Create a stable ride for your tow vehicle and trailer with a weight-distribution hitch. Using a weight-distribution system helps to ensure a smooth, level ride while also allowing you to tow the maximum capacity allowed by your hitch. The article will answer some of the most basic questions about weight distribution, including:
When you're towing a trailer with a standard rear-mounted hitch, your trailer's tongue weight is transferred to the rear axle of your tow vehicle. As a result, the back end of the vehicle may be forced lower and the front end raised. If this happens, your vehicle's rear axle will bear the weight of not only the trailer, but much of your tow vehicle's weight as well. Less weight on the front axle of your vehicle can cause diminished performance in terms of steering, traction and stopping power. It can also increase trailer sway. And your view of the road may be limited due to the awkward angle.
Weight-distribution systems use spring bars to help combat the problems that often occur with standard hitch systems. Adding spring bars to your towing setup applies leverage to either side of your system, which transfers the load that is pushing down on the rear of your vehicle to all of the axles on both your tow vehicle and your trailer. This even distribution of weight results in a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow at the maximum capacity of your hitch.
You would likely benefit from a weight-distribution system if:
Note: To use a weight-distributing system, your trailer hitch must be rated for use with weight distribution. Check the weight rating label on your hitch to make sure that a weight-distributing capacity is listed. If no rating is listed, a weight-distribution system cannot be used.
There are many different types of weight-distribution systems on the market, each with different features. But before you can choose which of those features you'd like to have, you must determine which size system will work best for your towing setup. As with any towing component, capacity is key.
A weight-distribution hitch will have two weight ratings - the gross trailer weight and the tongue weight. In choosing a system, therefore, you must determine the following:
Tongue Weight (for weight distribution) = trailer tongue weight + vehicle cargo load behind rear axle
The TW rating is the most important factor in determining which size weight-distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose are rated too high for your setup, they will create a rigid ride, which can result in a bouncing trailer. If, on the other hand, the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to properly distribute the weight, rendering it virtually useless.
Here's an example:
If you have a trailer that has a TW of 700 lbs, and your vehicle has 100 lbs of cargo in the trunk, then your overall, weight-distribution TW is 800 lbs. Choosing a weight-distribution system with a 1,500-lb TW rating may lead to erratic performance because it is rated too high. On the other hand, if you choose a system rated too low, say at 500 lbs, the system would be ineffective. Choose a weight-distribution system with a TW rating that is closest to your towing setup's TW to ensure the best performance.
For more information on how to measure your trailer tongue weight, see Determining Trailer Tongue Weight.
Quick Tip:
etrailer.com has built-in navigation designed to help you find the perfect weight-distribution system for your application. On the Weight Distribution category page, you will find a variety of filters that run down the left-hand side. By clicking on any of these filters you can narrow down your search based on the criteria that is most important to you.
To choose a system based on your weight-distribution TW, go to the filter titled Your Tongue Weight. Choose the weight that is closest to your TW as determined by the above formula. The systems that pop up are those that are best for your particular TW. All of the options that are given will have a maximum TW that is greater than the TW you selected. This is to ensure that you do not max out your system if you increase your load. The minimum TW of these systems (if given) will be less than your chosen TW as well so that the TW of your towing setup will fall somewhere in the middle of the tongue weight range.
In addition to the Class III, IV or V trailer hitch on your vehicle, a weight-distribution system is made up of the ball mount, spring bars and trailer-frame-mounted brackets. The ball mount is composed of two pieces: the shank (which slides into the trailer hitch) and the ball platform (or weight-distribution head). The hitch ball is typically sold separately.
The trailer hitch attaches to the frame of your vehicle and provides the 2" x 2" (or 2-1/2" x 2-1/2") receiver opening that the weight-distribution shank slides into. Trailer hitches are classified based on weight-carrying capabilities. A trailer hitch must be categorized as Class III, IV or V to be used with a weight-distribution system. Not all Class III hitches are designed to be used with weight-distribution systems, though. Always check the weight rating label that is on the trailer hitch. This sticker lists two capacities: weight carrying and weight distributing. If nothing is listed for weight distributing, then a weight-distribution system cannot be used.
To find a trailer hitch that fits your vehicle, see etrailer.com's hitch application guide.
The weight-distribution shank is the piece that slides into your trailer hitch and provides an attachment point for the weight-distribution head assembly. Shanks are available in many different lengths, drops and rises to fit multiple applications. This is to ensure that your trailer is level with your tow vehicle when it is hooked up. For more information on determining the necessary rise or drop for your setup, see Choosing the Correct Ball Mount.
