Can You Reverse with a Weight Distribution System Installed

Published 11/20/2014

Question:

Ive inherited a WD hitch which looks for all the world like your WD hitch washer adjustment and bars that are stamped 1000 LB. The only thing that confuses me is that you site says Does Not allow Backing Upinch yet I back up all the time. This is a travel trailer and I back into campsites. What am I doing wrong, or am I misinterpreting the Does Not allow Backing Up part? Thanks for your help !

asked by: Neill F

Helpful Expert Reply:

The warning for backing up weight distribution systems like the # C17322 that you referenced is because of the friction sway control system that is included. As long as you aren't jackknifing your trailer when you are backing up you should be fine.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to do that you will want to remove the spring bars and the friction sway control (if you have one) and then you would be fine to back the trailer up.

It's not so much the reversing of the trailer that causes problems as it is the fact that when you are going forward your trailer will only turn so far when compared to how much tighter of an angle the trailer can get into when backing the trailer up.

I attached an FAQ on WD systems for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C