Have you ever been towing a trailer and it started swaying? Those moments can be scary, and they are an indicator that the load hasn’t been optimized properly. If you are looking to avoid worrying about the trailer’s stability and ensure peace of mind while towing, you need the best weight distribution hitch on the market.
These systems can help to even the load, minimize swaying risks, and maintain optimal control of the towing vehicle. It is not easy to find a hitch that meets your needs, but we hope that this article can help.
We will start with weight distribution hitch reviews whose goal is to single out the top-rated products currently available. Our team reviewed their advantages and drawbacks and provided all relevant information about the units. Make sure to check out our buying guide, which will reveal more about the features to consider during the selection process.
Table of Contents
Best Weight Distribution Hitch Reviews
1. EAZ LIFT 48069 1200 lbs Elite Kit
EAZ Lift Elite Kit is an optimal combination of an affordable price and excellent performance. The product is available in four different capacities – you can pick between 600 to 1,200 pounds of tongue weight. The gross weight rating will depend on the size, and it goes up to 12,000 pounds. It is quite impressive and more than enough for most users.
The instructions are not the clearest, but fortunately, there are YouTube videos that explain everything in detail. Thanks to them, it shouldn’t be a problem to install this weight distribution hitch. The manufacturer tried to help with some parts already attached to spring pars out of the box, such as the U-bolts and chain pack.
The product features sway control and a hitch ball, which are both pre-installed. Overall, the product seems incredibly durable and capable of serving well for long.
2. CURT 17063 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch
The manufacturer included everything that you might need from a weight-distribution hitch. You receive a two-inch shank that is compatible with most hitch receivers out there. Sway control and 2 5/16-inch ball are included in the package, and the ball is pre-torqued.
CURT used spring bars made of forged steel and a fabricated head that puts the total gross weight rating at 10,000 – 14,000 pounds. When it comes to tongue weight, the manufacturer mentions it is from 1,000 to 1,400 pounds. Thanks to the built-in lubrication system, the towing will be quiet and smooth.
You will need to put some effort into the installation. For example, drilling is necessary to attach the anti-sway ball to the trailer. Although the setting up process could take a bit longer than expected, it will be worth it because you will get a durable and long-lasting product.
3. Husky 32218 Center Line TS with Spring Bars
Husky decided to unite sway control and weight distribution in a single product, and they succeeded. Why would you search for additional accessories when one unit can cover you?
The manufacturer used top-quality steel parts. The steel is forged and hardened to ensure impressive durability. The product might start squealing after a while, especially when making sharper turns, but some lubrication might resolve that.
The tongue weight capacity of the product is up to 1,200 pounds, while the gross weight rating is up to ten times as much. You will get a factory-made hitch ball that you don’t have to install because it is already mounted to the construction.
You can use the handle to attach and remove the spring bars. The entire product is easy to install, and the instructions are clear. Thanks to that, you will have an optimal towing experience with this product.
4. Andersen Hitches 3350 | No Sway Weight Distribution Hitch
Do you need a reliable weight distribution hitch with an admirable capacity? If that is the case, you cannot go wrong with the units made by Andersen. This particular product has a gross control weight rating set at 14,000-16,000 pounds. That is impressive and more than the most units available on the market.
The hitch also has a 1,400-pound tongue weight rating. The manufacturer used high-quality parts, which is why it supports the product with a lifetime warranty. The product offers a self-adjusting sway control that sets new standards in the industry.
You will find a motion-dampening system whose task is to prevent any bounces and secure optimal stability. It sounds amazing, but despite this amazing performance, the unit weighs less than 60 pounds. You will receive a 2 5/16-ball with the product, and the installation of the entire system will be simple because there is no need to use pry bars.
5. Fastway e2 2-Point Sway Control Round Bar Hitch
Unlike the previous item, this one is perfect for those who are looking for compact-sized weight distribution hitches. You can pick units up to 10,000 pounds of weight capacity, but if you don’t need that much, how about going with a 6,000-pound option?
The unit features an integrated sway control, and it doesn’t come with limitations in turning or backing. The manufacturer is willing to provide a 10-year warranty for the product. The installation, hookup, and removal processes are simple and don’t take a lot of time.
Once you cross about 500-1,000 miles, you might start hearing small sounds when turning. This is a small issue, and it doesn’t affect the fact that this product offers plenty of bang for the buck. Please note that you won’t get the ball with the product, and you have to buy it separately if needed.
6. Camco Chem 48752 Wd Hitch Kit Recurve R3 1000 Lb
The design with the dominating black color is the first thing you notice about this hitch kit. Camco made sure that its product looks great, but also performs well. They used high-quality materials and made a hitch that has a 1,000-pound tongue weight rating. According to the information available, the gross weight rating goes up to 12,000 pounds, which is quite impressive.
