Weight Distribution Hitches Explained - How They Work, Why You Need One
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.พ. 2020
- Today we delve into the black magic that is the weight distributing hitch, also called "load leveling hitch" or "weight distribution hitch." This is the ultimate trifecta of poorly understood, infrequently used, and absolutely essential...
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As one of our viewers pointed out, a weight distributing hitch can end up also shifting some weight from the tongue back onto the trailer's axle(s) depending on teh exact situation. However in our quick and dirty test with a load cell accurate to within 10 pounds, we noticed no rearward weight transfer but it is possible.
I appreciate the follow up, but the linked youtube video shows a signifcant 365 pounds being transferred back to the trailer, with a similar weighted test you used for your video. I will agree that it's probably highly variable, but still, it might be nice to discover and test for exactly what causes a 10 pound difference in one case vs 365 in another.
th-cam.com/video/XBZu39pQ8Gg/w-d-xo.html
@@JohnSmith-ev1sm We would need an identical trailer and tow vehicle to replicate their findings, I can only comment on ours. It should also be mentioned that this does not change the recommendation that tongue weight should be 10-15% of trailer weight.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide
At the 1:14 minute mark, you have a blow up picture of a weight distribution hitch covering your face while talking. Then, you make it smaller so that your audience can see your mug [face]. Nobody wants to see your ugly mug, or mine for that matter, when talking and showing truck/trailer accessories. I had to pause the video to see all of the weight distribution hitch components. Great video anyways. I did, however, laugh at your 'reasons not to' use a WDH list. That how some truck owners are in my area. Irresponsible people, they are.
@@JohnSmith-ev1sm , Scales and a scientific measuring system used in the video you linked.
It's not that it *can* shift weight back to the trailer axle, it's that it *will* increase the weight on the rear axle--by the laws of physics. A weight "distribution" device is very aptly named as that is exactly what it does. Think of it this way: The more pressure you put on that distribution device, the more weight gets distributed on *both* sides of the fulcrum point. In fact, if you cranked it up hard enough (assuming the device is strong enough and has enough adjustability) you could potentially lift the rear wheels off the ground, in which case, you'd effectively have a bus with a very large front-to-rear wheelbase. Of course, more of the weight would be on the front wheels simply because the center of gravity is toward the front (due to engine and cabin placement mostly). So, maybe you'd have something like a 30/70 weight distribution front/rear. But 30% of the total weight (truck+trailer) is far greater than the trailer weight alone. For example, take a 7,500 lb truck and a 1,500lb trailer = 9k lbs total; with an estimated 30/70 distribution, that would put 2,700 lbs on the trailer's rear axle (1200 lbs extra) in the most extreme distribution example. Of course, nobody would crank up the distribution arms that much, but I'm making a point to help you see how this works. Anyway, with every crank of that distribution device, you'd effectively be increasing your trailer's axle weight from the original 1500 lbs *toward* that maximum (2700 lbs in my example). All I can say is that your test was flawed or the laws of physics are not at play in your part of the world.
Thank you - for speaking clearly and concisely; for not filming yourself with a one-handed camera approach; for not playing music while teaching; for having great graphics and props; and for leaving all the jargon out with which the average viewer may not be familiar. Great video. Maybe in your free time you can explain why the American League has the Designated Hitter rule?!
I wanted to understand how trailer weight distribution works, not just how to set it up, and this is the best explanation I've found after watching 10 TH-cam videos. Well done, thanks!
One of the better videos on the subject. Although not specifically stated, this video implies the idea of weight distribution is between the front and rear axles and not between the tow vehicle and the trailer. I think this is key in understanding the use and purpose of the weight distribution hitch. I also appreciated the overview of the sway bar, when to use it and when not to use it.
Wow! I am thoroughly convinced that we’d been towing wrong or just wee bit unsafe all these years. Very very informative and helpful.
Will be towing to Death Valley come this December and will BE USING these hitch tools for added safety and peace of mind for my family. Thank you!!🙏🏻
good video, great advice about towing with an SUV. I always tow with an Equal-i-zer hitch because the the sway control is built in and I don't need to remove the sway brake to back up or turn tightly. Happy Towing!
