when is weight distribution hitch required

[rmgozia]

How do I decide when I need a weight distribution hitch?

[Cobra21]

Rbertalotto wrote:
I might be able to add something to this conversation. I recently bought a 19' toy hauler. Using my "heavy duty" Dodge 2500 Diesel with air bags and Big Whig rear sway bar, I r
Towed the trailer without a WDH for a year. No issues, no headlights in the trees. But on a whim, and wanting another gadget I bought a Load Equalizer hitch with built in sway control. Huge difference. Much smoother ride. Less bouncing. More control changing lanes. Huge improvement.
The trailer, loaded is only 7000 pounds and tongue weight is only 1000 pounds. Easily handled by the truck. But the WDH makes the trailer and the TV one homogeneous unit.

This is true...whether you need it or not, it changes your ride from an old pickup to a Cadillac.

Brian

[Rbertalotto]

I might be able to add something to this conversation. I recently bought a 19' toy hauler. Using my "heavy duty" Dodge 2500 Diesel with air bags and Big Whig rear sway bar, I r
Towed the trailer without a WDH for a year. No issues, no headlights in the trees. But on a whim, and wanting another gadget I bought a Load Equalizer hitch with built in sway control. Huge difference. Much smoother ride. Less bouncing. More control changing lanes. Huge improvement.
The trailer, loaded is only 7000 pounds and tongue weight is only 1000 pounds. Easily handled by the truck. But the WDH makes the trailer and the TV one homogeneous unit.

[KD4UPL]

Your hitch should list how much weight it can handle both with and without a WDH. You'll need to weight the trailer and see where it falls with the hitch's numbers.
It's that easy!

[Lwiddis]

"How do I decide when I need a weight distribution hitch?"

When you decide to be more safe...for yourself, your family and me....steering, braking...control.

[TomG2]

Boon Docker wrote:
I wonder what vehicle that owner manual belongs to, those recommendations seem a little unrealistic. A 150 lb tongue weight would mean a small pop up or a tear drop trailer would need a weight distribution hitch.

That is why the recommendation to look in "your" owner's manual was given. My Silverado 2500HD says none is "required" for more than double the weight of that for my F-150.

[Boon_Docker]

I wonder what vehicle that owner manual belongs to, those recommendations seem a little unrealistic. A 150 lb tongue weight would mean a small pop up or a tear drop trailer would need a weight distribution hitch.

[DutchmenSport]

When you hitch up a trailer and your headlights are now shining in the trees! Really!!! ... When the rear squats (literally) taking weight off the front tires, which is reducing control of your steering.

[ChooChooMan74]

When your hitch and/or owner's manual say it.