Comparing the Andersen Weight Distribution Systems To Friction Bar Systems

Question

Question:

How does the Andersen WDH compare to friction style weight distribution systems?

asked by: Layla

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Expert Reply:

Hey there Layla!

There are a few different forms of weight distribution hitches, but the majority of the systems that have sway control use friction bars, which work similar to brake pads on your vehicle. This works really well, but it can sometimes be noisy since it is adding friction to one of the side bars to limit sway.

The way the Andersen hitches are different comes down to the lack of friction bars, which makes it a quiet and simpler system to install and use. Basically the Andersen setup uses chains for leveling the truck/trailer, then it utilizes a friction cone design in the head of the system. When weight is added on turns, it allows the friction cone with brake material to slow the turning (side to side) motion, keeping the sway under control.

I attached a few photos to show these differences, along with the Andersen cone design. Is there a particular wdh you were wanting to compare in more depth to the Andersen? I personally installed the Andersen # AN88VR and found it very easy to use!

We also have the following Andersen hitches for different tongue weights, drop/rise, and receiver size:
-Andersen 10K GTW, 1.4K TW with 4" Rise/Drop # AN88VR (2" Receiver)
-Andersen 10K GTW, 1.4K TW with 6" Rise/Drop # AN28VR (2" Receiver)
-Andersen 14K GTW, 1.4K TW with 4" Rise/Drop #AN53VR (2" Receiver)
-Andersen 16K GTW, 1.6K TW with 6" Rise/Drop # AN33VR (2" Receiver)
-Andersen 14K GTW, 1.4K TW with 6" Rise/Drop # AN69VR (2-1/2" Receiver)

expert reply by: Andrew N

0

Andersen WDH
(click to enlarge)

Weigh Safe WDH
(click to enlarge)

Andersen friction cone
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

Nicki, that is an excellent question that we've gotten before. The Andersen weight distribution hitches work in a totally different way from competitors which allows it to remain lightweight, not bulky, and easy to install or remove. The chains…

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Answer 2

Hi Doug! If you were just needing a weight distribution system for the sway control, I would have said the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch w Sway Control - 6" Drop/Rise - 14K GTW, 1.4K TW #AN53VR could be a good option. However, I have tried…

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Answer 3

Hey there Michelle! While weight distribution systems are supposed to get the truck and trailer as level as possible, they are not complete miracle workers and won't make both 100% level in all situations. In fact, Andersen has a section of the…

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Answer 4

Good afternoon Drake! Yes you are in luck, because the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitches, like a lot of modern ones, do allow you to reverse while hooked up to your trailer. The reason this can, and some can't, comes down to if it uses certain…

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Answer 5

Good morning Hurley (cool name by the way. I like the clothing brand Hurley). Also, congrats on the new-to-you Chevy! That is an excellent question that comes up from time to time on various vehicles and weight distribution systems. So on your 2023…

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Answer 6

Hey Bill. The best option to address sway without using a weight distribution hitch will be to use the Curt True Course item #C94VV. This is an electronic sway device that mounts directly to the side of your trailer's tongue and plugs into your…

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Answer 7

Hey Mike. It looks like you went with the Weigh Safe True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch item #WS59MR. This system works with trailers that have tongue weights up to 1,250 lbs. You really want to select a weight distribution hitch off of your…

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Answer 8

Hey Mark, welcome back! This is very much a case of "you get what you pay for." The Curt TruTrack 2P #C95MJ you looked at is a good option if you tow your trailer a short distance once or twice a year. If you tow with any frequency and you…

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Answer 9

Hello Brandon, Congrats on the new camper! When picking out the right weight distribution hitch it is most important to be as close to the tongue weight as possible. You said that your tongue weight is around 700 pounds, I am not sure if you are…

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Answer 10

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part #EQ37100ET and Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System part #BXW1000 are both great options. However, in regards to combating trailer sway the edge has to go to the Equal-i-zer because it has true…

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Answer 11

Hey Vernon, great to hear from you again! For your trailer that has a GVWR of 11,295 lbs I actually recommend stepping up one level and going with the 18.5K #WS49MR which has the same 6" drop and fits a 2-1/2" hitch receiver like the 12.5K…

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Answer 12

Hello Roy, thanks for reaching out. We do have the 225/75-15 tires but nothing G rated. Our highest rating in that size would be the E range tires you have now. So we would not have a good tire upgrade option for you. As far as the blowouts, are you…

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Comparing the Andersen Weight Distribution Systems To Friction Bar Systems

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