Eaz-Lift RECURVE R3 Weight Distributing Hitch System

Installation Instructions

Product Overview

The Eaz-Lift ReCurve R3 is a weight distributing hitch system with adjustable sway control designed to improve the safety and handling characteristics of a trailer and tow vehicle combination. It provides constant sway resistance and allows for adjustment of sway control independent of trailer tongue weight.

Rating when used as a weight distributing hitch with spring bars:

Part Number Max Tongue Weight Max Gross Trailer Weight
48753 1,200 lb Hitch 1,500 lb 15,000 lb

Important Cautions:

For more information, visit www.eaz-lift.com.

Parts List

The ReCurve R3 hitch system includes the following components:

NO. DESCRIPTION PART NO.
1 BALL MOUNT with ball for ReCurve R3 (400-600-1,000-1,200) 48755
2a ADJUSTABLE 2" SQUARE SHANK HI-LOW (12" length) 48650
(14" length) 48121
(16" length) 48122
2b ADJUSTABLE 2" SQUARE SHANK EXTRA HI-LOW (Additional 3.25" drop/rise) (12" length) 48653
(14" length) 48131
(16" length) 48133
2c ADJUSTABLE 2" SQUARE SHANK EXTRA LOW (12" length 9" Drop) 48132
2d ADJUSTABLE 2.5" SQUARE SHANK (12" length) 48651
2e ADJUSTABLE 2.5" SQUARE SHANK EXTRA HI-LOW (Additional 3.25" drop/rise) (12" length) 48652
3 HITCH PIN 48021
4 SPRING CLIPS (PAIR) 48766
5 SPRING BAR, ReCurve - (Set of 2) 1,200 lb rating 48739
6 HOOK UP HANGER KIT - 3-6" FRAME 48749
HOOK UP HANGER KIT - 6-8" FRAME (Included) 48781
7 BOLT PACKAGE - HOOK UP, RECURVE, R3 48757
a. (4) each flat head screw, 1/2-13 X 3-3/4"
b. (4) each serrated flange nut, 1/2"-13
c. (1) allen wrench (10 mm)
8 HOOK-UP TOOL 48742
9 BOLT PACKAGE - RECURVE 48765
a. (2) each 3/4" conical washer
b. (1) each hitch pin
c. (2) each bolt 3/4"-10 x 4-1/2"
d. (2) each nuts 3/4"-10
e. (1) each spring clip
f. (1) each lock washer 3/4"
10 THUMBSCREW 48037
11 WRENCH, ALLEN, 10MM 48758
12 SPRING BAR LOCKING DEVICE REPAIR KIT 48104

For service, call 800-334-2004.

Ball Mount Installation

WARNING: By towing a trailer, you change the handling characteristics of the tow vehicle. Conditions may cause sudden trailer sway. The Eaz-Lift ReCurve Weight Distributing Hitch with Sway Control dampens and reduces trailer sway and improves tow vehicle handling by distributing trailer tongue weight. Short wheel base vehicles may induce sway when towing a trailer; use extreme caution.

Refer to your vehicle and trailer manufacturer's manuals for guidance. Consult trailer dealers and recreational vehicle associations for towing practices.

  1. Determine Ball Height: Measure trailer coupler height from ground level with the trailer parallel to the ground. Add approximately 1/8" for each 100 lb of tongue weight to compensate for vehicle "squat."
    EXAMPLE: If coupler height is 17" and tongue weight is 600 lb (6 x 1/8" = 3/4"), the hitch setting height (to top of ball) should be 17-3/4". Record this height.
  2. Attach Ball Mount to Shank: Slide shank into sleeve receiver. Insert hitch pin (48021) and spring clip (48766). Slide ball mount up or down shank until holes align. Insert bolt (9c), lock washer (9f), and nut (9d) in the bottom hole; do not tighten yet.
  3. Set Spring Bar Angle: Use the thumbscrew (48037) to achieve the correct downward angle for the spring bars. Thread the thumbscrew into the 5/8" threaded hole on the ball mount. Start with the top plate of the ball mount level with the ground. The spring bar angle determines the weight distributing load. Threading the thumbscrew down increases preload, distributing more tongue weight to the front axle. Angling the bars upward reduces preload. The goal is to have both the tow vehicle and trailer level. Avoid excessive preload. Use the thumbscrew and jack screw to temporarily secure the ball mount.
    Fig. 1 shows maximum tilt down with thumbscrew threaded out.
    Fig. 2 shows thumbscrew detail.
    Fig. 3 shows maximum tilt up with thumbscrew fully threaded in.
  4. Confirm Load Distribution: Measure front and rear bumper heights before and after applying tongue weight with spring bars loaded. Both measurements should decrease by approximately the same amount for a properly distributed load. If the difference exceeds 1", adjust spring bar preload. To ease hookup, raise the front of the trailer and rear of the tow vehicle slightly using the trailer tongue jack to reduce tension.
  5. Secure Ball Mount: Once the desired spring bar angle is set, insert the top bolt (9c) with a serrated washer (9a). Install a second serrated washer and nut (9d) to secure the unit. Tighten the 3/4" top bolt to 260 ft lb torque and the lower bolt to 260 ft lb torque. After the first day of towing, check the set screw for tightness.
    Fig. 2 illustrates bolt-together ball mount adjustment.

CAUTION: Do not adjust air shocks or air bags to support trailer tongue weight. Use them only to support added weight in the rear of the tow vehicle.

