Do I Need a Weight Distribution Hitch?

Towing safety is incredibly important when you hit the road. Not only does it protect the driver and a vehicle's load, but it also protects other road users.

If you've towed a trailer without a weight distribution hitch before, you've probably noticed the trailer swaying and experienced difficulty steering and braking. A solution to this problem is a weight distribution hitch!

With this article, you'll be able to better understand what a weight distribution hitch is, what it does, the benefits it provides to your towing experience, and whether you need one.

What Is a Weight Distribution Hitch?

A weight distribution hitch, also known as a load-equalizer hitch, helps distribute weight more evenly. More specifically, their job is to distribute the trailer's tongue weight from the towing vehicle’s bumper to both the trailer's and vehicle's axles.

This is especially important when the trailer weighs more than half of your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) - which refers to the maximum total weight under which a vehicle can safely operate.

Without a balance of weight between the vehicle and trailer, your driving ability can be affected and can even become dangerous. A weight distribution hitch will keep your towing setup level with your vehicle and thus you'll have more control over steering and managing the sway of a trailer.

How Does a Weight Distribution Hitch Work?

We now know that a weight distribution hitch system is designed to create a more stable, level drive, but how does this towing device do this? In order to understand how a weight distribution hitch works, we must first know what happens to a vehicle when towing a trailer.

When you hook up a trailer onto a standard, rear-mounted hitch, the trailer's weight (tongue weight) is transferred to the vehicle's rear axle. This causes your vehicle's rear to squat and front to rise, especially when the trailer weighs more than the vehicle. As mentioned before, this imbalanced setup can affect and even diminish steering, traction, and stopping power.

Weight distribution hitches use adjustable spring bars that connect from the hitch to the trailer axles and apply leverage to either side of your towing setup. These spring bars put an upward force on the tow bar and thus transfer the tongue weight to all axles on both the tow vehicle and trailer.

Moreover, it is necessary to have a weight distribution hitch installed when your trailer weight is closer to your vehicle's weight. Once installed you now have a more even distribution of weight that results in a level ride and a higher ability to tow at maximum capacity.

Benefits of a Weight Distribution Hitch

If you're someone that has a travel trailer and no weight distribution hitch, your world is about to be changed! We've discussed the clear benefit of a weight distribution hitch, that they even weight distribution.

But what else can these things do? Here are some additional benefits:

Minimizes trailer sway: Weight distribution systems add friction to a vehicle and trailer to combat sway. While it is not enough to eliminate sway, these hitches commonly have sway bars or additional mechanisms for sway control built in.

Increases towing efficiency: A weight distribution hitch balances the gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight. It does not increase the total weight your tow vehicle can handle but it does increase towing efficiency which leads to other benefits.

Better control over your vehicle: Weight distribution hitches help prevent the overloading of the tow vehicle's rear axle and suspension, giving a more level and smooth ride.

Safer steering & breaking: Without a weight distribution hitch, breaking is slower and the front end of your vehicle can become light and point up, causing it to wander. By leveling the load across all axles, the combined braking power of the tow vehicle and trailer is improved.

Minimizes trailer bounce: By reducing the sagging of the tongue weight and leveling out the weight, these hitches can effectively minimize trailer bounce.

Lessens wear on vehicle & trailer: Uneven weight can cause damage to the body and tires of a vehicle, which can lead to early wear and tear of other vehicle components.

Components of a Weight Distribution Hitch

There are 5 main components that make a weight distribution hitch do its job, namely: a trailer hitch receiver, weight distribution shank, weight distribution head, spring bars, and frame brackets.