Standard shanks - those included with weight-distribution systems - typically have a maximum rise of about 6" and a maximum drop of approximately 2". Consult the description of the product you are considering to get the maximum rise and drop specific to that part.
Note: Weight-distribution systems are available both with and without the shank. If you need a shank with a rise or drop that is greater than the standard measurements, purchase a system that does not include a shank and then choose the shank that you need separately.
The weight-distribution head assembly attaches to the channel or bolt holes along the shank and provides mounting points for the hitch ball and the spring bars.
Hitch Ball Platform
In addition to providing a place to mount the hitch ball that is used for trailer hookup, many weight-distribution heads have built-in platforms for mounting bar-style friction sway controls. A bar-style sway control mounts to a smaller ball on the side of the weight-distribution head. Some heads only have ball holes for a right-side attachment. Others, like the one pictured, have dual platforms so that you can mount a sway control on either side (or both sides) of your trailer.
Spring Bar Attachment
Different heads are made to accept different types of spring bars - mostly round or trunnion. The round-style bars slide up into the head and are held in place with clips. The trunnion-style bars slide into the head from the side or the back.
Head Adjustment
To achieve proper positioning for your weight-distribution system, you may have to adjust the tilt of the head assembly. There are a few ways to do this, depending on the system you choose.
The traditional washer-style adjustment method lets you adjust the tilt by sliding washers onto a spacer rivet and then inserting the rivet into the head assembly. To increase the angle, add a washer. To reduce the angle, remove a washer. Accessing the pin and washers can be a bit tedious, but this typically has to be done at initial setup only or if you switch trailers.
Serrated washers make adjusting the tilt of the weight-distribution head a snap. An improvement over the standard pin-and-washer - or traditional washer-style - method, this method lets you fine-tune leverage without having to access a rivet inside the head. The serrated-washer system lets you easily loosen, adjust and tighten a single washer and nut on either side of the head for simple, secure positioning. This type of system is most often found on Reese trunnion-style weight-distribution hitches.
The easy-to-use, block-style washer system features a uniquely shaped washer that can be rotated and positioned between blocks on the weight-distribution head. Each side of the hexagonal washer is numbered to provide reference points should you need to adjust your system if you switch it between different tow vehicles. There's no need to use a difficult-to-access pin to obtain your desired tilt. This system is common on Reese round-bar-style weight-distribution hitches.
Spring bars are responsible for transferring the load that pushes down on the rear of your vehicle when you are towing to the axles on both your tow vehicle and trailer. By applying leverage to your towing setup, these bars are responsible for distributing the weight in a complete weight-distribution setup. Typically, there are two types of spring bars - round and trunnion.
Round Spring Bars
Round bars slide up into the weight-distribution head and are held in place with clips.
Trunnion Spring Bars
Trunnion bars insert into the head from the side or back. There is no real difference in the effectiveness of one type of bar versus the other. That being said, if ground clearance is an issue, you may be better off choosing a trunnion-bar system simply because these bars slide into the weight-distribution head instead of inserting into it from the bottom, thus maintaining a more streamline system.
Specialty Spring Bars
Some manufacturers use specialized spring bars for their systems. Equal-i-zer, for example, has square spring bars that are most similar to the trunnion style in terms of how they mount and function. These square bars insert into sockets that attach to the weight-distribution head assembly. By being fully encased in the socket, each square spring bar has extremely limited range of motion, which helps to provide the rotational friction necessary for Equal-i-zer systems to control trailer sway.
These bars, like trunnion spring bars, allow for maximum ground clearance.
Construction
The material it is made of and the forging process can affect a spring bar's flexibility and therefore its effectiveness. The more a spring bar flexes, the more the weight-distribution system will be working. When spring bars do not flex enough, the system can essentially turn off.
Most spring bars are made of traditional spring steel, which is able to flex and still "spring" back to its original shape. Some manufacturers, however, have made improvements to the standard spring bar.
Lift brackets mount to the frame of your trailer and are used to hold the spring bars of your weight-distribution system in place. The design and, to an extent, function of lift brackets can very among different weight-distribution systems.
Snap-Up Brackets
Standard weight-distribution systems use chains to connect the spring bars to your trailer. The chains are attached to lift brackets that install on the trailer's frame. The number of chain links between each spring bar and lift bracket is integral in achieving proper tension in the bars - and therefore weight distribution for your load. Traditionally, lift brackets have a snap-up design.
Method for setting up a system with snap-up lift brackets:
Blue Ox Rotating Latch Brackets
Blue Ox SwayPro weight-distribution systems include rotating latch brackets instead of snap-up brackets. These brackets are supremely easy to use. Simply insert the chain into the bracket and use the included handle to rotate the bracket until the chain is taut. The bracket will lock in place automatically when the lock pin engages.