The sway control is included, and it is adjustable. You can use a clamp to adjust sway control to your preference, and the product will ensure to deliver adequate weight distribution. The product comes with a 2 5/16-ball included so that you don’t have to buy it separately.
The price tag might be a bit higher than expected for a unit like this. However, the important thing is that it can last for a long time while delivering consistent performance.
The Most Important Things To Know Before Buying A Weight Distribution Hitch
What is a Weight Distribution Hitch?
A weight distribution hitch is a product whose idea is to promote overall stability and safety while you are towing a trailer. The idea of this system is to help with the distribution of the load so that the trailer doesn’t put too much burden on the vehicle.
If your vehicle is under too much stress from the trailer, it might be impossible to maneuver it. The trailer might also start swaying, which is also dangerous while on the move. That is why weight distribution systems aim to help to resolve this problem. Thanks to these products, you can rest assured that everything is well-balanced when towing a trailer.
Would you like to find more useful accessories for your vehicle? Check out our license frame plate reviews to stand out from others with a durable, customized, and high-quality license plate.
When Do You Need a Weight Distribution Hitch?
A weight distribution hitch might sound like a redundant addition to your vehicle. However, if you take a look at the manual for your vehicle, you will find useful information regarding towing. That data will include when you need a weight distribution system.
Let’s say that the instructions specify that your vehicle requires a system to distribute the weight when towing a vehicle that weighs over 4,000 pounds. If you don’t use a WD hitch, you compromise your safety and the safety of everyone else in traffic. Additionally, the insurance won’t cover you because you didn’t oblige the instructions.
Here are some guidelines to recognize when you will need a WD hitch for your vehicle:
- Calculate the weight of your vehicle and compare it to the gross trailer weight. The trailer can only way up to 50% of the vehicle’s total weight.
- While you are towing a trailer, you notice that it is swaying.
- Controlling your vehicle is difficult while towing. It might be more challenging to turn, or you can’t achieve optimal speed.
- You notice the vehicle’s rear section drops down when you attach the trailer
Do you need a hitch cargo carrier for your vehicle? If that is the case, we listed useful information that can help in choosing a hitch cargo carrier.
What Are the Components of a Weight Distribution System?
If you are wondering how a weight distribution system operates, it relies on the performance of five main components.
Trailer Hitch Receiver
You need to connect this receiver to your vehicle’s frame at its rear part. The other side of the hitch receiver serves to attach the weight distribution shank.
WD Shank
As we mentioned above, you connect the shank with the receiver at the designated spot. You can find shanks in various different sizes, and many of them are adjustable. It is important to ensure that the vehicle and the trailer are at the same level once the shank is connected.
It is worth noting that shank is a component that doesn’t have to come with a weight-distribution hitch. If it isn’t provided, that would be an additional expense to add to the budget. However, it is also the way to ensure that you find a shank that fits your trailer and vehicle perfectly.WD Head Assembly
You connect the head assembly to the shank. The critical thing to pinpoint is that the head assembly can vary depending on the unit. These items share one thing in common – they have a point where you need to attach the hitch ball. Depending on the unit, you might also find a place to attach a spring bar.
The head assembly is the place where sway control components are mounted. These have the task of maximizing stability and minimizing the risk of the trailer swaying while moving.Spring Bars
The task of these parts is to apply leverage to the entire system. Their purpose is to distribute the weight that is put on the vehicle’s rear part to all the axles on the trailer and the vehicle. you will find these components in three different shapes:
- Round
You can slide them into the head assembly, and the clips will hold them in position. You can set the ball mount angle easily, and these round bars are usually more affordable than other units. - Square
The idea of this design is to minimize the swaying. Apart from the square, you might find other unique spring bars since the shape depends on the manufacturer. - Trunnion
You mount these into the back or side of the head assembly by sliding. They are quite durable and secure additional ground clearance, but their price tag might be a bit high.
- Round
Frame Brackets
The point of frame brackets is to keep the spring bars in position. You will often find a mix of a chain and bracket components to hold the bars.
The more you know about the components, the easier the installation process will be. You can check out the truck tool box buying guide to acquire a set of tools that could help you while setting up the weight distribution hitch.
Weight Distribution Hitch Buying Guide
- 4 Main Considerations When Buying a Weight Distribution Hitch
- A List of the Most Important Weight Distribution Hitch Features & Specifications
Are you ready to find a suitable weight distribution hitch? Start by figuring out the specifics that you need, and don’t worry because our buying guide will help with that.
We will begin with the crucial features, but we also plan to answer the most common questions and dilemmas people have about weight distribution hitches.
4 Main Considerations When Buying a Weight Distribution Hitch
Are you wondering how to choose a suitable weight distribution hitch? As the name suggests, everything revolves around weight in these products. However, there are other factors that could make your choice easier. Here is the list of all the things to keep in mind during the selection process.
Calculate the Gross Weight Trailer Rating
The first thing you want to consider is the gross weight of your trailer. What does this gross trailer mean? It is the total weight of your trailer once it is entirely loaded and packed for the trip.
