Batmovan
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Re: 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. Ken572Views0likes0CommentsRe: Weight Distribution (WD) Hitch --- How it Works
Thomas, I did not summarize anything. You must be thinking of Ken's. Family life is slowing down my post times, I don’t feel guilty though. Your structure being set up with a set of definitions to help lay foundation for the summary is a great idea. For the summery we should back up a little and think about just a couple more things. What is the title? The thread is “weight distribution… how does it work” lets try to stay away from “sway” unless we are changing the title. Of course it will have to mentioned but not focused on. What is the focus of the topic? WD science is what I learned here not what causes sway even though sway got things rolling. Definitions of key terms. I.e.: TW, HW, COG, etc….. What ever is mentioned in the summery? Manufacture definitions 1 or 2 the easiest to expand on. Expansion of the manufactures definitions this should be the Meat of the post….. Formulas but not an explanation of the formula should be included. We have to agree with and back up Ron’s formulas. The graphic would be nice if it can be resized and still be clear. Please accept my apologies to those who read this as it turns into “Batmovan’s Thoughts on How to Write a Summery” instead of the Most Wonderful Technical Post I have Read Yet.392Views0likes0CommentsRe: Weight Distribution (WD) Hitch --- How it Works
IMHO: I believe we should not redefine terminology or the WD system. We should try and truncate this post into a couple of paragraphs. Then a seeker of knowledge can understand the WD system better without having to read through 106+ posts. Use a couple of manufactures definitions then expand on them. Then have a link at the end to the post that started it all for expanded reference. This is just a suggestion.341Views0likes0CommentsRe: Weight Distribution (WD) Hitch --- How it Works
I think the manufacturers view is this:.... The manufactures view point is probably not the view point of their engineers. Their statements are more than likely designed to help the layman understand WD system easily. If you are trying to sell hitches you probably want to keep it simple. Additionally if this is going to be tagged at the top of a forum (as suggested) for Newbies to read it should read well and be easy to understand.341Views0likes0CommentsRe: Weight Distribution (WD) Hitch --- How it Works
Thanks for the list of definitions Thomas. But as you indicated, it doesn’t really clear things up does it? If I had to choose one of the given definitions from Ron with my knowledge gained by this thread I would defiantly have to go with #2. 1) The WD system distributes tongue weight over both the front and rear axle (that is the purpose of it), and No indication that changing the TT’s COG would/could put more weight on the TT’s axel or axels. 2) The WD system removes load from the TV's rear axle and distributes it to the TV's front axle and to the TT's axles. Hitch weight is what is truly distributed and taking weight off of the TV’s rear axel is what the desired effect of the design is. Is this the jist of it or do I need to go back and reread the thread? I have been busier than a centipede with athlete’s foot at work and have not read this post with the diligence I would like to have. It took me several days to catch up with you all (if I have).269Views0likes0CommentsRe: Weight Distribution (WD) Hitch --- How it Works
This has been a long and fruitful string. The amount of knowledge I have gained is amazing. But when it comes to definitions I wonder if we should defer not to ourselves but to those who design and create these systems. I suggest we contact a number of manufacturers and see how THIER engineers describe it. Especially if it is going to be locked down in a forum for the world to see. It would be my pleasure to start sending emails and try to direct these companies to assist us in a true definition. Unless of course this is what Ron does with his engineering degree. PS: when Ron comes back I am going to create post asking how dual cam anti-sway works.182Views0likes0Comments
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