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

Remember the K.I.S.S. method? These are newbies who just want some basic facts for the purpose of deciding on, hooking up and using a WD hitch. Maybe the generic tongue weight term is fine. However if we think tonge weight is core to the idea I suggest we define Tongue, Ball and Hitch weight. We could then expand each question using those terms. The question and answer idea is a good one Ron; it is simple and to the point. Like this thread? ;)

NM: Do I need a WD hitch?
SM: If your trailer’s ball/tounge weight is causing the back end of the vehicle to sag, a weight distributing hitch can be used to return the vehicle to its normal height. Consult your owner’s manual to determine if your vehicle is suited for a WD hitch.

NM: Why do I need a WD hitch?
SM: , When you hook your TT to your TV, the TT’s ball/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

this may also cause your trailer’s COG to be effected

.

NM: Why is that bad?
SM: 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

of both TV and TT.

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

redistributes

the amount of load carried on each of the TV

and

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

thus helping in leveling the TV and TT

.

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, the tongue weight remains the same. The WD hitch simply changes the way the total weight of

the

TV and TT is carried by the TV and TT axles.

This is still my favorite.

Ron and I hitch up his trailer. The rear of the truck sits way low, the front is way high, and the front wheels don't steer or brake worth a darn 'cuz of this.

We stick a long pry bar into the back end of his truck frame and pull up hard. The rear rises and the front drops. I have Ron trot along holding that bar up as I drive...the truck drives really well now, but Ron is getting tired. He chains the bar to the trailer tongue so he can take a breather. This works OK on the straights, but is a big problem on curves. We figure out a pivot system for the point the bar attaches to the truck. It turns well, but is really bumpy. Ron's Mrs. says to use spring steel bars. Duh!...Why didn't we think of that? Ron and I, and his Mrs., just invented the weight distributing hitch.


Ken