Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective installation, operation, and maintenance of your Camco Eaz Lift 48193 Elite-S Weight Distribution Hitch Kit. The Elite-S 1,000 lb. Kit is designed to distribute weight evenly between your tow vehicle and trailer, enhancing stability and control. It features a chain-free design with permanent, built-in sway control, utilizing two points of steel-on-steel bracket friction to manage trailer sway. This hitch is compatible with both top-mount and bottom-mount coupler-style trailers and offers flexible installation around common obstructions like battery boxes or gas tanks.
Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting installation or operation to ensure proper use and to prevent injury or damage.
Safety Information
- Always ensure the total weight of your trailer and its contents does not exceed the maximum gross trailer weight rating of 12,000 lb. for this hitch.
- The maximum tongue weight rating for this hitch is 1,200 lb. Do not exceed this limit.
- Verify that your tow vehicle's towing capacity meets or exceeds the trailer's gross weight and tongue weight.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, during installation and adjustment.
- Ensure all bolts, nuts, and pins are securely fastened and torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. Regularly check for tightness.
- Never attempt to adjust the hitch while the trailer is in motion or under load without proper safety precautions.
- Always use safety chains between the tow vehicle and trailer, independent of the hitch system.
- Familiarize yourself with local and national towing regulations.
- If you are unsure about any part of the installation or operation, consult a qualified professional.
Package Contents
Carefully unpack all components and verify that all items listed below are present and undamaged. If any parts are missing or damaged, do not proceed with installation and contact customer support.
- Weight Distribution Hitch Head Assembly
- Two (2) Spring Bars (Elite-S 1000 lb.)
- Two (2) Hookup Brackets
- 2-5/16 inch Hitch Ball (12,000 lb. rating)
- Adjustment Washer
- All necessary mounting hardware (bolts, nuts, washers, pins)
Image: Two black metal hookup brackets, essential for securing the spring bars to the trailer frame.
Image: Two black spring bars, marked "elite-s" and "1000", which provide the weight distribution force.
Image: The hitch head assembly, featuring a chrome 2-5/16 inch hitch ball, where the trailer coupler connects.
Setup and Installation
Proper installation is critical for the safe and effective operation of your weight distribution hitch. Follow these steps carefully.
1. Prepare Vehicle and Trailer
- Park the tow vehicle and trailer on a level surface.
- Ensure the trailer is loaded as it would be for travel.
- Measure and record the height of the front and rear bumper of the tow vehicle, and the height of the trailer coupler.
2. Install Hitch Ball and Head Assembly
- Attach the 2-5/16 inch hitch ball to the hitch head assembly. Ensure it is securely tightened to the manufacturer's torque specifications.
- Insert the hitch head assembly into your tow vehicle's receiver hitch and secure it with the appropriate hitch pin and clip.
3. Adjust Ball Mount Angle
The Elite-S hitch uses an adjustment washer to modify the ball mount angle, which controls the spring bar pre-load. This is crucial for achieving proper weight distribution.
- Connect the trailer coupler to the hitch ball.
- Adjust the number of washers to tilt the hitch head. More washers typically increase the tilt, applying more tension to the spring bars.
- The goal is to achieve a level tow vehicle and trailer, with the front and rear bumper heights of the tow vehicle returning to approximately their original unhitched measurements.
4. Install Hookup Brackets
The hookup brackets offer installation flexibility, allowing placement around obstructions on the trailer frame.
- Position the hookup brackets on the trailer frame, ensuring they are equidistant from the coupler and allow for proper spring bar engagement.
- Secure the brackets firmly to the trailer frame using the provided hardware.
5. Engage Spring Bars
The Elite-S features a chain-free design for engaging the spring bars.
- Insert the ends of the spring bars into the hitch head assembly.
- Lift the spring bars and engage them with the hookup brackets on the trailer frame. The built-in sway control mechanism will engage as the bars are seated.
- Ensure both spring bars are fully seated and secured.
Image: A complete view of the Camco Eaz Lift Elite-S weight distribution hitch installed, connecting a tow vehicle to a trailer, demonstrating the system in use.
