Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jul 02, 2019

Weight Distributing Hitch BENT

I started to notice when hitching my trailer that I was not able to get an even number of links on each of the spring bars on my WDH; I might get 6 links on one side, and 8 on the other. Couldn't figure out why. Eventually I realized that the hitch itself is bent (pulled down on the drivers side). I have a picture but I can't figure out how to attach it via my phone. Will try from a computer later.

The hitch came with the trailer when I bought it privately last year. It's very old, but I can't imagine how this would happen. That's what I'm hoping someone here might be able to help me with. I'm happy to go buy a new hitch, but I don't want the same thing to happen again. The hitch is rated for 10,000 lbs with the bars/5,000 without. My Springdale trailer weighs 4,300 lbs dry/6,500 loaded. I'm towing with a 2011 Chevy Tahoe 5.3L with a 1" lift in the front and airbags in the rear. I recently installed a Rease anti-sway bar.

Could inflating the air bags after the hitch/bars are on have caused something like this? A bad install of the sway bar? Too much tongue weight? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

35 Replies

JRscooby
Explorer II
Jul 02, 2019
Jackknife?
carringb
Explorer
Jul 02, 2019
Which part it bent? The hitch head? Or the bars? Or the shank?

Pretty unlikely to bend anything besides the bars from overloading, but interference certainly will do it. Definitely should figure it out before replacing it, so you don't end up with the same scenario.

I had trouble with my old hitch binding in tight turns, which was the primary reason I changed brands.
Boomerweps
Explorer
Jul 02, 2019
Make sure the receiver tube isn't bent first, so you know the problem occurred before you.
Then buy a new WDH or at least replacement parts. To bend a cast steel stinger or trunnion assembly/head would take some serious torque and would likely have damaged the receiver when it was done.
ppine
Explorer III
Jul 02, 2019
A bent hitch is a weak hitch. Replace it.
Get some spring bars this time that are rated for more than 6,500 pounds as in 7,000-8,000 pounds.
My last TT did not come with a WD hitch so I bought a Husky. It was less than $200 and does what it is supposed to.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Jul 02, 2019
Some hitches had a problem with interference with the ball shank if it was too long.

To clarify, the threaded part of the ball I call the shank. It is possible for excessive length to contact other parts causing damage. I sawed off the extra length on mine.