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If you are an outdoor lover, an adventure seeker, an avid traveler, or anything in between, chances are you might be traveling with a trailer. Whether you are planning to have a weeklong trip, spend a few days at parks or simply stay in a place where the road takes you, it is very important to ensure that you are safely towing your trailer and a weight distribution hitch is the solution.
A weight distribution hitch is not something that every traveler uses or requires. Keep in mind that it can make tight turns quite challenging. Aside from the fact that connecting and unlatching will require additional time. Nevertheless, it can make you feel comfortable when driving while towing a trailer.
These hitches can make you feel safe and secure most especially if you are pulling a lot of weight. But before making a decision, it would be a good idea to learn more about these hitches.
What Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Do?
A Sway Pro Weight Distributing Hitch is responsible for balancing the connection between your RV and trailer. This is quite relevant if the weight of your trailer is more than fifty percent of the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If there is an imbalance in the weight then this can greatly impact how you control sway, steer, and prevent any dangerous angles while driving.
How Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Work?
Spring bars will be used by weight distribution hitches in adjusting the weight of the trailer towards the front axle of the vehicle, rather than just the rear axles. It is important that the weight should be balanced, so the back of your vehicle won’t sag. At the same time, the stress on the rear axles will be reduced. Additionally, eliminating weight on the steer axle can be avoided, which generally causes loss of control.
The hitch includes a set of springs that connects the vehicle to the trailer. Its job is to apply an upward force at a certain point of connection. A weight distributing hitch can be compared to a bent springy metal. Without the presence of the bend, the tendency is that the strength of the tongue weight will be placed on the rear tires and the weight at the front will be eliminated. By using a spring, the weight will be evenly distributed to the front of the vehicle.
There are some things that can help you in determining whether the weight is balanced properly. If the front of the trailer and the rear of the vehicle are even, then the weight is distributed evenly.
Ultimately, this proves that your Weight Distribution Hitch Shank is effectively doing its job.
When Do You Require a Weight Distribution Hitch?
A Weight Distribution Hitch with Bar can greatly help you when you are having problems with a swaying trailer while driving. Keep in mind that uncontrollable swaying can be harmful, especially with large vehicles. Additionally, this can ensure that the front of your vehicle won’t push upwards when all the weight of the trailer is concentrated on the back of your vehicle.
Advantages of Weight Distribution Hitches
The following are some of the reasons why your vehicle might require a MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch.
Gives You More Control Over Your Vehicle
Having a hitch allows you to have more control over your vehicle with the use of a Sway Control Kit. This is because the spring bars are responsible for leveraging the weight of the trailer. When your vehicle is towing a heavy cargo, it should be able to halt immediately once you hit the brake. On the other hand, when the weight is not evenly distributed, the tendency is the tires won’t have a similar effect. The vehicle will not be balanced, as a result, the vehicle will be out of control during hard braking.
Allows Even Weight Distribution
The hitch will distribute the weight throughout the axle rather than concentrating all the weight of the trailer on the back. Obviously, you don’t want to drive in an awkward position caused by uneven weight. When most of the trailer’s weight and vehicle are focused on one location, driving the vehicle can be very challenging and could likely damage the axles. Fortunately, the best solution would be to use a Weight Distribution Shank.
Reduces Trailer Sway
There are times when swaying back and forth feels more relaxing. But this is not the case when you are driving a vehicle. By installing a weight-distribution hitch along with a Sway Control Ball, you can ensure that your swaying problems can be resolved, especially with the use of a
Trailer-Mounted Sway Control Ball. This is a fact, when you are towing a trailer which weights more than fifty percent of your vehicle’s GVWR. If you are using a short bed truck in pulling a trailer then you can’t entirely control the swaying because of its shorter wheelbase.
The weight distribution alone may not be sufficient enough in controlling the sway, but typically, these hitches come with a Sway Control Bracket Hard, sway bars or any built-in methods for controlling the sway.
Safer Steering and Braking
Due to the pressure from the trailer’s weight on the back of your vehicle, you can feel a tilted angle. Unfortunately, this can reduce the impact of the steering wheel. Since the back of your vehicle is
forced downwards, the front will be pushed upwards at an awkward angle. Take note that this could affect your view of the road.
If you don’t use a Centerline TS Weight Distribution Hitch, then you are raising the weight off the steering axle, as a result, the geometry of the steering system will be modified. Your steering will drift and at the same time, it will be harder for you to control the sway. Since weight distribution hitches include Spring Bar Assembly, these problems can be prevented. You can also gain more control over your driving.
Can a Weight Distribution Hitch Improve Your Towing Capacity?
Although using the Light-Duty Truck Weight Distribution System does not improve your towing capacity, it permits the hitch to work at its fullest capacity. To enjoy greater towing capabilities, look for higher quality hitches. However, it does not mean that the towing limitations of the trailer will be changed.
How Much Do Hitches Cost?
Generally, the cost of a weight distribution hitch is somewhere between $200-$400. Nevertheless, it will likely depend on the quality and size of the device. Square bars are used by higher-end hitches, however, a Round Bar Hitch offers superior clearance when connecting your trailer to your vehicle. On the other hand, cheaper hitches do not always provide you with greater stability. Most often, they do not include the essential equipment needed like the shank and ball. Sometimes the more expensive ones are sleek or bulky and come with the most advanced design features.
Do You Really Need A Weight Distribution Hitch?
Whether or not you actually require a weight distribution hitch will all depend on the kind of trailer and vehicle you have. However, having some additional security can be a big help. It seems like towing a trailer can be quite challenging. That is why, having some relevant tools like a hitch can help you in successfully accomplishing this task. Whether you are a full-time RVer or you are on vacation, a Hitch Swaypro could be an excellent addition to your trailer.
Important Parts Required For Weight Distribution Hitches –
- Fifth Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter
- Gooseneck Hitch
- Gooseneck Trailer Hitch
- Hitch Brackets
- Hitch Hardware
- Hitch Pintle
- Hitch Tools