A weight-distribution hitch attaches to the rear of the tow vehicle near the bumper and if you are planning on towing heavy loads and trailers, you’ll need one of these to ensure a safe, stable, and easy experience.
As the name suggests, a weight-distribution hitch evenly distributes the weight of the load over the length of the tow vehicle and the trailer resulting in a level ride, better stability, improved braking, and less strain. A weight-distribution hitch also allows the vehicle towing to pull at its maximum power by increasing the towing capacity.
Weight distribution and sway control trailer hitch and ball for RVs and trailer towing by Tony Webster / Fastway e2 Weight Distribution and Sway Control Trailer Tow Hitch / CC BY 2.0
How Does a Weight Distribution Hitch Work?
A weight distribution hitch is a piece of equipment that attaches to the rear of the tow vehicle near the bumper. The hitch has a ball mount to which the trailer is attached and connecting spring bars evenly distribute the weight between the trailer and tow vehicle.
The spring bars are found on either side of the weight distribution hitch and play an important role in ensuring a safe and smooth ride by balancing the trailer with the tow vehicle. These spring bars also prevent the trailer from over-swaying in bad weather or high winds.
The hitch has a ball mount to which the trailer is attached.
What are the Different Types of Weight Distribution Hitches?
There are three types of weight distribution hitch: Andersen, round bar, and trunnion bar weight distribution hitches. Round bar weight distribution hitches work very well with top-mounted couplers but have lower clearances, while trunnion weight distribution hitches can handle higher weights and work best when the coupler is on the bottom.
Round Bar Hitches
A round bar weight distribution hitch has a round-bar design that uses round-shaped sway bars that attach to the trailer ball mount and assembly.
Trunnion Bar Hitches
A trunnion bar kit has sway bars that are straight, square in shape, and don’t require a clip to be fastened to the receiver. These types of weight distribution hitches provide more ground clearance than round bar type kits but are more difficult to adjust the height of the head on than a round bar kit.
Andersen Hitches
The Andersen style hitch uses dampers and chains to help reduce and mitigate trailer sway and bouncing instead of sway bars. The chains and dampers are tightened with nuts, and the design of this type of weight distribution hitch helps to reduce trailer bounce in addition to sway.
There are three types of weight distribution hitch: Andersen, round bar, and trunnion bar weight distribution hitches.
Best Weight Distribution Hitch
We tested a variety of weight distribution hitches and evaluated them based on quality, cost, sway prevention capabilities, and additional features such as integrated systems and single-forged units. These are the top units that represent the best weight distribution hitches for your specific needs.
Best Weight Distribution Hitch for Value: EAZ LIFT Elite Kit
If you are looking for an affordable weight distribution hitch that does the job, the EAZ Lift Elite Kit is a good option. This high-quality hitch is available in four tongue weight capacities and high-power sway protection technology with an easy on/off sway protection switch that allows for a seamless transition between city and highway driving.
The weight distribution hitch’s spring bars have a pre-installed chain and U-bolt packages, making installation of the hitch easy. It has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 600 pounds and a maximum gross weight rating of 10,000 pounds.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Available in four different weight capacities
- Easy to use
- High-power sway protection technology
Cons
- Product accessories do not have a very long lifespan
- The length of the shank might be too short for some vehicle-trailer combinations
- Extra tools needed for installation such as large sockets and/or wrenches
Best Weight Distribution Hitch for Heavy Loads: CURT 17063 Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch
The CURT 17063 Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch is your best bet for pulling heavy loads. One of the strongest weight distribution hitches on the market, this unit boasts a 1,000 to 1,400 tongue weight and is rated to tow 10,000 to 14,000 pounds gross trailer weight.
This powerful hitch is made of alloy steel and coated in a black carbide powder coating, making it highly resistant to corrosion, flaking, and scratching and extremely strong. It has an integrated lubrication system with grease zerk fittings that allow for consistent lubrication during the entire journey and a smooth and silent trip. The shank is designed to fit any two-inch trailer hitch receiver and is adjustable by another two inches for maximum versatility.
Pros
- Best for heavy-duty loads and towing
- Forged steel spring bars and solid steel head for reliable strength
- Easy to operate with level towing of the vehicle and trailer
- Adjustable shank
- Extra longevity
- Integrated lubrication system for a smooth and silent ride
- Corrosion-resistant powder coat finish
Cons
- Heavy
- Additional tools required for installation
- Instructions unclear
Best Weight Distribution Hitch for Sway Control: Husky 32218 Center Line TS with Spring Bars
The Husky 32218 Center Line TS with Spring Bars is the best weight distribution hitches for sway control on the market. Combining weight distribution and sway protection in one powerful unit, the Husky 32218 Center Line TS with Spring Bars can haul a gross weight of up to 12,000 pounds while still maintaining a quiet and smooth ride.
