Weight equalizer hitch

[freealfin]

I have read all about these (50+ sites) but I question their ability to transfer weight any different than a hitch bolted to the bumper frame if the ball distance to axle remains unchanged. Both make the frame behave as a single lever regardless to were they are mounted. You could mount a rear hitch with long non flexing arms to the front of the frame and still won't change a thing...a single lever is a single lever. I do see the load carrying and pulling improving simply because bolts are on shear and on a stronger anchor point. Please enlighten me with your thoughts and not by simply repeating what someone else said.
Thanks.

[Hannibal]

The spring bars are a linear extension of the truck's chassis that reach beyond the ball (lever point). The chains act as if you were pinching this extension toward the trailer's chassis to use the lever point to reverse the action of the tongue weight on the lever point. The lever point works both ways. If you pinch hard enough as in tightening the chains with stiff enough bars, you can lift the rear wheels of the truck off the ground.

[burningman]

I think what you're not understanding is that with a weight distributing hitch, the trailer tongue is not just resting on the hitch ball like it is without one.
The spring bars of the WDH swivel left and right to allow turns but they don't freely swivel up and down. There is tension on them. They're trying to force the whole truck/trailer set into an arc as viewed from the side.
When you crest the top of a hill the WDH will not exert much pressure (or any if the angle is steep enough). When you approach a steep upward ramp, the hitch will be resisting the flex that puts on it.

They do transfer weight, mechanically. As others have shown, you can measure it on a scale.

[APT]

There's this that many people seem to understand.

[DustyR]

I met a guy in Ocala, FL that towed a 32' TT from New Jersey without a WDH and said it was a little squirrely above 30 MPH. He felt he had no need for a fancy hitch. :h

[lightfoot]

With all the responses/proof to the OP, we have not seen freealfin for a response. Interesting!

[73guna]

Ticket on the left, W.D. hitch bars unhooked.
Ticket on the right, W.D. hitch bars hooked.
Similar results as RinconVTR.
620lbs off drive axle.
400lbs added to steer axle.
200lbs added to trailer axle.

[BarneyS]

You are forgetting about the rear axle acting as a fulcrum like a teeter-totter. BIG difference!
Barney

[Terryallan]

3oaks wrote:

DutchmenSport wrote:
If you have doubts, try it. See what happens, and give us a report back.

😉

I can only add. IF YOU LIVE thru it. Report back

[RinconVTR]

freealfin wrote:
I have read all about these (50+ sites) but I question their ability to transfer weight any different than a hitch bolted to the bumper frame if the ball distance to axle remains unchanged. Both make the frame behave as a single lever regardless to were they are mounted. You could mount a rear hitch with long non flexing arms to the front of the frame and still won't change a thing...a single lever is a single lever. I do see the load carrying and pulling improving simply because bolts are on shear and on a stronger anchor point. Please enlighten me with your thoughts and not by simply repeating what someone else said.
Thanks.

Pretty bold opinion having never tried a WDH before. And I will boldly tell you that you're entirely wrong.

Here is my exact, fully loaded situation, with a 960lb Tongue Weight on a short wheel base SUV with 1400lb bars.

720lb is transferred OFF the rear axle.

520lbs is transferred to the front axle.

200lbs is transferred to the trailer axles.


These are exact numbers directly off truck scale slip results.


Heavier, longer tow vehicle, and those with lower rated bars will not have the dramatic numbers I do, but I hope you get the point with such a dramatic example.

[Walaby]

You can decide to go with your analysis, or the input and analysis of all the folks from the 50+ sites you've visited. If you are not convinced by now, nothing, other than as Dutchman suggests, will convince you otherwise.

Mike

[3oaks]

DutchmenSport wrote:
If you have doubts, try it. See what happens, and give us a report back.

😉

[DutchmenSport]

If you have doubts, try it. See what happens, and give us a report back.

[downtheroad]

Very simply put:
Think of lifting a wheel barrow....the handles are similar to the spring bars of a WD hitch...they transfer some of the weight to the front wheel

You said you didn't want to hear what others have already said... but this is what others have already said...it explains it and it's the facts...


Weight Carrying

When you're towing a trailer with a standard rear-mounted hitch, your trailer's tongue weight is transferred to the rear axle of your tow vehicle. As a result, the back end of the vehicle may be forced lower and the front end raised. If this happens, your vehicle's rear axle will bear the weight of not only the trailer, but much of your tow vehicle's weight as well. Less weight on the front axle of your vehicle can cause diminished performance in terms of steering, traction and stopping power. It can also increase trailer sway. And your view of the road may be limited due to the awkward angle.

Weight Distributing
Before and after weight distribution

Weight distribution systems use spring bars to help combat the problems that often occur with standard hitch systems. Adding spring bars to your towing setup applies leverage to either side of your system, which transfers the load that is pushing down on the rear of your vehicle to all of the axles on both your tow vehicle and your trailer. This even distribution of weight results in a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow at the maximum capacity of your hitch.