Comparing Bar Versus Chain Weight Distribution Hitches For a 3,600LB Trailer

Published 10/29/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(178)

$404.81

Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch

(486)

$74.51

1-7/8" 12pt Shallow Socket - 3/4" Drive - Chromium-Vanadium Steel

(279)

$20.06

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(840)

$718.65

2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs

(215)

$29.94

Sway Bracket Jackets for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - Qty 2

(269)

$25.94

Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control for Steel Trailer Frames

(121)

$315.76

Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(62)

$660.73

Question:

Hi could you tell me the differences between these two different types of WDH? Chain vs bar? I plan on picking up a travel trailer. The tongue is 428lb and the weight is 3600lbs unloaded. I will be towing with a 2021 honda ridgeline. Thank you

asked by: Bryan H

Expert Reply:

There are a few differences between a chain or bar weight distribution hitch.

A chain weight distribution hitch like the Reese Weight Distribution System # RP66021 will not have sway control built into the system. It would require you to add either Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control # RP26002 or a Reese Friction Sway Control Kit # 83660. The Friction sway control would have to be removed before maneuvering your trailer in tight conditions otherwise it will cause damage to the bar or mounts. With the chain system you can add additional tension easily by moving to a different chain link which is helpful if you plan on using with multiple trailers.

A bar weight distribution hitch like the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA94-00-0800 will have sway control built into the hitch. The saddle brackets that mount to the trailer provide a solid point for the bars to rest on. The friction between the bar and saddles create the tension to keep the trailer tracking straight and help overcome trailer sway. There are no parts that need removed to maneuver the trailer into position. This will tend to make more noise when turning due to the tension between the bars. To adjust the amount of tension on the bars does require loosening the hitch head bolts and adding shims to increase the head pitch.

For your trailer I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET. This system is rated for trailers with a tongue weight of 200-600lbs and maximum trailer weight of 6,000lbs. This hitch uses trunnion style bars which will provide you better ground clearance and do not have a weak point that is created with the bed of a round bar type hitch. Similar to the Fastway hitch this does use a bar style which includes sway control as well. The Equal-i-zer system is Made In The USA and does include a Limited lifetime warranty.

You will need a 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket # ALL643216 to install the included 2" ball on the hitch head. If your trailer requires a 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # EQ91-00-6100 you will need that as well.

The Sway Bracket Jackets # EQ95-01-5150 can be added if you find that the noise is to loud and you want a quieter ride while you are driving.