Hook-Up Brackets Installation

  1. Spring Bar Insertion: Spring bars can be inserted from either side of the Ball Mount. Insert the Spring Bar into the Ball Mount socket; it will lock automatically via the Spring Bar Locking Device. To remove, swing the bar parallel to the bumper to disengage the locking device, then lift the bar out.
  2. Position Spring Bars: With the tow vehicle coupled and sway control off, position the Spring Bars alongside the trailer frame. Rotate the trunnion so it aligns squarely with the trailer, and the Spring Bar Studs are equidistant from the ball's center.
    Fig. 1 shows correct and incorrect setup.
  3. Determine Bracket Location: Use the Spring Bar Studs as a reference for the Hook-up Bracket mounting location on the trailer frame. The brackets have a 2" offset from the frame clamping center to the channel that accepts the spring bar. The offsets are opposite to allow clamping 2" in front or behind the Spring Bar Stud location to avoid interference. Brackets can be inverted for bottom mount couplers. Determine the preferred offset and install on the trailer frame.
    Fig. 6 shows offset choices.
  4. Install Brackets:
    • Insert the Hook-up Bracket Insert into the Hook-up Bracket with the raised boss facing upward. (See Fig. 2)
    • Insert the 1/2" flat head screws into the bracket holes based on trailer frame height and coupler orientation (top or bottom mount). (See Fig. 2)
    • Place the Hook-up Bracket Spacer onto the screws against the back of the bracket. Position the Hook-up Strap on the opposite side of the trailer frame, aligning holes with the screws. Install the 1/2" serrated flanged nuts. Snug the nuts so the bracket can still slide, but is held in place. (See Fig. 2)
  5. Load Spring Bars:
    • Confirm Hook Up Hanger orientation by loading the Spring Bar. (See Fig. 3-5)
    • Insert the pivot pin of the Hook Up Tool into the Hook Up Hanger's pivot hole. Position the Spring Bar in the Hook Up Tool's throat and rotate the handle upward until the bar seats on the Hanger. The Spring Bar Stud should align with the slot in the Hanger. If the stud doesn't fall freely into the slot, check Hanger placement and ensure sway control is disabled.
    • Secure the Spring Bar by inserting pin (48743) through the Hanger's pivot hole. The Hanger should rotate to accommodate the angled bottom of the Spring Bar. Ensure the bottom of the spring bar contacts the Hanger across its entire width.
    • Verify the Spring Bar Stud is centered in each Hook Up Hanger and the Ball Mount is centered. Re-measure the distance from the coupler center to the Hook Up Hanger center; it should be the same on both sides. Reposition if necessary.
    • Tighten the nuts in an alternating pattern to ensure the Hook Up Hanger and Strap are squarely clamped to the trailer frame.
  6. Release Spring Bar Tension: Raise the front of the trailer and rear of the tow vehicle about 3" using the trailer tongue jack. Remove pin (48743). Insert the Hook Up Tool pivot pin into the Hook Up Hanger pivot hole with the Spring Bar in the throat. Rotate the tool downward until spring bar preload is relieved. Remove the tool.

How-To-Use

Activating the Sway Control System

Simply tighten the activation bolt until the desired sway resistance is achieved. Use the 48758 wrench (11,7c).

Disengaging the Sway Control System for Hook Up and Travel in Adverse Road Conditions

To disengage the sway control function, loosen the activation bolt until the clamp force is removed.

Storage of the ReCurve R3 Hitch

Store the hitch in an area protected from environmental elements when not in use. Remove preload from the sway control system by repeating the disengagement steps.

ReCurve Maintenance

Lubricate the trunnion spindle using the factory-installed grease fitting. Ensure this area is sufficiently lubricated with a suitable wheel bearing grease prior to each use.

Limited Warranty

This warranty applies solely to the Weight Distributing Hitch (the "Product") manufactured by Camco Manufacturing, Inc. ("Camco").

  1. Warranty and Warranty Period: Camco warrants the Product to the original purchaser or consumer ("Purchaser") to be free of defects in manufacture and workmanship for a period of 5 years from the date of consumer purchase. Camco will replace the Product free of charge. This Warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original vehicle on which the Product was installed.
  2. Limitations on the Warranty: This Warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) service or labor charges for removing or replacing any Product; (c) the finish on the Product; (d) Product damage or failure due to abuse, neglect, or misuse; (e) damage from misapplication, overloading, improper installation, or alteration by anyone other than Camco.
  3. Obligation of Purchaser: To obtain warranty benefits, the Purchaser must: (a) complete online Warranty Registration within 10 days of purchase at www.camco.net/warranty; (b) promptly present the defective Product and proof of purchase to Camco at 121 Landmark Drive, Greensboro, NC 27409; and (c) pay all handling, transportation, and shipping charges for the return of the defective Product. Any returned defective Product becomes Camco's property.
  4. Obligations of Camco: Camco will replace, free of charge, any Product found to be defective, subject to the terms and limitations herein.
  5. Legal Rights: This Warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by state. Camco makes no express or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts. Camco assumes no liability for bodily injury, loss of use of any vehicle, loss of time, rental expenses, or other incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use or ownership of any Product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. Replacement of the Product as provided herein fulfills all of Camco's liabilities.

Camco reserves the right to make design changes or improvements without obligation to install them on previously covered Products. This warranty is valid only in the United States and Canada.

CAMCO MFG., INC.
121 Landmark Drive / Greensboro, NC 27409 / USA
1-800-334-2004
www.eaz-lift.com

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