Do I Need a Weight Distribution Hitch for My Trailer?

If the words “weight distribution hitch” have you a little bit confused or if you’re wondering, “do I need a weight distribution hitch for my trailer” then this article is just for you. A weight distribution hitch is an essential piece of equipment when it comes to towing anything behind your vehicle. Towing a trailer, pop-up camper, or anything that is a considerable weight means you should have a weight distribution hitch installed. 

Deciding Whether You Need A Weight Distribution Hitch

When Should I Install a Weight Distribution Hitch?

Whether you are driving a truck that is a midsize, half-ton, or heavy-duty, a weight distribution hitch will be an important part of your towing setup. Most of the midsize and half-ton trucks out there will require a weight distribution hitch when towing something that is 5,000 pounds or more. Heavy duty trucks can vary a bit, ranging from 6,000 pounds to 8,500 pounds. The owner’s manual of your specific vehicle will help you determine the weight requirements. 

Common Uses for a Weight Distribution Hitch

Here are a few things to consider to help you decide if your situation calls for a weight distribution hitch. You should consider the weight of the item you are towing and the trailer that it is on. For example, towing a double-axel trailer with a car on it is likely to be over 5,000 pounds of towing weight. Towing a pull-behind camper will likely require a weight distribution hitch as they are generally over 5,000 pounds. Another way to help you decide is by measuring the front and rear unladen heights of the vehicle and the trailer’s level front and rear heights. Then, measure your tow tug’s wheen arches from the center top of the wheel arch to a fixed point on the wheel. Once you hitch up, take each of those measurements again to see if there is more than 20mm difference. If there is, you will need a weight distribution hitch. 

What to Know When Using a Weight Distribution Hitch

While using a weight distribution hitch can help keep your ride smooth and balanced, that doesn’t mean you can load the trailer and vehicle improperly without consequence. The weight should still be properly distributed, placing the heaviest items over the axel and keeping each side with fairly equal weight. If you are loaded down unevenly, you will likely still experience difficulty driving or reducing trailer sway. 

Choosing a Weight Distribution Hitch

Weight distribution hitches like SwayPro from Blue Ox work with almost any tow vehicle. To know which kind is right for you, determine the hitch ball height installed on your vehicle’s bumper. You will then need to decide which trailer coupler you will use. A standard hitch head and clamp-on latches are included with most SwayPro models. You will also need to determine the total tongue weight of your trailer after it is loaded so that the weight is realistic to what you will be towing. You can use a vehicle scale or a TW scale to figure this out.

Get a Superior Weight Distribution Hitch from Blue Ox

Blue Ox offers two different weight distribution hitch options; SwayPro and TrackPro. Both of these prevent trailer sway before it starts and doesn’t require you to unhook before backing up. They each offer an easy to use design that makes hookup and disconnecting a breeze. Visit our website to learn more or to order yours today.