Does Using A Weight Distribution System Add Stress To the Vehicle Frame

Updated 01/06/2021 | Published 01/03/2021

Question:

Hello, I would like to know if a Weight Distribution Hitch WDH does add some stress on the frame of the towing vehicle? I do understand that it does add stress on the trailer frame since it adds a « torque » on it to lift the rear end of the towing vehicle. That being said, I hardly see how the resulting torque opposing to the one on the trailer frame is transferred to the car.

asked by: Dominic O

Expert Reply:

Yes, a weight distribution system like the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System part # C17499 will add stress to both the trailer and vehicle frame. That said, this stress is not usually enough to cause damage. The only exceptions to this would be aluminum frame trailers. There are also some vehicles which restrict the use of a weight distribution system due to this stress which are usually unibodies. This info can be found in the owner's manual.

I have attached a full list of our weight distribution systems below assuming it is allowed.

expert reply by: Conner L