Let's understand how they work:

1. Trailer hitch receiver: This attaches to the frame of your towing vehicle (the rear underside) and provides a tube opening for the weight distribution shank to slide into.
2. Weight distribution shank: The shank slides into the trailer hitch receiver and is an attachment point for the weight distribution head. This component comes in many drops, rises, and lengths to perfectly suit the level of your vehicle and trailer.
3. Weight distribution head: The type of head assembly will differ between different weight distribution systems and will be tuned to the amount of leverage applied to a system. This component is a place to mount the hitch ball for the trailer hookup, as well as provide the spring bar attachment point.
4. Spring bars: The spring bars are what do the work by applying leverage and evenly distributing weight. They can come in square, round, and trunnion shapes.
5. Frame brackets: These mount to the frame of the trailer and allow for secure mounting of the spring bars. There are various types but the standard is usually bracket or chain style systems.

Two Types of Weight Distribution Hitches

There are two basic types of weight distribution hitches: a round bar and trunnion bar. Both differ only by the type of spring bar they use.

Round Bar

A round bar weight distribution hitch gets its name from the shape of its spring bars and is designed for light applications. The round spring bars extend from the bottom of the hitch head and angle back to attach to the trailer frame. They have slightly less ground clearance, are priced lower, and are harder to install than trunnion bars.

Trunnion Bar

A trunnion bar weight distribution hitch is square-shaped and designed to be used with heavier loads. Instead of extending from the bottom of the hitch head like the round bar, they extend outward and run parallel with the trailer frame. They typically offer more ground clearance and are easier to install.

Ultimately, there is little performance difference between the two, and both serve the same purpose; to give you more comfort and control while towing. The main difference between the two are the shapes and the way the spring bars attach to the hitch head.

How To Know If You Need a Weight Distribution Hitch

If you plan on purchasing a travel trailer or perhaps already own one, it is best to get a weight distribution hitch while you're at it. But why should you invest in a weight distributing hitch?

Apart from the fact that they're all about safety and maneuverability, they preserve your vehicle investment. If you experience trailer sway or bounce, can visually see the imbalance between trailer and vehicle, and are forced to drive slowly while towing, a weight distribution hitch may be the answer to your problems.

Some vehicle manufacturers actually require a weight distributing hitch to be used at a certain gross weight. Almost all travel trailers of any weight require them as their height and length make them prone to uncontrolled movements.

Ultimately, when you need a weight distribution is determined not by how much your trailer weighs, but rather by how much it weighs in connection with your vehicle's towing capacity. Regardless of the fact that you may not be near the weight limit, if driving appears harder when towing, you need a weight distribution hitch.

How To Set Up a Weight Distribution Hitch

Before learning how to set up a weight distribution hitch, it's essential you take note of three things:

1. Check if you have surge brakes, as some weight distribution hitches are not compatible with them.
2. If your tow vehicle is equipped with air shocks, springs, or an automatic load leveling system, check your Owner's Manual for specific instructions on setting up a weight distribution hitch.
3. Your vehicle and trailer should be loaded for travel before beginning set up. This way, you'll know the weight you're actually towing will be distributed evenly.

Step 1: Line up tow vehicle to trailer

Begin by lining up the tow vehicle to the trailer on a level stretch of pavement in a straight line, leaving a few feet between. Use your trailer jack to lower or raise the trailer tongue.

Step 2: Level trailer and measure trailer coupler height

Use a level to find the perfect height for the trailer. If you don't have one, you can use a tap measure to check the trailer height in the front and back. Next, measure the distance from the ground to the top of the coupler.

Step 3: Attach hitch ball

Use a hitch ball rated for your trailer by checking the size and correct weight capacity. Verify the hitch and tow vehicle are rated to tow your trailer.

Attach the hitch ball to the ball mount assembly with lock washers and nuts. Read your installation instructions for proper hitch ball torque techniques or consult an installation dealer.

Step 4: Insert weight distribution shank into receiver

The weight distribution shank can be purchased to match your trailer coupler height requirements and proper length. Insert the shank into the receiver and depending on the height of your trailer, you can either use a drop configuration or a rise configuration. Once you've inserted the shank, secure by installing the pull pin and clip.