The SwayPro rotating latch brackets are designed not only to be easier to use, but also to help prevent trailer sway. Each bracket hangs farther down from the trailer frame than a traditional lift bracket, minimizing the distance between the brackets and the spring bars. As a result, less chain hangs down from the brackets, which limits the movement of the spring bars so that they can exert more force on your trailer to effectively keep it from shifting side to side.
Sway-Control Brackets
Some premium weight-distribution systems - Equal-i-zer, Fastway and Reese SC - have specially designed sway-control brackets in place of traditional snap-up brackets. These systems do not use chains to hold the spring bars in place. Instead the bars rest directly on the brackets. Each sway-control bracket is designed to inhibit sway both by holding the spring bar firmly in place and by ensuring that friction occurs anytime the bar moves along the surface of the bracket. This is referred to as dependent friction sway control.
A sway-control device is recommended for most standard weight-distribution systems. Trailer sway can be caused by crosswinds, poor trailer loading (load being too far back), or inadequate spring bar tension in the weight-distribution system. The use of a weight-distributing hitch by itself may help limit trailer sway by evenly distributing the weight of the load, but it will do little to improve sway caused by crosswinds. Trailer sway can be controlled with three different types of systems.
An independent friction-style (or bar-style) sway control reduces trailer sway after it has already begun. This device bolts onto your trailer frame at one end and hooks up to a small hitch ball that mounts to the system head at the other end. By attaching to both the weight-distribution system and the trailer frame, the sway-control unit can supply tension to help keep the trailer in line. An interior bar telescopes in and out as your trailer moves. As soon as your trailer begins to move out of line, the friction pads inside the unit make contact with one another and create resistance to help reduce any further side-to-side movement.
Installation:
Quick Tips:
Dependent sway controls are built into weight-distribution systems. These systems combat trailer sway as soon as it begins by creating enough resistance to essentially force your trailer to remain in line. Typically, they rely on the downward force of the spring bars to apply frictional resistance to the brackets on both sides of the trailer frame. In order for the trailer to move side to side (sway) it must apply enough force to overcome this resistance and make the brackets slide beneath the spring bars, which would prove very difficult in a normal towing situation.
Depending on the exact style of your system, there may be additional points of friction as well. This style is usually easier to hook up than independent systems, and overtightening or undertightening is not an issue. Dependent systems are also the only type of sway control that can be used with trailers that have surge (or hydraulic) brakes.
2-Point Friction Sway Control
4-Point Friction Sway Control
Active sway control is built into the weight-distribution system, but it doesn't use friction to stop trailer sway. Active systems, like Reese's Strait-Line system, proactively and aggressively stop sway before it begins by forcing the tow vehicle and trailer to continuously ride in a straight line.
The Strait-Line system uses unique sliding devices called "cams" to suspend the spring bars. One end of a cam bolts onto the trailer's frame, and the other end attaches to the lift bracket via the lift chain. The rounded, hooked ends of the spring bars then sit in these cams. The controlled placement of the spring bars keeps your system secure while still allowing enough movement for free, easy interaction between your trailer and your tow vehicle.
Functioning of Dual Cams
Quick Tips
Weight-distribution systems are available in many styles that differ based on features such as the spring bars, the head assembly and the sway control. The following table offers a quick comparison of the weight-distribution hitches available from etrailer.com.
When trailer sway is not a problem, a standard weight-distributing hitch can be used. Independent friction sway control or, in some instances, dual cam sway control can be added later if necessary.
Sway Control
Trailer Brake Compatibility
Head Adjustment Method
Lift Brackets
Spring Bars
These systems offer standard weight distribution and basic sway control. An independent, bar-style sway control is included to combat trailer sway. This type of system is typically the most cost-effective option for someone who has a problem with trailer sway.
Note: Bar-style sway controls must be manually deactivated to back up with your trailer.
Fastway's e2 system, like the Equal-i-zer and the Reese SC, features dependent sway control. The two points of sway control within the e2 are created by the steel-on-steel friction that occurs when the spring bars slide within the L-brackets that are mounted on the trailer tongue. When the trailer moves forward or backward, or side to side, it causes the brackets to rub against the spring bars, creating friction. The resistance created by this action limits the movement of the brackets, thus preventing further side-to-side movement of the trailer.
The brackets on the e2 function the same as those in the Equal-i-zer. Think of the Fastway e2 as a more economically priced version of the Equal-i-zer system.