I am not an experienced tow person and only came here to understand the concept better. I understand it MUCH better when you use the term 'load leveling hitch' than 'weight distribution hitch' and the show and tell description with the 2 metal bars explained it clearly. Thanks!!
This is one of the best videos on TH-cam the explains the mechanics on how WD works. Thanks for the detailed explanation @ Alex. I use the Husky Centerline TS WD system on my 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 when towing a 7K flatbed trailer. Knowing the actual tongue weight for each load out is the key to getting the WD setup properly. I use a Sherman 2,000 lb. tongue weight scale to get the tongue weight measurement for the varying trailer loads, then adjust WD springs accordingly. With WD I can tow comfortably with a full load as the truck/trailer combination is well-balanced.
It's not often I take time to compliment an educational video, but then it's not often they deserve one. THIS ONE, however is the BEST i've ever seen. Being an engineer type (formerly a telemetry engineer) I figured I should be able to understand how a weight distributing hitch works but never did grasp it till this video. I now understand completely and will certainly use one on my 3500 lb. camper trailer. Thank you Alex.
I'll be sharing this with my family. I've been telling everyone that they need one, but have not been able to explain it as well as you just did 👍
REALLY good video. I've seen these, but looking at them couldn't picture how they work. I was actually going to ask a question regarding a smaller load behind a smaller tow vehicle, and by the end you had answered EXACTLY the question I had. Buying one tomorrow. Thanks!
Thank you for this! You both explained what these are and how they work, but ALSO mentioned why our Land Rover mechanic said to not use one despite basically everywhere else saying we should.
Alex, excellent video. The production value is great. I appreciate the work you put into this. I think I finally understand what WD hitches are all about now!
That was very well done. I purchased a used 20' travel trailer today upgrading from an older, smaller one. The RV tech set it up and showed me how to go through assembly but I didn't understand how it worked. On the ride home, I did notice that my front was pointed correctly, unlike the 500lb lighter trailer I traded in. Assembly is an extra chore but OK if you stay the night without unhitching the trailer.
Very good video, this explained it better than any other video I've seen yet. Just remember all, no anti-sway when driving in snow or ice.
Now this is a very well detailed video. I'm a rookie but now feel more comfortable at towing. Thankyou for this video and keep up the great work!!
I don't tow or even have a trailer, but I always wanted to know distribution hitch worked. Thanks for making a great video.
Thanks for telling how it works rather than just what it does! Looked at several other videos and articles and none of them described how it actually works!
Dude, you're the man. This was SO helpful. I've never hauled anything bigger than a small, 6' trailer. We just purchased a truck and will be hauling a travel trailer for the next year, touring the country. I read a few suggestions about these things, and really needed someone to explain how they work to me. You did just that.
Thanks again for taking the time to upload this!
Thanks for this video. I am an Engineering Professor and have a homework problem on weight distribution hitches. I recommend to my students that they watch your video for a good explanation on how they work.
Thank you. You are a gifted explainer. Your cadence and delivery are flawless. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for the explanation. I am picking up my new little travel trailer today, they are installing one of these, but I had no idea why I needed it. I've always had motorhomes before, and never pulled a trailer other than a small utility trailer. Now I will have a better understanding when they explain it to me at the dealer!!
I bought a travel trailer and was given a weight distribution hitch and those sway bar friction brakes and I had no idea how to use them! Thank you so much for this explanation!!!
A great video, I just bought a caravan and it has a weight distribution hitch however whether this is correct for my vehicle I don't know but will find out.
What is needed is to remember that this is actually a physics problem and so working out or having a qualified person to work out the correct hitch is important.
Your so spot on about speed, so many people drive a truck thinking it's a car and without thinking tow a trailer and still think they should drive the same way.
Great video and explanation! We recently got our 1st travel trailer 24ft Jayco from a friend of ours, Wright distribution hitch is new for me as my aluminum boat trailer doesn’t need weight distribution very light aluminum boat. Thank you
This explanation video is by far superior to the rest of the videos trying to explain it. Others only explain the result of the weight transfer. Your video very nicely explains why and how. Thank you
Best Explanation I have heard In 5 years of towing my Trailer !!