Step 5: Place ball onto shank

Place the ball mount assembly onto the hitch shank and set to proper coupler height. Install the hardware into the top and lower holes of the ball mount. You don't want to fully tighten the nuts now, just make sure it's tight enough that the ball mount won't move easily.

Step 6: Install spring bars

If the weight distribution hitch you have has a chain system, attach the chains to the spring bars with the hardware. Make sure 2-3 threads are visible below the lock nut.

Insert spring bars into the ball mount and swing into position (lined up with the trailer frame). Using the table included in your installation instructions to determine the proper spring bar height, adjust the bar to match the height. Once in position, tighten it based on the torque specifications.

Step 7: Measure front of vehicle

Before continuing, measure the distance from the front wheel well of the tow vehicle to the pavement. Remember the points you've measured from. If the wheel well height stays within one half inch of that measurement, you'll know you've achieved proper weight distribution.

Step 8: Hook up trailer to tow vehicle

Use the tongue jack to raise the coupler enough for the ball to pass under it. Then carefully back up your tow vehicle until the hitch ball is under the coupler. Then lower the coupler onto the ball so that it latches. Now, reinsert the spring bars.

Step 9: Install brackets on frame

First, position each bracket so that when you attach the chain from the spring bars, it will run straight up and down and attach center on the bracket. Once you've found that spot, secure the bracket by tightening the jam bolt until it contacts the frame. Be careful not to overtighten this.

When this is complete, the bracket should be sitting squarely so that the top and sides are in firm contact with the frame.

Step 10: Attach chains to brackets

With the coupler locked, using the trailer jack, raise the trailer tongue and the rear of the tow vehicle to remove as much weight as possible. This will make it easier to connect the chain.

Once the chains are attached to the frame, check your measurement from the front wheel well of the tow vehicle to the pavement to ensure it's within one half inch. You've completed your installation!

FAQs

How much does a weight distribution hitch cost?

Weight distribution hitches cost on average around $200-$400. Some may even reach $1,000. The cost will vary depending on the size and quality, as well as the weight capability of the ball hitch (which can be rated anywhere from 1-10 tons). Cheaper hitches won't always include all the necessary towing equipment and you may need to purchase this separately.

Does a weight distribution hitch increase towing capacity?

No. Hitches or related accessories cannot increase the towing capacity of a vehicle. Rather, what it does is it keeps your towing system level and allows the hitch to function at full towing capacity.

Does a weight distribution hitch reduce sway?

Yes, it can. Weight distributing hitches shift the tongue weight back onto the front wheels, giving better steering authority to combat sway. This helps prevent fishtailing and loss of control.

How much more weight can you pull with a weight distribution hitch?

Pulling more than 15% can potentially overload the rear axle of the tow vehicle and less than 10% can cause sway and stability issues. A weight distribution hitch will not change the towing capacity of your tow vehicle.

Final Thoughts

Your car works hard to get you places, so don't put it under any more pressure than it needs, consider getting a weight distribution hitch! It provides sway control for your towing vehicle, lessens vehicle and trailer wear, offers safer driving, and more.

One of these nifty devices will never make your towing experience worse and you can never go wrong practicing caution.

Sources

https://www.mortonsonthemove.com/weight-distribution-hitch/

https://www.rvingknowhow.com/weight-distribution-hitch-for-camper/

https://calgary-hitchshop.ca/blog/does-weight-distribution-hitch-increase-towing-capacity/.:~:text=What%20a%20weight%20distribution%20hitch,strength%E2%80%9D%20and%20security%20while%20driving

https://www.autoguide.com/top-10-best-weight-distributing-hitches-and-why-you-need-them

https://store.lci1.com/blog/what-is-a-weight-distribution-hitch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqZ4WhQIG-0

Link To or Reference This Page

We spend a lot of time collecting, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site to be as useful to you as possible.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Tow Ratings as the source. We appreciate your support!