Should Weight Distribution Spring Bars be Disconnected When Launching a Boat

Published 10/07/2014

Question:

I will be pulling out an 8000lb boat out of a boat launch with a very steep drop off in the water where the trailer will sit. I have a weight distribution type trailer hitch. The truck will be fairly level when in place but the trailer will be down deep. My Question is, should I remove my spring bars off my hitch before launching my trailer to allow for more flexibility at the ball to allow the trailer to go deep? Will leaving them on in this situation cause damage? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Ron R

Expert Reply:

You should be totally fine, since the trailer will lower down as it goes down the drop off on your boat ramp the tension in the spring bars will actually lower and wouldn't be an issue for you. If you were going the opposite direction and the trailer was raising, like if you were back up a steel driveway the spring tension would drastically increase. But in your situation you should be just fine.

Some WD systems require the removal of the spring bars when backing up. You might want to verify that what you have does not have a similar requirement.

I attached an FAQ on weight distribution that you might find interesting to the right.

expert reply by: Jameson C