What is a Weight Distribution Hitch? [Explained]

What is a Weight Distribution HitchManeuvering a vehicle with heavy-duty loads is never easy. And when you start encountering swaying motions or braking issues, it is time that you rethink about the proper weight distribution of your loads. And the best thing you can do is get a weight distribution hitch!

So, what is a weight distribution hitch and how does it work? Let us know what it is, how it works, what are the types and if you need it or not! We have come with detailed information on weight distribution hitch! Check it out!

Weight Distribution Hitch

EAZ LIFT 48058 1000 lbs Elite Kit - Includes Distribution, Sway Control and Hitch Ball

People that are new in hauling their trailer might have no idea what a weight-distribution hitch is and how it works. Let us start with what it is and then we will discuss on the work and benefits. Weight distribution is often known as WD and is very important if you want smooth and safe towing.

If you go through heart-pounding braking along with the steering complications, you might be going through improper WD. And when you do not settle for ideal WD, this can harm your vehicle along with the trailer. Also, this can make your ride unsafe and cause unwanted accidents. In most cases, we put the whole weight at the center that result in severe accidents.

However, if you get weight distribution hitch for travel trailer or any other heavy-duty trailers, you can easily shift the weight of the center to the vehicle’s rear and front trailer. When it comes to the heavy hauling, this can help you with the loads.

Weight Distribution Components

When you learn about weight distribution, you must know the components you are going to encounter here. Let us know some basic details on this. If you are hauling heavy loads, you have to keep the balance between these components.

GTW or Gross Trailer Weight

Gross Trailer Weight or GTW refers to the total weight of your trailer. It includes the cargo too.

TW or Tongue Weight

The Tongue Weight or TW refers to the weight that bears down on your hitch. This includes the weight towards the trailer’s front. It also combines the weight that is behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle.

As you we have told you before, the balance of these two is a must otherwise, you will assuredly face difficulties. If you have higher TW than GTW, the trailer hitch will dive! It will sink down. On the other hand, if the GTW is too much higher than the TW, the trailer hitch will raise up.

WD Hitch Work Process

Getting a drop hitch for truck will not be enough if you are hauling heavy loads. You surely need WD hitch as your savior. People that are known to WD hitch will also know that it is known as load equalizing hitch too because that’s what it does!  The work of this hitch is to distribute the weight of the haul uniformly.

It adjusts the spring bars and the tension of the vehicle. And in this method, it measures the payload of your trailer tongue and divides it between the vehicle axles and the trailer. Along with this, the hitches can offer you sway control too! You will face reduced amount of up-and-down motion of the trailer if you settle for WD hitch.

But what can you do with the side-to-side motion of the trailer? This is where the sway control comes in! It helps in reducing the side-to-side motion giving it a stable position. When your vehicle passes another vehicle or you go through stormy days, the back and forth sway can make it tough for the trailer to keep the balance. In this case, keeping control with the high speed is tough. But the WD hitch that includes sway control can give you peace.

Types of WD Hitch

If you are planning to get WB hitch, you must learn about the types of hitches available in the market so that you can get the right one for you. There are two different types of weight distribution hitches available depending on the spring bars.

Round Bars

The WD hitches includes round bars will slide into the bottom part of the ball mount. It affords you abundant clearance space so that you can hook up your trailer!

Trunnion Bars

The WD hitches that have Trunnion bars or square bars are usually secured into the middle or center or the ball mount. If you want to increase the system weight rating, you can get your hands on this one.

Benefits of Weight Distribution Hitch

Using a weight distribution can help you a lot if you travel with heavy loads regularly. This can safeguard you vehicle along with you in the roads! Let us know the specific benefits of the hitch!

  • It provides uniform weight distribution controlling the up and down motion of the trailer
  • When there is a risk of swaying in the road, the WD hitch helps in reducing the side to side motion by keeping the trailer stable.
  • It helps in the increment of the towing capacity providing you the benefit of loading some more loads keeping the vehicle’s balance.
  • As the weight of the trailer is evenly distributed here, you will get a more stable and balanced ride when you travel.
  • With the weight and loads taken care of, you can control the vehicle better than before even with heavy loads.
  • The vehicle along with the trailer will go through less wear and tear because of the measured movement while driving.
  • The steering will be easier for you and the braking will be safer when you will be out on the road with your heavy loads.

When do you need Weight Distribution Hitch?

If you are dealing with trailer classes 1 and 2, you do not need to worry about a weight distribution system at all! But if you are dealing with the heavier trailers, you should emphasize on getting the weight distribution hitch for the safety of you and your vehicle.

By heavier trailer, we refer to the trailer classes 3, 4 and 5. After you get a WD hitch, get ready with the trailer coupler, shackle hitch receiver, the loads and the vehicle- start riding the truck!

But before that, check out why you need it! Here is a note of when you should rethink of getting a weight distribution system for your vehicle.

  • If you see that the GTW or Gross Trailer Weight of the vehicle is less than the half of your GVWR, you must plan to get a hitch for weight distribution. The GTW should never be less than 50% of the weight of your vehicle.
  • If you see that braking on the road with the heavyweight vehicle is tough for you or maneuvering or controlling the vehicle is getting tougher for you, a weight distribution hitch is a must-have for you.
  • If you face the side to side motion when you are on the road which is called sway, you should immediately get your hands on a weight distribution system.
  • At times, the rear end of your truck might sag. Also, you might see that the hitch is diving downward. In that case, you should start planning on getting a weight distribution hitch.

Wrap Up

You are never late to learn about what a weight distribution hitch is and why you need it. Check out the details we have provided. If you are facing the same problems we have mentioned here, it is high time you got a WD hitch! Don’t forget to check out site for more information on your vehicle and the towing improvements. It is better you learn about things before you invest money!

About Jeremy

Hello! My name is Jeremy Bloomberg. I have been passionate about carpentry and DIY. Over the years, my passion slowly turned into expertise and wider knowledge about electronics. I’ve been involved in numerous projects, both professional and personal. I want to share all I have learned with you. Welcome!

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