The hitch has pre-installed hitch balls that are tightened to the correct specifications, however, the two bolts on the hitch need to be torqued manually. Trunnion-style spring bars offer more ground clearance and outstanding performance.
Pros
- Factory-installed hitch balls
- Universal EZ Adjust frame brackets for easy installation and adjustment
- Lightweight
- Good sway control
- Smooth and silent
Cons
- Expensive
- Better for highway driving
- Bolts on the hitch require tightening
Best Weight Distribution Hitch for Versatility: Husky 31423 Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch
The Husky Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch is a very versatile and easy-to-install weight distribution hitch. Boasting an upgraded classic design to allow for convenient access to the hitch ball shank, the unit features springs bars with varying capacities that can be fitted to either the left or the right side of the hitch head, allowing it to be used with multiple trailers.
The Husky Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch has a gross trailer weight rating of 12,000 pounds, however, if you are planning to tow a heavy load and extra support is needed, a sway control bar also can be installed on the platform. It is constructed from steel for maximum strength and coated with a black polyester finish that is rust and corrosion-resistant.
The hitch has a tongue weight range between 80o and 1,200 pounds and a gross trailer weight of 12,000 pounds.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Super-versatile
- Attachment for a sway control bar for extra support
- Rust and corrosion-resistant black polyester finish
- Hitch head can be used with a range of trailers
Cons
- Hitch balls not included
- Does not come with a sway control bar
Best Combination Weight Distribution Hitch: Andersen 3380 Weight Distribution Hitch Kit
The simplest, quietest, and most advanced small weight distribution hitch on the road today, the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch Kit is a combination weight distribution and sway control hitch that is easy to install and lightweight, so does not cut into the vehicle’s payload.
It boasts a classic design that does not require it to be removed while backing up. It weighs 60 pounds and has a gross trailer weight rating of up to 14,000 pounds and offers a smooth, silent, and motion-free ride.
The Andersen Hitches ‘No Sway’ Weight Distribution Hitch 3380 has a self-adjusting sway control system and installation is quick and easy. The weight distribution hitch has a Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- Designed to tow heavy loads
- Unparalleled sway control
- Smooth and quiet ride
- No problems with backing up
- Lightweight and versatile
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Complicated installation
- Uncommon design so accessories may be difficult to fit
Best Traditional Style Weight Distribution Hitch: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch
The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch is your best bet for a weight-distribution hitch that has a traditional style and classic design. Boasting an integrated four-point sway control system, the hitch provides the highest level of resistance and sway control by distributing weight evenly and transferring the trailer tongue weight to all the axles. This also helps to keep the front of the tow vehicle firmly on the road.
Engineered to work with a wide range of bumper-pull trailers from horseboxes to utility trailers, the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Halso provides better steering, braking, and sway control, which help eliminate stressful driving situations. The maximum gross towing weight is 10,000 pounds and the maximum tongue weight is 1,000 pounds.
Pros
- Trunnion bars provide ground clearance
- Does not need to be disconnected for backing up
- Four-point anti-sway system
Cons
- Noisy
- Requires periodic greasing
- Bars need to be stored when not in use
- Hitch ball not included
- Initial setup can be complicated
Best Budget Weight Distribution Hitch: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch
The Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch is another great option for those on a budget. Manufactured by Progress Manufacturing, the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch has the same features as the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch with a good anti-sway capability.
Boasting an integrated four-point sway control system, the hitch provides the highest level of resistance and sway control by distributing weight evenly and transferring the trailer tongue weight to all the axles. This also helps to keep the front of the tow vehicle firmly on the road.
Engineered to work with a wide range of bumper-pull trailers from horseboxes to utility trailers, the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Halso provides better steering, braking, and sway control, which help eliminate stressful driving situations. The maximum gross towing weight is 10,000 pounds and the maximum tongue weight is 1,000 pounds.
The Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Hitch is available in round bar and trunnion bar models, both of which create a bridge between the trailer and vehicle. This bridge distributes the weight of the trailer to the axles of both vehicles
Pros
- Great budget option
- Available in trunnion and round bar models
- Does not need add-on sway controls
- Does not need to be disconnected for backing up
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Requires periodic greasing
- Bars need to be stored when not in use
- Hitch ball not included
- Initial setup can be complicated
Notable Mention: Reese Pro Series Complete Weight Distribution Kit with Sway Control
The Reese Pro Series Complete Weight Distribution Kit with Sway Control is a fantastic budget-friendly round bar spring weight distribution hitch that comes with all the bells and whistles, including a hitch ball and a sway-control damper.
