Search results
- Rather than the rear axle of the tow vehicle taking on all of the weight of the trailer, a weight distribution hitch transfers the weight evenly across the frame of the trailer and the frame of the tow vehicle. This allows RVers to tow their trailer level. It also provides a smooth, stable ride, easier steering, and extends the life of your tires.
rvlife.com/how-weight-distribution-hitches-work/
A weight distribution hitch distributes the total weight of the trailer, including cargo, fuel and anything else in the truck, to the vehicle’s and trailer’s axles, relieving the vehicle’s bumper for increased safety and maneuverability.
- How to Avoid Jackknifing
The wheel isn't considered man's greatest invention for...
- Gross Trailer Weight
Fortunately, not every weight associated with towing is that...
- Tongue Weight
Note the weight. 2. Unhook the trailer and jack up the...
- Towing a Trailer
For weight-carrying and weight-distributing hitches, you'll...
- Turn
The same tire tracking principles apply to the trailer as...
- Brake
Towing a trailer on the open road is relatively simple --...
- 1/2 Ton Truck
For instance, the payload can include the tongue weight,...
- How to Avoid Jackknifing
A weight distribution hitch (or weight distribution system) helps to ensure a smooth, level ride and allows you to tow at the maximum capacity allowed by your hitch. It also helps to correct tow vehicle sag, improve steering and stopping, and—when used with sway control—correct trailer sway.
What is a weight distribution hitch? Think of a weight distribution hitch as the unsung hero of safe and stable towing. This device ingeniously redistributes your trailer’s load across the axles of your tow vehicle, ensuring that balance is maintained no matter the weight.
Nov 6, 2016 · Rather than the rear axle of the tow vehicle taking on all of the weight of the trailer, a weight distribution hitch transfers the weight evenly across the frame of the trailer and the frame of the tow vehicle.
- (888) 447-8787
- What Is A Weight Distribution Hitch?
- How Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Work?
- Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Reduce Sway?
- What’s The Difference Between Weight Distribution and Sway Control?
- Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Allow Me to Tow More Weight?
- Is A Weight Distribution Hitch The Answer to All My Towing Concerns?
- How Do I Know If I Need A Weight Distributing Hitch?
- Weight Distribution Hitches to Consider
- Do You Use A Weight Distribution Hitch?
- Free RVing Tips, Tricks, Reviews, Giveaways & More
A weight distribution (or “WD”) hitch is a load-leveling hitch that allows your tow vehicle and travel trailer to work better together to give you a safer (and more pleasant) towing experience. It distributes the weight between the two more evenly to achieve a more level/balanced towing setup. This is why WD hitches are sometimes referred to as loa...
A typical WD hitch employs spring bars to distribute the tongue weight more evenly to the axles of the tow vehicle and travel trailer, making both vehicles more level/parallel with the road. The hitch on your tow vehicle connects to the travel trailer using a hitch ball (sometimes called a trailer ball.) It’s easy to picture what happens when you l...
Weight distribution and sway control go hand-in-hand, so a weight distribution hitch will help reduce sway. For example, as we noted in our recent post addressing the question “What Is a Fifth Wheel?“, towing a fifth wheel provides better handling and control than towing a travel trailer. Much of this is because a 5th wheel’s weight is placed direc...
Note that while there are weight distribution hitches that offer built-in sway control, a sway control bar alone does notoffer weight distribution. As you may recall from our posts on trailer sway control and trailer sway bars, many factors can contribute to trailer sway. These include wind, road conditions, tire pressures, speed, tongue weight, an...
The answer to this question is (sort of) yes and no, but the details are SUPER important. Some Class 3, 4, and 5 receiver hitches have two weight ratings. One is for when a weight distribution hitch is being used, and the other is for when no WD hitch is installed. In this case, it’s possible that the WD hitch can increase the approved weight ratin...
Absolutely not. A weight-distributing hitch can be a band-aid solution to a deeper balance/leveling problem. Let’s talk about why your towing vehicle and travel trailer need to be level in the first place. (It’s all about balance!) If your towing vehicle is sitting either nose-up or nose-down when attached to your travel trailer, this means the wei...
Unless you’re towing one of the smallest rigs (such as a teardrop trailer), most travel trailer owners will experience improvement by using a WD hitch. But without question, use a WD hitch if your travel trailer weighs 50% or more than your tow vehicle weighs. A weight distribution hitch can help reduce trailer sway in high winds or when being pass...
Here are a few popular weight distribution hitches to consider, should you be in the market for one. Be sure to check (and double-check) all specs when ordering any WD hitch, to be sure it’s the best hitch for your particular tow vehicle and travel trailer setup.
Let us know your favorite WD hitch system and why you like it. Are there features that you’ve found contribute to a safe and easy towing experience? Drop us a comment and let us know!
Subscribe to our daily newsletter! We’ve been full-time RVers for 20 years(!)and share everything we’ve learned about RVing in our daily blog posts. Join our online community to receive a wealth of great RVing knowledge delivered right to your inbox. Whether this is your first time on the road or you’re a seasoned full-timer, you’ll love the wide r...
Nov 14, 2024 · Unlike a regular rear-mounted hitch, a weight distribution hitch equalizes the weight distribution between your vehicle and whatever you are towing. It does this with the use of spring bars and a weight distribution system.
Feb 8, 2021 · It distributes the excess tongue weight forward (to the back axle of your truck), and reward (to the axles of your trailer). In turn, the lost weight from your truck’s front axle is restored, and so is your driving control and safety. Check out this video to see how it works!
