Do Weight Distribution Hitches Matter much?

[trailerbroker]

Hello all,

I have a half ton truck with a lightweight trailer (4700lbs dry weight) and have never used a weight distribution hitch though I have one sitting in my garage and will use it if they really make a difference on fuel mileage etc... thoughts?

[rbpru]

If a person asks a question they deserve and answer, simply because others may be reading the post wondering the same thing.

What the person decides to do with the answers they receive is up to them.

We all know that people who are perfectly content with TV and TT combinations that would make others shake their heads. One person’s instability may go totally unnoticed by another.

Personally, I like my half ton to ride level with or without the TT. It will only ride level with the TT, if I use my WD hitch. Better steering, braking and tire wear that come from a level ride are reason enough for me.

[chevor]

I don't use a WDH with my 2500 truck. Haul many different trailers across the country. The rear suspension has been upgrade to handle the trailers. But on my new 3500 DRW I'm finding I need one do too how far the ball is from the rear axle. Way to much bounce on road dips. I don't agree with the thought that they're for lifting the rear end of the TV. I use mine to support the tongue do to sudden weight fluctuations and thats it. Minimal tension so not to wreak anything.

[mileshuff]

KD4UPL wrote:
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 disagree with that analysis. The proper tongue weight is defined by the trailer, not the hitch. Typically 10-15% of the trailers weight should be on the hitch. Once thats achieved you need a hitch that can handle that load.

Just because a hitch can handle a high load doesn't mean thats acceptable for the trailer/truck combination.

[RedRocket204]

GilliedogKiwi wrote:
I suggest you go to the site below and review the information there re weight distribution hitches.
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-weightdistribution.aspx

Not sure if you noticed it...but you responded to a 1 1/2 year old thread with the most recent reply from 1 year ago. 🙂

[GilliedogKiwi]

I suggest you go to the site below and review the information there re weight distribution hitches.
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-weightdistribution.aspx

[BurbMan]

I wondered why every post said "* This post was edited by an administrator/moderator * "

[beemerphile1]

This thread was started by a troll seven months ago. He hasn't posted on the forum for six months.

[mosseater]

Or, the other thing I've seen several times is a person "utilizing" a WD hitch, but it isn't doing anything. I sat two weeks ago at my dinette watching my neighbor hitching up. He had a brand new Chevy 2500 series truck and about a 26' older trailer. He backed in under the ball, dropped it on and latched it, then proceeded to install his spring bars and latch the chains with his bare hand with literally NO effort at all. Never raised the tongue or anything. Now, OK, he probably didn't need a hitch with the truck's capability, given his tongue was likely 600 lbs or so, but why even bother if you're not going to adjust it to do anything. No sway control, either. I just don't get it.

[Nvr2loud]

Also what has not been discussed in all the responses, a WDH also acts a little bit like another shock. It heavily reduces the amount of bounce between the truck and trailer by keeping constant upward pressure at the ball. Is is more easily seen with 1/2 ton trucks and SUV's.

I could not tow without my WDH on a 4300lb (dry) trailer with my SUV. I needed my air lifts inflated on the SUV and the WDH.

On my 2001 Sierra 1500 HD I didn't need the WDH at all, but used it anyway. There was noticeable difference in 'bounce' when I didn't have the bars installed.

On my 2011 Sierra I need to run the WDH or the rear of the truck slouches too much

[rberg]

Yes, they do! For safety, if nothing else. Plus, some models of WDH's have anti-sway capabilities built in, which is good in side winds and passing big rigs. They do not improve gas mileage, but going 65 gets you better gas mileage than going 75! You must follow the truck regs for highway speeds in some states. Also you must have side mirrors that are wider than the trailer. In Colorado a state trooper will pull up behind you and move to the left slightly to see down the side of your trailer. If he doesn't see a mirror, you'll get a ticket. luckily there are Camping World Stores along I-70 and I-25 in Colorado.

[Huntindog]

I have a VERY stout truck. One ton dually crewcab diesel rated to tow around 22,000#. When I was setting up my WD hitch, a test tow just didn't feel right. Not as solid in the front as my last truck felt. A little more tension on the bars and it became perfect.

The point is that even the stoutest of trucks can benefit from a properly set up WD hitch. Maybe most with less towing experience would not have picked up on the feeling like I did. But to me it was real easy, as I know how good it can be.

We have endless debates here on the merits of the various WD hitch systems out there...But I bet just about everyone here will agree.

The most important thing is to use the one of your choice AND get it dialed in.

[2012Coleman]

DE88ROX wrote:
If it walks like a Duck.......

From the number of cargo trailers I have seen being pulled by trucks with their noses in the air, I'd imagine someone in the trailer business would be well informed of WDH's. Talk about loss of a potential income source...

Quack Quack...

[whjco]

A weight distributing hitch won't have any effect on your mileage but it will considerably help with towing stability and suspension performance. I won't tow without one and I have a 3/4 and 1 ton trucks that I use for towing.

[DE88ROX]

If it walks like a Duck.......