Common Weigh Safe Hitch Problems and Proven Solutions

  • Post category:Guide & Tips
  • Post published:November 27, 2022
  • Post last modified:January 20, 2024
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  • Reading time:6 mins read
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Weigh Safe hitches have a specialty providing flawless towing experience. But no hitch doesn’t face problems occasionally. Some common weigh safe hitch problems are repairable, including lubrication, hitch pin attachment check-up, and brake repair, and others are not.

Once or twice we faced uncommon problems such as stiffness hitch and pin lock jam. The solution to these problems are easy to apply but detecting the real problem is a headache. 

However, these proven solutions have your back. We have discussed the typical occurring Weight Safe problems and their possible solution below.

ProblemSolution
Hitch gauge miscalculationReplace hydraulic plug
Increase ball movementCheck pin size compatibility
Receiver slackContact with dealer
Extremely noisy setupLubircation/Add a stabilizer
Drawbar displacementReplace to hitch ball
Improper installationConsult professionals

How is the overall performance of a Weigh safe hitch?

Our team was first introduced to the brand when Back at it won the Equipment Product of the year award at the “Specialty Equipment Market Association” show in 2014. Weigh Safe was legendary for winning awards right after a year of its debut. Then we bought our Weigh Safe Adjustable Trailer Hitch 2014 version, which we frequently use now. The hitches are made from aircraft-rated aluminum and high-class steel component. In their Utah factory, the hitches are tested through CNC machinery. 

The most innovative feature of the hitch is that it shows the gross trailer weight rating even before the journey. So, no need for separate weight calculations, which is why it’s best for beginners.

1) Hitch gauge miscalculation

Gauge means measuring trailer tongue weight aligning with loaded weight. When the hydraulic fluid of the indicator is out of date or damaged internally, it can show wrong results. If there’s compressed air or no lubrication inside the gauge, then this can cause it to corrode and fail the gauge. These might be the reasons if the gauge shows excess or too little weight capacity. 

Solution

First, grab a ⅛ inches hex wrench and quickly remove the hydraulic plug from the gauge slider and drop the fluid. Now taking the slider upside down, release the old plunger. Take an 11mm wrench and unscrew the tongue weight gauge.

Again take the ⅛ wrench and unplug the bottom hydraulic fluid. Next, clean the plunge with a microfiber cloth and then take a new plunge and replace the old fluid with the new one using the same process. The final step is to seal the gauge with a plunge.

2) Increase ball movement

We once had this problem with our Weigh Safe 2-½ inches hitch. Hitch ball tends to have specified movement to prevent sway or distribute weight. If your Weigh Safe is causing more severe hitch ball movement than usual, the ball needs fixing. The right way to diagnose is to watch your trailer dealing with sway; if your tow vehicle bounces in a U-turn, that’s the cue. 

Solution 

First, you might recall if you have installed the hitch accurately. If not, then consult a professional. Otherwise, check your trailer and measure if the pin size matches the hitch ball hole size. A 2 inches hitch is universal for most trailers, but if you’re towing above 10,000 lbs, you have to switch to a 2-5/16 inches one. Sometimes, the hitch ball needs replacement if you notice a change in the ball hole. 

3) Receiver slack

We heard users complaining about the trailer tongue going nuts while driving. The problem was in the midsection of the receiver, where customers felt excessive slack driving on rocky roads. Usually, this problem occurs after going for one hour or taking a total U-turn. 

Solution

The receiver slaking happens if you do not buy an original Weigh Safe hitch. Yes, you read that right. There are many Chinese knock-offs if you buy from a third-party vendor. Also, if a user drives more than 12 mph on a rocky road, the hitch will undoubtedly slack no matter what. 

4) Extremely noisy setup

Weigh Safe creates noise while traveling to an extent. While it’s not a quiet hitch, it is undoubtedly not vibrating. Whenever you detect a high and ridiculous amount of noise, it’s better to check the hitch. Also, if the hitch creates noise stand-by, it means that the hitch is facing problems. 

Solution

The easiest solution is lubricating the inner parts of spring bars twice a year. At least lubricate once before winter or for a long drive. However, do not lubricate more than twice a year. The noise can be an indicator of an underlying sway control issue. As Weigh Safe allows separate sway bars, you can try adding or replacing the old sway bars. The easiest solution is adding a stabilizer. 

5) Drawbar displacement 

This problem goes under the unusual; category. Many Weigh Safe customers use an extra drawbar for precaution. The hitch is flexible and also allows for the adjustment of a drawbar. It is a replacement for a hitch ball. In many cases, the custom Weigh Safe hitch builders use a custom-build system and find the problem while towing. 

Solution

The solution is simple. Stop using the drawbar and use a hitch ball instead. Currently, the brand hitch technology has improved. You will not get the whole Weigh Safe experience using a drawbar and, rather, more expense. However, replacing the drawbar will do the work if it is rusty.

Read: How to Remove Rusted Trailer Hitch Ball?

6) Improper installation

Installing the hitch incorrectly is a self-explanatory problem. Frequently this problem leads to a severe accident, or the vehicle might not even run.

Solution

The first check re-read the manual and check part by part thoroughly twice. If you are an expert, you should be able to detect the problem by now. For spring arms, it’s better to uninstall and tighten them with suitable bolts. If severe, consult a professional immediately or book an appointment with us.

Conclusion 

Weigh Safe hitches offer a lifetime warranty if purchased from their shop. For third-party purchases, they offer 30 days warranty. However, to avail of the lifetime warranty, one must register within 30 days of purchasing. If returned to the manufacturer in its original state, they can replace damaged hitches. If our recommendation isn’t working and you are not facing any of the problems mentioned, contact us through our mail.

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