Installation and Operation of Weight Distribution Bars For Towing

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution hitches add spring bars to the hitch system which are used to apply leverage between the tow vehicle and the trailer. This leverage transfers the load sitting on the rear of the vehicle to all the axles of the vehicle and trailer. You will need to know the weight capacity of your receiver hitch and your vehicle and the gross weight of the trailer you will be towing to select the proper weight distribution system for your application. You do not want a system that has too little capacity and one with too high of a capacity will give a rough ride so you need to match the tongue weight of the system to your trailers tongue weight and total weight.

Proper installation of the weight distribution system is done by installing a weight distribution shank into the trailer hitch receiver on the vehicle and attaching a head assembly to the shank. A spring bar assembly is then attached to the head and to each side of the trailer tongue frame, using a chain and bracket assembly. The chains attach to the bracket and are adjusted to provide the proper amount of tension to distribute the weight and level out the trailer and the vehicle. You can also add sway control to the weight distribution system. There are several styles of sway control to choose from.

I have provided a link below to our weight distribution and sway controls questions page and a couple of videos that will help you make a decision on which system will be best for your towing needs.

expert reply by: Bob G