Can I Use a Weight Distribution Hitch Without the Weight Distribution Bars Installed?
Updated 12/16/2024 | Published 11/11/2017
Question:
I am putting my trailer into storage an wonder if I can just tow with just the weight distribution hitch without installing the bars or if I need to use a different trailer hitch for short tow distances. My trailer is light enough that a weight distribution hitch was not required.
asked by: Dan T
Helpful Expert Reply:
Yes. If you don't need the weight distribution bars attached to carry the trailer to storage, you can absolutely use just the WD hitch head and ball to tow the trailer. It will work just like a ball mount.
Anthony
12/15/2024
Even though the ball on the hitch is sitting at an angle because of the washers, it’s still safe to tow trailer a few miles to storage without the WD bars? TYIA
Harry M.
12/16/2024
You might want to emphasize here that while it may work just like a ball mount, it is not necessarily load rated the same. In some cases the WC rating for a WD hitch is MUCH less than the WD rating so towing on the highway could be dangerous and also leave you liable if the hitch fails. The sticker on my 10k EAZ-Lift V-5 states it is rated for 10k/1k lbs for gross/tongue when the 1k spring bars are installed and 6k/600 lbs when they are not. It would be helpful if eTrailer could also list the WC rating along with the WD rating or include a picture of the rating sticker. Many (all?) manufacturers do not seem to advertise or list the WC rating for their WD hitches on the downloadable installation instructions or on their websites. It seem to be that you need to look at the sticker on the hitch itself to get the WC rating.
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Replacement Spring Bar for Curt TruTrack 2P Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Qty 1
- Search Results: weigh safe weight distribution hitch
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Shop: Shocker Impact Cushion Raised Ball Mount - 2" Ball - 3" Drop/5" Rise - 14K
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Shop: Curt TruTrack 2P Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - 7-Hole Shank - 10K GTW, 1K TW
- Search Results: rvk3500
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Shop: Replacement Spring Bar for Curt TruTrack 2P Weight Distribution System - 5K to 8K - Qty 1
- Search Results: gen y
- Search Results: happijac
- Search Results: wieght distribution hitch
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Shop: Replacement Round Spring Bar for Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Systems - 1,000 lbs TW
- Shop: Camper Tie-Downs
- Video: Review of the BulletProof Hitches 2-Ball Mount for 2" Hitch
- Video: Feature Review InfiniteRule Locking Pins for BulletProof Ball Mount
- Q&A: Can 1,400 lb Curt MV Weight Distribution Hitch be Changed to 600 lb Spring Bars
- Q&A: Gen-Y Weight Distribution System for Different Tongue Weights and Compatibility with Torsion Hitch?
- Q&A: Replacement 6 Leaf Friction Door Hinge for a RV Entry Door
- Video: DIY Installation for the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Wiring Harness - 2024 Ford F-350 Super Duty
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Pollak Trailer Connector Socket Installation - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Q&A: How To Tell If a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Has The Tow Package Wiring For a 7-Way
on Accessories and Parts
Greg W.
11/10/2021
I have a Reese weight distribution hitch. One of the pins that holds the bar next to the ball has broken. Will the weight hold it on the ledge on the camper or am I ok to drive with one?