How Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Work?

When a trailer is connected to a vehicle using a standard ball mount, the weight of the front end of the trailer is concentrated on a single point at the back of the tow vehicle. This downward force from the trailer tongue can cause the back end of the vehicle to sag and the front to rise.

When this happens, weight has actually shifted off of the front axle of the tow vehicle. Too much weight on the rear axle and not enough weight on the front, or the opposite, can cause a number of problems. Much like a seesaw, it's a balancing act.

Weight distribution systems, also known as load-distributing hitches or WD hitches, are designed to help take the weight concentrated on that single point and spread it back out along the axles.

A weight distribution system is made up of a specialized ball-mount (head) assembly that is used in combination with a pair of spring/load bars. The two bars attach to the head assembly, extend partially down the trailer tongue, and connect to the trailer frame. During setup, upward pressure is applied to the bars, similar to how you would lift the handles of a wheelbarrow. These bars help shift the weight along the axle, restoring a portion of the weight lost off of the front end of the tow vehicle. This visibly lifts the back of the vehicle and helps level the setup.

Using a WD Hitch has advantages such as better handling, less trailer sway, improved tire wear, and less strain on the vehicle and the trailer. 

Issues caused by improper weight distribution: compromised steering and braking; poor tire traction; improper headlight aim resulting in decreased visibility and blinding other drivers; an increased risk of trailer sway; excessive and uneven tire and brake pad wear; additional stress on the trailer and vehicle frames; decreased fuel economy; and more.
-------------

Easier to use and adjust than a traditional weight distribution system, the Continuum WD Hitch is designed to provide the end-user with more control over their setup. Making it easier to achieve proper weight distribution, we've set out to provide an overall safer and more enjoyable towing experience.

#bwtrailerhitches #towingadventure

[KT-cjgx]

For ten years I could not find a person to explain these so I could understand. You did it in a sentence. Thank you!

[jameshelmkay]

Thank you for getting it right! You aren’t sending weight from the trailer to the front axel, you’re sending weight back to the trailer axel. This removes tongue weight and plants the front end back down. Tongue weight needs to be within 10-15 percent of the loaded trailer weight.

[brianaustin]

How much weight is distributed back to the trailer’s axles?

[blackheart]

Question: does a weight distribution hitch adds or reduce the tongue weight or does it stay the same? I have a tow hitch class 3 rated for 600lb tongue weight or 1000 if using a weight distribution hitch, would I need to upgrade it in order to use the weight distribution hitch with a travel trailer that has a 700lb tongue weight or would that be ok? Help please, Thank you!

[jianajoohoku]

Can I just get bigger tires on the rear to compensate instead of buying this product?

[rudyvasquez]

The manufacturers states that you have to unhook in driveways so that you can get so most gas stations have the same driveways that's at your house or worse so that means that you would have to unhook your distribution just to get just to get gas so most streets are not made for distribution ask the manufacturer States

[SekkiBeer]

so dont tow if your little truck is too small for what you want to tow