Weight Distribution (WD) Hitch --- How it Works

Thanks for the list of definitions Thomas. But as you indicated, it doesn’t really clear things up does it?

No it does not. You can see how the definitions vary. Some say "distribute tongue weight", some say "transfers hitch weight", some say "tongue and hitch weight are the same", some mention distributing some of the load to the TT axle(s) and some do not, and only some mention that the WD system increases the capacity of the receiver or reduces hitch weight.

If I had to choose one of the given definitions from Ron with my knowledge gained by this thread I would defiantly have to go with #2.

1) The WD system distributes tongue weight over both the front and rear axle (that is the purpose of it), and

No indication that changing the TT’s COG would/could put more weight on the TT’s axel or axels.

Can also be interpreted to mean that tongue weight decreases or that tongue weight is removed from the tongue and distributed......

2) The WD system removes load from the TV's rear axle and distributes it to the TV's front axle and to the TT's axles.

Hitch weight is what is truly distributed and taking weight off of the TV’s rear axel is what the desired effect of the design is.

Is this the jist of it or do I need to go back and reread the thread? I have been busier than a centipede with athlete’s foot at work and have not read this post with the diligence I would like to have. It took me several days to catch up with you all (if I have).

Here is the jist of the post in a nutshell: Ron did a wonderful job in describing HOW a weight distribution sytem works. He noted that the load on the receiver was reduced, but went on to say that tongue weight does not get distributed. I thought that it did, but I was proved wrong. I tried to explain that many of the definitions, and the way that senior members speak about WD systems can be confusing. I pointed out that saying that "the WD system distributes tongue weight" can be misinterpreted. Most agree with me on that. From there a definition was proposed and it has evolved a bit as everyone tries to improve on it. The last point I made was that we should all consider the importance of hitch load reduction as part of the definition to read something like this :

A weight distribution system enables a tow vehicle to more effectively handle the tongue weight of a trailer by removing some of the load from the tow vehicle's rear axle and distributing it to the tow vehicle's front axle and the trailer's axle(s). A weight distribution system also increases the capacity of the receiver. Note: When the WD system is engaged the actual tongue weight does not change.

Hope this helps.