Now, it might be hard to determine the GTW capacity. You can take the basic weight of your trailer as specified by the manufacturer and add the weight of every item inserted. It is much easier to head to a place that has commercial trailer scales and measure the gross weight there.
The next thing to do is to compare that to the gross weight trailer rating of the chosen distribution hitch. Some manufacturers also specify this as a towing capacity of the hitch.
The GTW rating will be somewhere between 6,000 and 16,000 pounds. In most cases, the manufacturers will specify the maximum, and you might also encounter the recommended minimum. Make sure that you meet the minimum if specified. Additionally, don’t get too close to the max. Instead, stay within 90-95% to be on the safe side.
Learn About Tongue Weight
You will also encounter another measurement in product descriptions, and that is tongue weight. The tongue weight is the one that a trailer exerts on the ball of the tow’s vehicle hitch. If you are talking about smaller weights, you can use a simple scale to measure it. Add the scale at the height of the hitch ball and place the trailer’s tongue on it to read the weight. For heavier trailers, we recommend using a professional scale for measuring tongue weight.
Have you ever wondered how much the tongue weight should be? The experts specify it should always be at approximately 10% of the gross trailer weight. The manufacturers will specify the acceptable tongue weight for their distribution hitches.
If you go over the listed tongue weight limit, you risk the hitch to break. Additionally, you might have a hard time controlling the vehicle.However, don’t keep the tongue weight too much below the specified rating either. You could risk the trailer becoming unstable, especially when you are turning.
The tongue weight of distribution hitches can be anywhere between 600 and 1,600 pounds, so make sure to choose based on your needs.Does It Have Sway Control?
Sway control is an additional, but often included feature of weight distribution hitches. Its task is to contribute to the stability of the trailer
While we are talking about safety, how about protecting your wheels against theft with the best wheel locks? These can provide an additional protection mechanism against theft, which can be crucial when on the road.Are any Components Pre-Installed?
Confirming that at least some parts, such as the hitch ball, are pre-installed can simplify the installation process. That can be extremely helpful if you are a newbie since it means you don’t have to mount all the components yourself.
Make sure to check out the installation instructions. They should be clear and straightforward. A typical installation process of a weight-distribution hitch should last for more than half an hour.
A List of the Most Important Weight Distribution Hitch Features & Specifications
You opened a product description for the desired weight distribution hitch. Maybe you even encountered a review for your preferred product, but you found many specifications that seem a bit unclear.
Allow us to help by providing the details about the most important weight distribution hitch features. Here is an overview of critical specifications to take into account:
- Tongue weight
Once the trailer is fully loaded, it will exert the weight on the tow vehicle’s hitch ball. The weight exerted downwards is marked as tongue weight, and it can be anywhere from 600 to 1,500 pounds. - Gross weight rating
Some also call this measurement the towing capacity. It marks the weight that the vehicle can tow with a particular hitch. It usually goes from 6,000 to 16,000 pounds. - Sway control
Units that feature sway control enjoy additional stability, especially during unpredicted movements. - Hitch ball
It is another necessary component for optimal weight capacity and distribution of the trailer’s weight. The ball’s usual size is 2 5/16,” and many units have it included. In case there isn’t a ball in the box, you need to buy it separately. - Price
The cost of the weight distribution hitch is also a critical specification. The price can vary significantly, and these can be costly investments. The crucial thing is to ensure you get excellent value for the money with your unit.
FAQs & Answers
- Q: Are weight distribution hitches hard to install?
A: It depends on the product. Some units come with parts that are pre-installed, which simplifies the process for the user. Make sure to learn more about the installation process when choosing a suitable product. - Q: Can you adjust the tongue weight of the trailer?
A: Yes, you can adjust it by removing items or adding them to the trailer. Alternatively, you can even redistribute the load to adjust the tongue weight. - Q: What is the right size for the weight distribution hitch?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all formula, and the only right approach is to consider your requirements. If you have a smaller trailer or you don’t plan on putting too many heavy items inside, stick to smaller sizes. However, if you need the maximum possible capacity and tongue weight, don’t hesitate to pick the units with the most impressive capacity.
Wrap Up
It is of crucial importance to pick a hitch that meets your requirements. That is the only surefire way to balance the load optimally and ensure everything goes smoothly while towing a trailer.
The best advice we can give you is to give enough time to read our weight distribution hitch reviews and buying guide and determine a suitable unit carefully. We hope that our advisor section provided enough useful information to learn what do you need from a hitch and how to determine adequate weight ratings for your trailer.
If you ask us, it is critical to be certain the hitch can do the job, and you won’t experience any difficulties in maneuvering the vehicle or losing control of the trailer. Always remember that the best weight distribution hitch is the one that fits your trailer perfectly. Make sure to pick a high-quality units for your car to ensure it serves you well for long.