The SwayPro offers four points of built-in sway control. Within the head assembly the trunnions are designed to hold the spring bars securely in position, placing just enough tension on them to cause them to constantly force your trailer to remain in line. At the other end of this weight-distribution system, the rotating brackets ensure that the lift chains are pulled as taut as possible. This limits the movement of the spring bars so that they can exert more force on your trailer to effectively keep it from shifting side-to-side.
Perhaps the most attractive asset of the SwayPro is the rotating latch brackets. All you have to do to attach the spring bars to the trailer frame is insert the lift chain into the bracket slot and rotate the bracket with the included wrench until the lock pin engages.
The integrated sway control on the Reese SC system reduces trailer sway caused by winds, winding roads and sudden maneuvers. As soon as your trailer begins to move out of line, the friction material that lines the bottoms of the brackets installed on the trailer frame creates just enough resistance with the shifting spring bars to prevent any further side-to-side movement.
The unique platform-style brackets make installation a snap. The included lift handle lets you hook up the spring bars with limited use of your trailer jack.
The Equal-i-zer weight-distribution system uses the rotational friction that is present in the weight-distribution hitch itself to stop trailer sway. Within the head assembly, the downward pressure that is placed on the hitch ball by the trailer is combatted by the upward pressure exerted by the spring bars that are mounted in the sockets. This upward force is placed on the spring bars on either side of the system, creating the rotational friction that forces your trailer in line. This type of friction is responsible for two points - one on either side of the trailer - of the 4-Point Sway Control.
The other two points of sway control are created by the steel-on-steel friction that occurs when the spring bars slide along the L-brackets that are mounted on the trailer tongue. When the trailer moves forward or backward, or side to side, it causes the brackets to rub against the spring bars, creating friction. The resistance created by this action limits the movement of the brackets, thus preventing further side-to-side movement of the trailer.
This high-performance weight-distributing hitch offers spring bars with excellent flex, ensuring the load is always evenly distributed, even on rough terrain. The dual cam system keeps the trailer in a straight line behind the tow vehicle.
Reese's dual-cam sway-control system stops trailer sway before it begins. This is differs from traditional friction-style controls, which help to correct sway only after it has already begun. This specially designed system uses unique sliding devices called "cams" to suspend the spring bars of your weight-distribution system. One end of each cam bolts onto your trailer's frame, and the other end attaches to the lift bracket via the lift chain. The hooked ends of the spring bars then sit in the cams. The controlled placement of the spring bars keeps your system secure while still allowing enough movement for free, easy interaction between your trailer and your tow vehicle.
During basic, straight-line towing, the cams lock in place and hold the trailer steady by applying constant, consistent pressure to both sides of the trailer frame. This keeps the trailer from swaying in crosswinds. When you go into a turn, the cams unlock and slide to allow a controlled, full-radius maneuver. If you swerve suddenly, the cams will give to accommodate the movement while still working to obtain a straight angle, thereby maintaining control of the trailer
The majority of weight-distribution accessories are geared towards adapting a certain system for use with your particular towing setup. Differently sized shanks, for example, are available to precisely match the hitch height required for your application. The following are the most commonly sought after parts for weight-distribution systems.
Pole-Tongue Adapter
Designed for use on a trailer that does not have an A-frame tongue, a pole-tongue adapter clamps around the straight (or pole) tongue of your trailer and provides attachment points for the lift brackets of your weight-distribution system.
Lift Bracket Upgrades
Lift brackets are an integral part of any weight-distribution system. As discussed earlier, these brackets are what hold the spring bars of your system to the frame of your trailer. Replacement brackets are available for most systems.
You can typically choose between clamp-on or bolt-on brackets. Clamp-on brackets install easily with no drilling required. Bolt-on brackets attach to the side of your trailer frame, allowing plenty of room for toolboxes, propane tanks, winches, batteries or anything else that you want to mount to the top of the frame.
Blue Ox offers clamp-on and bolt-on varieties of their rotating latch brackets.
Reese carries clamp-on and bolt-on chain hangers, which serve the same function as snap-up brackets but take up less space on your trailer frame.
Hitch Balls
The hitch ball is usually not included with a weight-distribution system and must, therefore, be purchased separately. This is because the ball diameter - typically 2" or 2-5/16" - is dependent on your trailer capacity and coupler size. The ball shank diameter required for most weight-distribution systems is 1-1/4". Equal-i-zer systems also require that the shank not exceed 2-3/8" in length.
In addition to a hitch ball for hitching up your trailer, you may require a smaller ball to attach an add-on friction sway control. This ball is usually included with the sway control system. Replacement sway-control balls are also available.
Storage
When you're done towing, you can disconnect your weight-distribution system and use the Classic Accessories tote to safely store it. Every piece can be easily and securely stowed away in this padded case so that you won't lose any part of your system.
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