I didn't know I needed one, now I do thanks. I didn't know I needed a trailer like yours now I do.....Great presentation.
Thanks very much for clearly, concisely, and quickly explaining this. Well done!
We had a single-axle travel trailer that I loved when it was parked, but hated towing it to and from. "Had" as in sold it because of that because it would porpoise up-and-down like crazy. It was a 3,500lb trailer that towed okay when completely empty, but when loaded it was just awful. Could only carry a little in the trailer which had to be loaded rear of the trailer axle and everything else had to go in the back of the F150 (with extreme towing package), which wasn't optimal, either. Even the two full propane tanks were too much on the front of the trailer and had to go in the pickup. Using a weight distribution hitch would probably have made the towing much better. So now we're shopping for a new dual-axle travel trailer... and a weight distribution hitch!
Excellent, thanks for doing this. Now, how to think about adding air suspension and/or a weight distributing hitch. Many thanks!
Fantastic, best explanation I’ve seen by a mile!
13:50 - The "belt and suspenders" approach never hurt anyone! Be aware that you've put the friction anti-sway bar on in reverse order, Alex... and be aware that you should not overtighten them, otherwise they will break! Great video, as always, Alex!
Nothing fancy, just clear, concise information. Thank you so much
Another sensible and great explaining video overall Alex. I’ve subscribed long ago and shared about your great TH-cam channel again and again. Keep up the great work.
Thank you! This is one of the most easiest TH-cam channels to understand.
This is a great video. I've rarely seen one of these hitches, and I just thought it was weird. Now I know more and think it's great! Thanks for the concise info!
Very well done video, I never fully understood the physics involved with these but do now. Thank you very much and keep up the good work!
I'm a big fan of your channel. Thank you for being informative and honest.
Thank you for this video. I've towed lots with various vehicles etc. Buddy bought a camper, to tow behind his trailblazer. Sent puc of camper.. Nice! Pic if camper on his vehicle... i was like ""Dude.. you need an equalizer hitch..." lol
Then i finally found your vid to explain it.. thanks! So clear n concise! ❤
After watching your video i was surprised that trailer safety products have taken until now to improve. Good job!!
Only today came across this vid. I love that you have the Rivian concept image on the shelf behind you.
Searched for a while landed on this video. Hands down, the best video on this topic. Thank you!
An important topic overall. When considering to pull any trailer, this is a must. Some manuals point out that it’s a legal obligation and if you don’t, it’s legally called “negligence” and one can be sued without any insurance coverage because thou was being too cheap or too proud or similar and really, “negligent” in the eyes of the law. Also, consider the fact that employing such a weight distribution & sway control hitch (i.e. The Equal-i-zer), you can avoid hurting loved ones or others because your vehicle won’t lose control and worse.
Great information! I burned out my shoulder because the truck was laden down driving 900 miles.
Thank you!
Great and well synthesized information about the ins and outs of weight distribution.
Absolutely excellent video and advise Alex. This is why you are unparalleled. 👍
Thank you sir for this I jus bout a camping trailer and have a Tundra and never towed before, looked and looked for a video detailing this took me awhile to find but very grateful I found your video,
thank you
Excellent video. I learned a lot. Thank you! Very well explained and you very effectively communicated your points. Well done.
I love these kinds of videos, so different from the usual content everyone puts out 👍
Best explanation I’ve seen. Now I get how these things work. 🇨🇦👍🏼
Thanks for the bonus of the sway control! Wasn't sure if I'd need two or one.
Fascinating. Always wanted to know about this. Thanks for sharing!
Wow TFL didn't even explain it this good because I would of remembered it.
@Benjamin Burkhardt
How so? Please, provide some factual evidence to back up your claim.
@@Sig721Tau chill out
@@Sig721Tau , Alex has appeared in TFL videos.
TFL lacks any mechanical knowledge. He's a computer nerd
SrE. Zzrzrze. Atz
Thank you very much for this excellent explanation of a weight distributing hitch!
Excellent video, quick and to the point. Clear and relevant information. Thank you!
