Can I Use a Weight Distribution Hitch Without the Weight Distribution Bars Installed?

Question

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

1

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.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

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?

Les D.

11/12/2021

In order to give you the correct part, can you provide us the Reese part/model number for your WD hitch? I have attached a document that has an exploded view of a Reese hitch. Which part did you break? Number 18, or 3 or 4, or other? This is used for example. We still need the actual model number If you are asking about driving with part number 18 missing - you cannot!

Helpful Links

https://www.reeseprod.com/product-assets/install/n49913.pdf

Greg W.

11/12/2021

@LesD Thanks. I actually got a replacement locally, so it's all good. Thanks for replying.

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

Kevin C.

12/16/2024

@Anthony You can definitely still tow without the spring bars, you just won't be getting the functionality out of the hitch. Even though the ball is tilted to get the height right for the hitch it's still locked into the coupler once you close the latch so you would be able to tow.

Fontaine A.

12/16/2024

@KevinC much appreciated. Thank you as always!

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.

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Can I Use a Weight Distribution Hitch Without the Weight Distribution Bars Installed?

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