Why do I need WD?

DutchmenSport wrote:
Without WD, the weight of the towed trailer will rest entirely on the rear axle of the tow vehicle, causing the front axle to go light, which could cause loss of steering, especially during non-perfect road conditions (rain, ice). In other words, without WD, you do not have the weight of the trailer on the hitch evenly distributed to all 4 wheels of the tow vehicle. The weight is resting only on the rear.


Regardless of your vehicle size and no matter what size of trailer you have, I am a firm believer in doing everything possible to ensure a safe tow. I have too much money invested in my camper and my truck to let something so simple cause me to ever loose control while on the road.

Ok, so your point is that the weight needs to be distributed evenly, right? In that case, a WD hitch could make it more dangerous. The trailer puts about 900-1200 lbs on the hitch (depending on how it's loaded).

We all know the front of a dry truck is heavier, and even worse with a diesel. My engine alone weighs 920 lbs, plus the tranny and other items.... With a Full ranch hand and other accessories on the front, the dry weight on the front axle should be around 4000-4500, while weighing in at around 2000-2500 lbs on the rear.

Add the trailer, and I'm now running about 4500 front axle and 3700 rear axle (estimated at the high end). Why would I want to transfer more weight to the front? Sounds to me like I still need to add some weight to the rear.

Having a better balance between front and rear does add to safety. Having too little weight is just as dangerous as having too much in the rear, which is exactly why I have run around for years with sandbags in the bed of my truck when empty.

So based on the 50/50 Weight distribution goal, I'm safer without a WD hitch? I have never really broken it down and thought of it that way.

P.S. - My hitch is rated to 12,000lbs and I have a payload capacity of 3970lbs.