How to Use a Weight Distribution Hitch
When you are hauling a trailer, it is vital to have proper weight distribution because it is needed for a safer and smoother towing. Improper distribution of weight is the main factor in those heart-pounding moments. This is hard on your trailer and can also have negative impacts on one’s safety and accident results.
Instead of a resting weight at the center, a weight distribution hitch is going to transfer the weight forward and towards the vehicle’s rear and back towards the front of the trailer for even distribution. This is a much simpler step so that your vehicle for towing and trailer can move heavier loads.
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If you need a weight distribution hitch:
First of all, you need to disregard a myth. If the specifications of the tow bar or tow vehicle shows a maximum weight at the tow ball, then a weight distribution hitch will not be responsible for increasing the tow ball weight that can be applied. You should keep it below the specified tow ball weight which is at the lowest.
The caravan you have should place approximately 10% of its weight on the tow ball. It will also have maximums that need to be followed. The wrong ball weight is unsafe because it decreases the car’s ability to steer and brake. The ball weight can be corrected by the use of a weight distribution hitch so that load can be reorganized.
Choosing the right hitch for you will depend on these things:
- The amount of weight that your caravan is going to put on the tow ball
- The room you have available on the A-Frame for mounting the hitch
- The kind of brakes that is in your caravan or trailer
- The tow ball’s height
Weight distribution systems should be used together with a hitch that has an appropriate rating of weight distribution. The hitch that you need will depend on the kind of trailer that you will be towing, payload weight, and several factors that can impact the requirements for weight. A professional can help you in making sure that you are getting the right option that is specific to your needs.
How do they work?
It equally distributes the payload weight. It functions by using spring bars that can be adjusted and tension to transfer the trailer tongue load to the trailer and axles of the vehicle.
Even if weight distribution hitches will provide better capacity for towing, it is still necessary to make sure that your hitch vehicle system can take on the load. Inspect the hitch and your vehicle’s manual so you will not exceed the towing capacity of both. Weight distribution systems come with a receiver hitch that’s placed at the back of the vehicle, where there is a hitch head that will slip into the opening of the receiver, spring bars that can fit perfectly onto the hitch head and lastly, brackets with a hook that are connected to the frame of the trailer by using chains.
How to use a weight distribution hitch
These are used in high tow capacity hauling, trailers for commercial use, and even heavy –duty trailers.
Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYuQeWO0-FA
They apply to:
- Trailers for equipment
- Heavy-duty trailers
- Trailers used in construction
- Gooseneck trailers
- Trailers for traveling
- Trailers for livestock
Weight distribution hitches use a traditional Class III and Class IV receivers that bolt towards the frame and the vehicle will use drawbars. These are appropriate for pickups and SUVs that have enough tow ratings; where weight distribution systems vary at the hitch. Where traditional hitches use a draw bar and a ball, hitches that distribute weight use a shank to where the ball mounts and the spring bars attach. Most of the time, the spring bar’s opposite ends attach the trailer tongue by the use of chains. If a tall recreational vehicle or a secured car trailer is being towed, which can be swayed around by strong winds, include a sway-control system, that curbs side-to-side, which can be discouraging and risky at freeways.
The kind of weight distribution hitch system is needed for towing will differ according to the trailer weight and size. The differences are the length of the shank bar and spring bar. The majority of hitch manufacturers offer them in the form of a kit, but again, it is recommended to ask a professional shop for the calculations, do the work and assist you in becoming familiar with how systems operate. Due to the difference in weight distribution systems, attaching a weight distribution hitch differs from system to system, so it is ideal to ask the manufacturer. Generally, the trailer is hooked to the hitch, then connect the spring bars to the trailer tongue, inspect the lights, and turn signals and the brakes.
Benefits:
Using a weight distribution hitch has a lot of benefits, like:
- Providing even distribution of weight for up and down motion
- Removing the risk of swaying from side to side motion
- Increasing the tow capacity of a trailer
- The person having more control of the vehicle
- The ride having more stability
- Decreasing wear in both the trailer and vehicle
- Having a safer way of braking and steering
The two types of weight distribution hitch
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Tru-union bars
These are square spring bars that lock into the mount ball center. It is better for adding to the rating of system weight.
Round bars
These round bars slide into the bottom instead of the center of the ball mount. There is more clearance space for hooking up the trailer.
Now that you already know how to use a weight distribution hitch, confusion will be avoided. Knowing how to use it will prevent malfunction and other difficulties after you have installed the weight distribution hitch. Take note of all the information given in this post because they will prove to be of great importance in the long run, especially when it is your first time to use it. Road accidents happen every day, so make sure to keep it from happening to you.