This hitch has a 1,000-pound tongue weight and 10,000-pound gross towing weight, so it can handle a range of trailers from utility trailers to horseboxes and caravans. Installation of the hitch is quick and easy with clear instructions and an online video for guidance, and the unit comes with a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- Great budget option
- Heavy-duty weight rating
- Includes hitch ball
Cons
- Can be noisy when towing
- Very heavy
- Short warranty
Notable Mention: Camco Recurve R6 Weight Distribution Hitch
The Camco Recurve R6 Weight Distribution Hitch is a user-friendly, round bar type weight distribution hitch with a 1,000-pound tongue weight and 10,000-pound gross towing weight that is worth a mention. The unit comes in a kit that includes a hitch ball and cover, and its design uses trunnion-style brackets to avoid low clearance issues.
Other premium features include auto-disengage for sharp turns; top-loaded spring bars for increased clearance; and manual disengage with a simple toggle for rough or icy roads. Installation of the hitch is quick and easy with clear instructions and an online video for guidance, and the unit comes with a 10-year warranty.
The ReCurve R6 features premium adaptive sway control that automatically disengages, making maneuvering smoother and easier on the driver. Boasting a streamlined design that creates a sleek and subtle look and top-loading spring bars offer more ground clearance than other weight distribution hitches. The hitch includes brackets that can accommodate trailers with three-inch to six-inch A-frames.
Pros
- Unique design
- Heavy-duty construction
- Great warranty support
Cons
Complicated installation
- Expensive
Notable Mention: Blue Ox BXW1500 Weight Distributing Hitch
The Blue Ox Weight Distributing Hitch is a heavy-duty, strong, and very sturdy trunnion hitch with a 1,500-pound tongue weight rating and a 15,000-pound gross towing weight. The unit comes with a pre-adjusted head so it’s easy to install, prevents trailer sway, and promises a soft, smooth ride even when towing heavy trailers.
This weight distributing hitch is a high-quality unit that is a good choice for RV drivers who tow heavy trailers frequently.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Well-constructed – strong and sturdy
- Pre-adjusted head to prevent trailer sway
- Easy to install
Cons
- Expensive
- Needs big sockets for the installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a weight-distribution hitch?
Yes – a weight-distributing hitch improves safety. A weight-distributing hitch evenly distributes the load over the axles on the trailer which gives you more stability and control. It also gives your tow vehicle and trailer a more level ride.
Can you back up with a weight-distribution hitch?
Yes, you can back up a trailer with a weight distribution system installed on it as long as you don’t end up in too tight of a turn.
When should you not use a weight-distribution hitch?
You should not use a weight-distribution hitch when:
- Your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50% of your truck’s weight (GVWR)
- You find it difficult to steer or stop.
- You want to tow at your truck and trailer’s highest capacity
How do I choose a weight-distribution hitch?
This all depends on the rating of your weight distribution hitch. The rating needs to match or exceed the gross trailer weight. For example, if your trailer weighs 7,000 pounds and has roughly 750 pounds of tongue weight then you would want a kit rated for 8,000 pounds total trailer weight and 800 pounds tongue weight.
Can you put too much tension on the weight distribution hitch?
If you put too much tension on the weight distribution hitch and exceed the ratings of the unit, a hitch could break, the load could become unsafe, it could become unhooked, or the load could topple. The control of the braking and steering on your vehicle may also be lost.
What is the difference between weight distribution bars and sway bars?
A weight distribution system uses a specific set of bars that come off of the tail end of the trailer hitch which is then attached to the trailer’s frame, typically by chains or mounting brackets. Weight distribution systems are used to help transfer the trailer’s tongue weight more toward the trailer as opposed to the vehicle’s rear end. This can be very common with certain trailers such as travel trailers that have a fixed weight throughout the trailer.
General cargo trailers and flat trailers are designed for loading where the load can be mostly over the trailer’s axles to provide a generally neutral front-to-back weight load, so for these types of trailers weight distribution systems are not necessarily required.
What happens if the trailer tongue weight is too heavy?
If the tongue weight is too heavy, the steering of the tow vehicle will be affected. If the tongue is too light, you need to move some of the cargo forward of the trailer’s axle. If the tongue is too heavy, you need to adjust the load so that more of the weight is behind the trailer’s axle.
Does hitch height affect tongue weight?
Yes, tongue height does affect tongue weight.
Can you use a weight-distribution hitch without the bars?
Yes. If you don’t need the weight distribution bars attached to carry the trailer to storage, you can use just the WD hitch head and ball to tow the trailer. It will work just like a ball mount.
Happy traveling!
