Questions You May Have about Weight Distribution Hitches for Travel Trailers
If you live an RV lifestyle, you would probably know the advantages of towing a travel trailer instead of spending wads of money on a motorhome. But, it is important to understand the relationship between the travel trailer and towing vehicle.
Sway control and weight distribution are important factors that contribute much to a safe towing experience. A weight distribution hitch with sway control for travel trailers is the system that brings these factors together and also acts as an ideal solution for trouble-free and smooth towing.
What are weight distribution hitches, and what do they do? Got more questions in mind? Here are answers to some questions you may have about WDH for travel trailers.
How Does Weight Distribution Hitches Work?
It is a system designed to create a stable and level ride when you are towing a trailer.
It transfers the weight from the tongue to the car’s front axle. So, this allows your vehicle to handle and brake better while towing. To put it in simple words, when you hook a trailer to your tow vehicle, the trailer’s tongue weight (also known as forward weight) will rest on the hitch ball attached to the tow vehicle.
So, at this point, all of the forward weight bears down on the rear axle of the tow vehicle, which will cause it to squat, affecting both the braking and steering of the vehicle. The weight distribution hitch with sway control for travel trailers will use the spring bars to lift the vehicle’s rear and balance the weight onto the front axle.
Before embarking on a cross-country road trip, make sure to check the caravan weighing to ensure that you are within the safe weight limits for a smooth and secure journey.
Does the WDH Increase the Towing Capacity?
Weight distribution does not increase your hitch’s capacity; instead, it allows you to use the hitch at its maximum capacity. Not all hitches are designed for weight distribution systems. So, always check the hitch’s weight rating label for the weight distribution towing capacity.
What Are The Different Types Of Weight Distribution Hitches?
Some of the WDHs make use of vertical metal brackets to connect the arms and the trailer. Others use vertical chains to make the brackets.
There are two different styles of spring arms available: Round bar and Trunnion. The trunnions offer a better ground clearance compared to round bars.
What Is Weight Distribution Hitch Rating?
WDHs come with two different ratings, namely, maximum trailer weight and tongue weight. The trailer’s hitch weight and tongue weight rating should be higher than what your trailer measures.
Why Choose Sway Control Weight Distribution Hitches?
Primarily, WDHs help minimize the trailer sway to a greater extent. The weight distribution hitch with sway control for travel trailers helps bring the trailer under control after it starts to sway. It helps avoid potential trailer sway wrecks and also offers the highest degree of road safety.
Especially if you are hauling heavy enclosed trailers or recreational vehicle trailers, which can get easily flung around by strong crosswinds, you should have a sway control WDH installed. It will help reduce side-to-side drift, which can be extremely dangerous while traveling at freeway speeds.
Before you plan your move to the next city or even country on your RV, make sure your weight distribution system is in check. Always keep it in good shape to avoid any misadventures on the way and to save time and money.
