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

Welcome back Ron. We missed you ;) I think that my summary actually answers all of the questions your new member is asking. However I will answer each of the questions separately. I would be a little more long winded when actually talking to an individual though.

NM: Why do I need a WD hitch?
SM:

Because, when your trailer tongue is connected to your tow vehicle, the rear axle will bear much of the tongue weight. This increased load on your TV's rear axle causes a decreased load on your TV's front axle. If the load changes are great enough to significantly throw off the axle load ratios as designed by the manufacturer, you would need a WD hitch.

Because, when you hook your TT to your TV, the TT’s tongue weight on the hitch causes an increased load on the TV’s rear axle and a decreased load on the TV’s front axle.


NM: Why is that bad?
SM:

There are three reasons why this can be bad. First, the decreased load on the front axle can cause a loss of steering control and braking difficulties. Secondly, The increased load on your rear axle may be enough to exceed that axle's weight rating. Thirdly, the increased load on your receiver may be enough to exceed the weight rating of the receiver.

The increased rear axle load might exceed that axle’s load rating. Perhaps more importantly, the decreased front axle load might cause diminished steering response and braking action.


NM: How does the WD hitch change that?
SM:

Think of a WD hitch as re-leveling the tow vehicle and trailer.
A weight distribution hitch distributes some of the weight or load from the rear axle of a tow vehicle to the front axle and to the trailer's axle(s). It does this by the force of the tensioners or spring bars applying leverage.
This will reestablish the tow vehicles original axle load ratio as designed by the manufacturer as to provide normal steering and braking control. A WD system also reduces the load on the receiver and by doing so increases the capacity of the receiver.

The WD hitch changes the amount of load carried on each of the TV/TT axles. The TV’s rear axle load is decreased and the TV’s front axle load and the TT’s axle(s) load are increased.


NM: I’ve heard you need a certain amount of tongue weight for sway stability. Does the WD hitch change the tongue weight?
SM:

No, a WD hitch does not change the tongue weight. You should strive to achieve between 12% and 15% tongue weight primarily by proper loading.

No, the tongue weight remains the same. The WD hitch simply changes the way the total weight of TV and TT is carried by the TV and TT axles.