To distribution hitch or not?

[WTW]

I have had two TT in the past. A Jayco 27 ft bunk house with a weight distribution hitch and a 25 ft hybrid cub, no distribution hitch. I loved how both these TT towed! What makes a TT in need of a distribution hitch or not? The Jayco did squat my tow vehicle and the hybrid did not squat my vehicle, does that make the need? Thanks

[richardcoxid]

Just as the above posters have stated there are many factors involved however, a old time RV repairebman told me once as a rule of thumb-

Using easy numbers to keep it easy. If you have a loaded tongue wt. of 600#, a properly set up WDH will transfer about 200# to the TV front axle, 200# to the TV rear axle and transfer about 200# to the TT axles. IE about 1/3rd of the loaded tongue to each of the axles.

[owenssailor]

As per the above - I want the front end of the truck back down so the steering geometry is correct. That is the major item to look for in setting up a WD hitch. It doesn't matter if the rear is sagging down a bit.

Also - the anti sway properties seem to remove the push effect from transports passing/

[BarneyS]

A lot of things determine whether a given trailer will need WD or not. If the tongue weight is above 10% of the GVW of the trailer, and the receiver of the tow vehicle is capable of carrying that weight, and the front suspension of the tow vehicle is not affected enough to affect the handling of the rig, and the ride and handling are satisfying to the owner, then I would say WD is not needed.

However, if any of the above stipulations is not met, then I would say WD is needed. Most travel trailers of any length will require it because their tongue weight will exceed the weight carrying rating of the tow vehicles receiver. Many modern trucks have receivers capable of carrying much higher tongue weighs than used to be the case. That fact does not keep the front axle of the truck from being unloaded however and possibly affecting the handling. The squat of the truck does not determine whether WD is needed or not. It may be a good indicator though. The WD hitch can help with that condition as can air bags. Air bags are not a substitute for the use of a WD however.

In addition, most owners use them because of the sway control most modern hitches incorporate into their design. Most owners have found that the ride and handling of their rigs have improved because of the use of the WD hitch.

As Ben mentioned above, there are many different variables that affect whether a WD hitch is needed or not. It is up to the individual owner if they want to use one or not. There is no law that determines this - at least that I know of.

Hope this helps a bit. 🙂
Barney

[Lwiddis]

I want some weight delivered back to my TV’s front axle for better braking.

[BenK]

Not any one thing...it is system made up of many components

Tongue weight and orientation of the trailer (levelness) are on top of my list. On this, where the center of axles vs coupler ball is also very important on this area

Of course the TV's specifications for the whole and components. Mainly sizing vs it's specifications

Then the WD system

There is no one size fits all situations and so much depends...