Is It Safe To Use A Weight Distribution Hitch That's Overrated For Your Trailer

Updated 12/17/2024 | Published 12/14/2024

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Question:

Is it safe to use a weight distribution hitch that is rated for a heavier trailer then you are towing?

asked by: Stephen J

Expert Reply:

Hi Stephen,

If your weight distribution hitch is overrated for the tongue weight of the trailer then it will over-distribute the weight and start lifting both the trailer tongue and rear of the tow vehicle up. You'll notice handling issues while towing and the stiffer spring bars will be harder to get mounted to the frame brackets.

To size your weight distribution hitch you'll want to first fully load your trailer like you would if you were going camping and then measure the tongue weight. You can use a scale like the # BTBRV44FR or you can go to a local highway weigh station and measure with the truck only on the scale with the trailer connected and then once more without the trailer to see the difference, which would be your tongue weight.

Once we know the fully loaded tongue weight we can look for the right weight distribution hitch. Each one has a range and you'll want your tongue weight to be in the middle of that range.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Stephen

12/15/2024

I'm looking for a hitch to use hauling a variety of trailers. Such as in the rv transport industry. I really like the weigh safe hitches.

Kevin C.

12/16/2024

@Stephen Weigh Safe has four different spring bar capacities to choose from depending on the GVWR of your trailer and four different drop lengths to keep the hitch level between the tow vehicle and trailer. Assuming you're going to be hauling a variety of trailers the 10" drop would give you the most versatility. What is your tow vehicle?

Stephen

12/16/2024

I have a 2019 gmc denali 3500 dually crew cab with an 8' bed. I need to be able to haul travel trailers of all lengths and weights.

Kevin C.

12/17/2024

@Stephen If you're planning on towing a wide variety of trailers then you'll need something that takes up minimal space on the trailer tongue (which excludes the majority of WDH's) and has a huge tongue weight range. For this I recommend the B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control for 2.5" Hitch # BW28FR. This hitch has the largest tongue weight range from 600lbs - 1,600lbs with a gross towing capacity of 16,000lbs, making it the most versatile weight distribution hitch. Instead of having to lift spring bars onto frame brackets you'll just have a lever to pump up until you level the truck and trailer. The mounting bracket for this requires minimal space on the tongue and doesn't need to sit back 27" to 30", which would be good for v-nose trailers and ones with a lot of gear (propane tanks, batteries, etc.) on the tongue. I've attached a short demo/installation video below so you can see the Continuum in action and get a better idea of what the installation would entail since you'll have to install it on multiple trailers.

Helpful Links

tv-review-b-and-w-continuum-weight-distribution-systems-bw78fr.aspx

Stephen J.

12/17/2024

@KevinC thank you so much, you have been very helpful, and I will definitely take the B&W into consideration.