Buyer’s Guide: Finding a Weight Distribution Hitch
A weight distribution hitch is a key product needed to prevent swaying and loss of control in trailers being towed. If you have ever towed a trailer you know how scary it can be if your trailer sways uncontrollably and you feel a sense of loss of control. A weight distribution hitch is simple product that makes all the difference in the world when towing a trailer.
There are a few things you must factor in when purchasing and using a weight distribution hitch. You must familiarize yourself with the two terms GTW and tongue weight. GTW stands for gross trailer weight. Gross trailer weight is the weight of the trailer including fuel and cargo. Tongue weight is a portion of the load, 10-15% that is far enough forward in the trailer that the weight presses on the hitch. The tongue weight also includes any weight that is behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. These are two highly important things to factor in when purchasing, assembling and using a weight distribution hitch.
Having too much tongue weight in relation to gross trailer weight can cause the hitch a rear axel to dive. To dive means the front of the trailer will head toward the ground which can cause loss in braking traction and steering control. Too little tongue weight can cause a trailer to sway and swing back and forth. A weight distribution hitch can prevent these common, reoccurring problems.
There are many brands of a weight distribution hitch. The two most common and popular brands of a weight distribution hitch are the Round Bar and the Trunnion Bar Weight. The Round Bar weight distribution hitch has an integrated cam for easy setup with the optional Dual Cam High Performance Sway Control. This feature is easy to use and has adjusting blocks for easier and faster ball mount angel adjustments. The Trunnion Bar weight distribution hitch has a greater load capacity than the round bar. The integral dual platform supports left hand and has dual sway control applications. It also has an elevated hitch ball platform and lift brackets that are designed to increase frame clearance.
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