Weight Distribution Hitches

The OP stated that he had a Class V hitch.
From etrailer:
"Maximum gross trailer weight: up to 20,000 lbs. Maximum tongue weight: up to 2,000 lbs."
Receiver opening: 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" (Class V hitches with 2" x 2" openings are also available)

My hitch has a tongue weight rating of 2400lbs. My payload is over 3000lbs. Therefore, sometimes I only use a ball rated for a 14k trailer. My lights are not pointed to the sky.

Therefore, I suggest that a statement "do not understand" is a major generalization.

Sometimes I connect the WDH. I understand all the ratings.

Nope...you are not missing anything...those that do that and those who advocate doing that are...and/or do NOT believe in or do not understand the ratings system(s)...


Most all receivers have a ratings label (IIRC, mandated by DOT in order to have a DOT certification)

There are two ratings...dead weight and a higher rating using a WD Hitch

Do a quick Google search for "receiver label image".....betcha most +30 foot trailers will have a tongue weight over most receivers Dead Weight rating

eHoefler wrote:
Look at your reciever's rating, you greatly decrease your towing capacity with out an equalizing hitch.

Mine says 21000 2100 for both conventional and WD towing.

Might it help some to use it, yes, it is absolutely needed, I guess not.

For the record, I have the WD hitch from the previous tow vehicle (Pictured below) so I intend to use it.

Ron3rd wrote:
Tom; but doesn't GM have 2 hitch rati ngs? With and without WD? Can't you unload the front end with too much tongue weight? Seems that would hold true for any truck.

There is no warning about front axle weight for the 2500 HD and up models. My 2013 had only one hitch rating, 1,100 pounds. Front axle weight fears are a carryover from when we towed with sedans and station wagons. Old habits are hard to break. Think about it. Does any manufacturer make us add front ballast when we choose a gasoline fueled engine over a diesel in the same pickup? Not hardly, and there can be several hundred pounds of difference.

TomG2 wrote:
General Motors says it is fine with their 2500HD and up series of pickups. Hitch ratings are in the thousand pound plus range. Try it, you'll like it.

Tom; but doesn't GM have 2 hitch ratings? With and without WD? Can't you unload the front end with too much tongue weight? Seems that would hold true for any truck.

General Motors says it is fine with their 2500HD and up series of pickups. Hitch ratings are in the thousand pound plus range. Try it, you'll like it.

"Lately I have seen some people who tow 32' to 42+' TT with nothing but the ball straight out of the receiver."

In almost 14 years of towing a travel trailer, I don't think I've ever seen that.

On top of that, it's a very bad idea because the person could be overloading their hitch without the use of a WD hitch because hitches have 2 ratings; one for WD and one without. The rating without is always much lower. Plus you're unloading the front end, but that's another discussion.

I have seen it done however on small trailers, say 18 ft.

Look at your reciever's rating, you greatly decrease your towing capacity with out an equalizing hitch.

To the OP. You may or may not "need" a weight distributing hitch depending on your setup. You "need" one if you think you need one. Otherwise, every twitch of the trailer or bump in the road will be telling you to get one. I think that I need ten percent higher tire pressure than specified and I swear that I can feel the difference. (I can't)