unstable handling, reduced braking ability, and a tendency to "jackknife" when turning and braking at the same time. IF LOADED BALL HEIGHT IS GREATER THAN UNCOUPLED HEIGHT, re-adjust head and re-measure until proper height is obtained.

DO NOT TOW MULTIPLE TRAILERS: Do not attempt to tow any type of trailer behind another trailer. Towing multiple trailers may cause severe instability, loss of control and/or structural failure, and may result in vehicle accident, property damage and personal injury. Towing multiple trailers is illegal in many jurisdictions.

FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO HOOK-UP OR TOW WITH REAR WHEELS OF TOWING VEHICLE REMOVED. Severe structural damage to towing vehicle, hitch, and trailer may result. A towing vehicle/trailer combination cannot be controlled adequately unless the towing vehicle's rear wheels are carrying their share of the load.

MAINTENANCE: Keep the head assembly free of dirt and well lubricated. Excessive wear may indicate overload or inadequate lubrication. Keep hitch painted to prevent rust and maintain a good appearance. (Do not paint over labels) AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY TOWING DAY:

Clean ball and coupler socket and coat ball lightly with grease.

TOWING TIPS

DRIVING: Good habits for normal driving need extra emphasis when towing. The additional weight affects acceleration and braking, and extra time should be allowed for passing, stopping, and changing lanes. Signal well in advance of a maneuver to let other drivers know your intentions. Severe bumps and badly undulating roads can damage your towing vehicle, hitch, and trailer, and should be negotiated at a slow steady speed. IF ANY PART OF YOUR TOWING SYSTEM "BOTTOMS" OUT, OR IF YOU SUSPECT DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURED IN ANY OTHER WAY, PULL OVER AND MAKE A THOROUGH INSPECTION. CORRECT ANY PROBLEMS BEFORE RESUMING TRAVEL.

CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT: Periodically check the condition of all your towing equipment and keep it in top condition. TRAILER LOADING: Proper trailer loading is important. Heavy items should be placed close to the floor near the trailer axle. The load should be balanced side-to-side

and firmly secured to prevent shifting. Tongue weight should be about 10-15 percent of the gross trailer weight for most trailers. Too low a percentage of tongue weight will often produce a tendency to sway. Excess weight on the tongue can also lead to sway and damage hitch and / or tow vehicle.

SWAY CONTROLS: A sway control can help minimize the affects of sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting caused by other vehicles. Use of a sway control is recommended for trailers with large surface areas, such as travel trailers.

TIRE INFLATION: Unless specified otherwise by the towing vehicle or trailer manufacturer, tires should be inflated to their maximum recommended pressure. TOWING VEHICLE AND TRAILER MANUFACTURERS' RECOMMENDATIONS: Review the owners' manuals for your towing vehicle and trailer for specific

recommendations, capacities, and requirements. PASSENGERS IN TRAILERS: Trailers should NOT be occupied while being towed, under any circumstances. TRAILER LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND ELECTRIC BRAKES: Always hook up and verify function of the trailer lights, turn signals, electric brakes and break-away

switch connection (if so equipped) even for short trips. REMOVE HITCH WHEN NOT TOWING: Remove hitch from towing vehicle receiver when not towing, to prevent contamination of head sockets, reduce chance of

striking hitch on driveway ramps or other objects, and minimize damage in the event of a rear-end collision.

Check to see that all bolts are properly tightened and hitch pin and clip are securely in place. Check to see that electrical hookups are in working order, and that safety chains are connected.

Hitches - Custom Receivers - Sway Controls

LIMITED WARRANTY

Cequent Performance Products, Inc. warrants its Hitches, Custom Hitch Receivers, and Sway Controls from date of purchase against defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service, ordinary wear and tear excepted, for the ownership life of the original consumer purchaser.

Cequent Performance Products, Inc. will replace FREE OF CHARGE any part which proves defective in material or workmanship when presented to any Cequent Performance Products, Inc. dealer, Cequent Performance Products, Inc. Warehouse or return to factory. TRANSPORTAION CHARGES PREPAID, at the address below. THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACEMENT ONLY. LABOR CHARGES AND/OR DAMAGE INCURRED IN INSTALLATION OR REPLACEMENT AS WELL AS INCIDENTAL AN CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES CONNECTED THEREWITH ARE EXCLUDED.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. Any damage to the Hitch, Custom Hitch Receiver, and Sway Control as a result of misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or any use violative of

instructions furnished by us, WILL VOID THE WARRANTY. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. In the event of a problem with warranty service or

performance, you may be able to go to a small claims court, or a federal district court.

Cequent Performance Products, Inc. 47912 Halyard Dr. Suite 100 Plymouth, Mi. 48170

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