Do Weight Distribution Hitches Matter much?

trailerbroker wrote:
Awesome, great info and thanks. I'll give it a try. I pulled my trucks info and found I have a class IV receiver which I think gives me a max tongue weight of 1,000 but the WD hitch is worth a try so I'll let ya know how it does. We're taking off tomorrow and climbing over the Rockies (Loveland Pass) so it should be fun as long as we don't hit any of Colorado's Mountain blizzards =)

Thanks again for the info, I really appreciate it.

That 1000lbs is only using a distribution hitch. It will be around 500 with out it like stated before. Tongue weight is usually 10-15% of your total loaded weight. I bet you are over 500lb tongue weight by quite a bit.

Yes you need the WD hitch. No it will not help MPG. But there are things much more important than MPG. The ability to control the trailer under adverse conditions can be life and death situations. The WD will help in rouge winds, large trucks passing when you do not expect it, idiots that will pass you then decide to exit the freeway and force a panic stop. The WD will help you stop in a much shorter and controlled manner. When you brake heavy your trailer transfers a lot of weight to the truck rear end. This takes weight off of the front tires of the truck where you have much of your braking effort and steering control.
also recommend you get the best brake controller you can and would consider a P2 the minimum. Do not go cheap on brakes, brake controls or tires.

The WD should give you some sway control.

Awesome, great info and thanks. I'll give it a try. I pulled my trucks info and found I have a class IV receiver which I think gives me a max tongue weight of 1,000 but the WD hitch is worth a try so I'll let ya know how it does. We're taking off tomorrow and climbing over the Rockies (Loveland Pass) so it should be fun as long as we don't hit any of Colorado's Mountain blizzards =)

Thanks again for the info, I really appreciate it.

Lots of reasons to use one, that are convenience or comfort in nature. the ONE reason that matters for using a WD system is so you don't exceed your trucks receiver rating. MOST half ton trucks have a tongue weight limit of 500 lb. unless a WD is used and WITH one in use the rating goes up to 1,000 lb. and more.
Avoiding overloading an important component is a VERY good reason.

WDH won't help fuel mileage. If your tongue weight is within the spec for you're hitch's tongue weight WITHOUT WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION then there really is no need for the WDH.
I will guess that your hitch is rated for 500 pounds of tongue weight without distribution. A trailer as light as yours may be under that but I doubt it. If it is under then weight distribution is not needed.
Using it may improve handling and ride. Since you have it I would try it and see if you see an improvement.

Thanks for the fast response. I was doing some research and this article (http://voices.yahoo.com/gas-savings-tips-towing-travel-trailer-7934006.html) gave me the idea about using the hitch as we're likely to travel around 3500 miles this month so anything to save a little gas money will help. :)

And this is the hitch: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/Camco-Elite-Weight-Distributing-Hitch-Kit-1000-lbs-Capacity/52097/&?&affiliateid=3274&cvsfa=2734&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=3532303937&gclid=CMv59PnvpbYCFZFaMgodQHgAdA

The weight distribution hitch is not designed to improve fuel mileage. It is designed to transfer weight to the front axle and better stability control in heavy wind and traffic - large vehicles passing you.

What make is the hitch - does it have cam locks?

Angela