Great video thanks. I have Ann Xterra soon to be towing a RV trailer and will definitely get one.
Great video Alex! Just the information I was looking for. Appreciate it!
Great vid Alex, I finally understand that stuff. Thanx dude.
Andersen WD hitch with built-in sway control is something to be considered. It has its limitations, but easy to hook up and can do tight turns without the need to disengage the sway control mechanism.
Aaaaahhhhhh i was wondering how they worked. Very simple and clear. Thanks dude.
These hitches are so underrated. Having all of that extra weight put on the front axle aids so much in steering feel and trailer sway. I recommend the Equalizer WDH with sway control.
Best video on the subject I have found, very good and clear info.
Good video. Great and simple explanation of the sometimes over mystified topic.
Minor correction... weight is shifted off the towing vehicle rear wheels to BOTH the tow vehicle front wheels AND to the trailer wheels. This became an issue when I towed a travel trailer with a 3500 lb axel rating.
Correct. And not pointing this out to people can cause smaller trailers with only a single axle to shift more weight over that single axle and that might be undesirable if that axle is already beyond its safe working limit.
Very good video. Helped clear up a lot of questions I had concerning weight distribution. One big mistake I noticed though is the way you put the sway control bar on. It's backwards which is why it is horizontal and not vertical. The "silver" end goes on the hitch and the black end on the trailer. You have a right side sway bar so it is mounted on the correct side. Just backasswards.....
Thank you for this info I never new this
I enjoyed watching this video right like that. I was watching it right down there and sometimes right back there.
LOL
Excellent video for a subject I did not know anything about. Great job sir. 🏆
Informative video, concise and with theory and demonstration. Love it. 2 thumbs up
Good video. Thanks. Please add the VW Touareg/Porsche Cayenne/ Audi Q7 from '03-'10. The manual specifically says do not use a WDH. Some people do, against OEM recommendations.
Thank you so much, you cleared a doubt that I had that not even technicians at rv places and not even in uhaul knew how to respond: The weight range for weight distribution hitchs.
I have a trailer that will have around 560 dry tongue weight, and there is a kit from the husky that is 400 to 600. then 600 to 800. And a similar hitch (a copy may be) at harbour freight that says "up to 1000lbs" I was going to buy the harbour freight one since had great reviews and it costs HALF than husky or curt. I asked arround and all people told me "yeah its ok while you are in less than 1000lbs" But now I understand that must be between a range since those "spring bars" will bend accord and if I use a heavier trailer will go up since they are harder .
Or at least thats what I understood hahaha
THANKS again
Very informative. Thanks for posting.
Great video..Clear, concise and easy to understand..thanks!!!
thanks so much for this video. I will be using this with a toy hauler trailer bumper pull and I am glad I wont have to adjust it everytime but whee do I unhook it if I need to leave my trailer set up and do I have to jack up the truck each time I put it back on? Sorry I'm a newbie
Thank you for a great introduction to the “weighty” subject for this novice.
As background for my question, please consider that I am fussing over the advisability of towing an Airstream Basecamp X, rated at a tongue weight of 450 lbs & a GVWR of 3500 lbs with a 2021 Subaru Outback Premier XT with a tongue weight of 350 lbs & GVWR of 3500 lbs.
Questions:
1) Does a class 3 hitch automatically include the hitch levelling feature or must that be added as an option?
2) If added as an option, can it be added sometime after the installation of the hitch?
3) Should one generally expect a trailer brake option to be available for this type of trailer and if so, and once again, could any vehicle based controls be installed some time after the hitch has been installed?
Thank you again for a very helpful review. Much appreciated indeed!
I enjoyed you explanation, very clear and concise. I do have a question, can a weight distribution hitch be used for even smaller SUV's, with a relatively low tow rating, to assist with everything that is described above even for lighter trailers?
I LUV YOU. THANK YOU THANK YOU for eliminating the confusion.