Image: A detailed view of the hitch head and spring bar connection to the trailer, highlighting the chain-free design and sway control mechanism.
Operating Instructions
Connecting the Trailer
- Ensure the tow vehicle and trailer are on a level surface.
- Back the tow vehicle to align the hitch ball with the trailer coupler.
- Lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball and secure the coupler latch.
- Insert the spring bars into the hitch head and engage them with the hookup brackets. Ensure they are fully seated.
- Connect safety chains, breakaway switch cable, and electrical connections.
- Perform a final check of all connections and ensure lights are working.
Disconnecting the Trailer
- Park the tow vehicle and trailer on a level surface.
- Apply the trailer's parking brake and chock the wheels.
- Disconnect safety chains, breakaway switch cable, and electrical connections.
- Disengage the spring bars from the hookup brackets and remove them from the hitch head.
- Open the trailer coupler latch and raise the trailer off the hitch ball using the trailer jack.
- Move the tow vehicle away from the trailer.
Sway Control
The Elite-S hitch features permanent, built-in sway control through two points of steel-on-steel bracket friction. This system is designed to reduce and correct trailer sway automatically during travel. No additional adjustments are typically required for the sway control mechanism itself once the spring bars are properly engaged.
Maintenance
- Regular Inspection: Before each trip, inspect all components of the hitch system for wear, damage, or loose fasteners. Pay close attention to the hitch head, spring bars, hookup brackets, and the hitch ball.
- Lubrication: Apply a thin coat of heavy-duty grease to the hitch ball and the points where the spring bars engage with the hitch head and hookup brackets. This reduces friction and wear.
- Cleaning: Keep the hitch components clean from dirt, rust, and road grime. Use a mild detergent and water, then dry thoroughly.
- Torque Check: Periodically re-check the torque on all bolts and nuts, especially after the first few hundred miles of towing and before long trips. Refer to the installation instructions for specific torque values.
- Storage: When not in use, store the hitch components in a dry place to prevent corrosion.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Tow vehicle nose high / Trailer nose low | Insufficient weight distribution; too few adjustment washers. | Increase the number of adjustment washers to tilt the hitch head further back, applying more tension to the spring bars. |
| Tow vehicle nose low / Trailer nose high | Excessive weight distribution; too many adjustment washers. | Decrease the number of adjustment washers to reduce tension on the spring bars. |
| Excessive trailer sway | Improper weight distribution; overloaded trailer; incorrect tire pressure; worn suspension components. | Verify proper weight distribution and tongue weight. Ensure trailer is not overloaded. Check tire pressures on both tow vehicle and trailer. Inspect suspension components. |
| Difficulty engaging/disengaging spring bars | Trailer not level; excessive tension; lack of lubrication. | Ensure tow vehicle and trailer are on a level surface. Use the trailer jack to slightly raise the trailer coupler, relieving tension. Lubricate contact points. |
Specifications
| Model Number | 48193 |
| Brand | Camco (Eaz Lift) |
| Maximum Tongue Weight | 1,200 lb. |
| Maximum Gross Trailer Weight | 12,000 lb. |
| Hitch Ball Size | 2-5/16 inch |
| Hitch Ball Rating | 12,000 lb. |
| Sway Control | Permanent, Built-In (Steel-on-steel bracket friction) |
| Design | Chain-free |
| Compatibility | Top-mount and bottom-mount coupler-style trailers |
| Item Weight | 93.5 Pounds |
| Material | Blend |
| Finish Type | Brushed |
Warranty Information
The Camco Eaz Lift 48193 Elite-S Weight Distribution Hitch Kit is covered by a 1-year manufacturer's warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For specific terms, conditions, and to make a warranty claim, please refer to the official warranty documentation included with your product or contact Camco customer support.
Customer Support
If you have any questions, require assistance with installation, or need to troubleshoot issues not covered in this manual, please contact Camco customer support.
- Website: www.camco.net (Please check the official Camco website for the most current contact information and support resources.)
- Phone: Refer to the Camco website or product packaging for current customer service phone numbers.
- When contacting support, please have your product model number (48193) and purchase information readily available.