Finally, i got this. No need to look for another videos. That's it! Thanks for video !!! 👍
Thanks, really helpful video to a newbie and a trailer.
thank you for emphasizing the need for proper weight distribution, at around 12:00 your bars are adjusted too high of a pitch on the trailer end, i would recommend you point out that the pitch of the draw bar hitch ball angle can be adjusted so the equalizers can sit properly, in your case, the angle should be pointed down a bit so the equalizer bars are more straight; on a side note, the emphasis on properly working/ adjusted trailer brakes, break away switch should be at least mentioned.
I guess I need @Engineering Explained. You did a good job explaining what it does but not exactly how it works. Like the science behind it.
Excellent video. Thank you.
Awesome video. Very informative overall!
I replaced my weight distribution hitch that was similar to yours with a Blue Ox. Blue Ox claims that their hitch prevents sway from occurring in the first place. And indeed, that has been my experience when towing my 7,000 pound travel trailer. In addition it doesn't make any noise after the initial pull, and can be left connected when backing up (even in tight turns). The only downside is that it costs a couple of hundred dollars more than the average WD hitch.
A couple other systems offer the sway control capabilities that Blue Ox does - Husky Centerline comes to mind. What really distinguished the Blue Ox system when I was shopping is the ability to change bars to accommodate radically different hitch weights with the same hitch assembly: 350# to 1500#. Since I carry everything from couches to tractors on my auto hauler, that is a *huge* benefit.
Thanks you for the info. Great video.
I enjoyed your presentation. It was helpful. I have a 29’ travel trailer that I feel is subject to sway more than maybe another unit. But because this is my first travel trailer, I’ve owned boats, Motorhomes, and campers. I’ve not dealt with trailer sway as bad as with this trailer. It’s almost 10K loaded, I’m pulling it a 3/4 suburban, and it has the load levelers. But I only have one sway control bar. Should I have two? It’s seems like I’m maxed out with the weight limits of the suburban. It has a big motors 8 L but...the sway gets pretty bad in high winds especially....and it moves as semi trucks pass me on the freeway. Not that bad, but I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel. So I’m thinking should I have a second sway control, and will it even help. Maybe what I have is as good as it’s gonna get. I don’t know.. I need some advice, thank you, Kevin
Thank you! Very informative video!
Fantastic video. Thanks for doing it.
Excellent video as always.
Dude, this was so helpful. Thank you!
I have a 2002 excursion with a 7.3 l diesel motor the whole truck is 3/4 ton except for the leaf springs in the back. I just had Firestone airbags installed, do I still need sway bars?
Wow thanks for this, extremely helpful.
Excellent explanation, im a believer.
Have a question I have a utility trailer that is around 2000 pounds an a Toyota sienna that I use to pull I am wondering if I can use a distribution hitch when I put weight on the back of the sienna it lower the back
Hi.. Would you recommend to use a weight distributer hitch on a 98 jeep cherokee if its got a 3'' lift?
I was hauling firewood one day and the weight of the load in the trailer shifted to the back, and it started fishtailing until I ended up rolling the car and ending up in the creak, By the way the car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. The trailer was a tilt trailer and a little longer behind the axel, so I have to put more weight on the tong, to keep things running straight.
Great video. Question knowing with any truck and trailer, you cannot turn 90° when backing up, or you will jackknife your trailer into your rear truck fender. How do you know when you reached your limit of turning with the weight distribution hitch on? Will your turning capability stop or could you possibly break a chain or other part?
Logic tells you if you’re towing 10000 pounds with a half ton you could probably use a three quarter ton
Towing 10,000 pounds with any half ton is just plain stupid.
@@michalp2362 That's your opinion. Had no problem hauling a fully loaded 28ft toy hauler that weighed just around 10k lbs using a 2003 Silverado 1500 with 10 ply tires, electric brakes, a load-leveling hitch with sway control on a 800 mile round trip to the desert and that was with the small 4.8L LS and a 4L60E transmission.
Lol
Strictly depends on the truck and your setup.
Well fk what the factory says I can tow. Some random people on TH-cam set me straight.
Great explanation. Do air suspension trucks like the new Ram still have the same benefits?
Thanks this cleared up a lot for me!
what if you have to go uphill steep for a second (not on a paved road) while using that hitch?? does it bind up or lift the rear tires off the ground and stop your forward power?