[WWDLLudlum]

Can someone explain this to me? I am having a hard time wrapping my head around it. Weight distributing hitch attaches to trailer, then attaches to the same receiver on my truck. Where exactly is the weight being distributed to and how does this 'increase' the towing capacity of my truck, considering I still have that same single point of connection between truck and trailer. I know I am confusing the issue some how.

 

[jpd]

This might help explain it

Link

 

[Lattitudechange]

WWDLLudlum wrote:
Where exactly is the weight being distributed to and how does this 'increase' the towing capacity of my truck,
No contraption will increase the towing capacity of your vehicle. It may "help" to level it, or "help" anti-sway, but it will not increase your capacity. Save your money.

 

[WWDLLudlum]

JPD, thanks for the link.

Ahh I get it now, the jump in trailer weight in the owners manual is related to the engine and model features of the vehicle and they add the note about MUST USE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING HITCH so I don't win the lawsuit. I've always seen these notes in owner's manuals but have never seen any of these things on any trailers, they seem kind of hoakie.

 

[justpassinthru2]

They work nice!!

I have used one of those hitches one season towing a racecar and trailer. The concept is that at the ball and hitch point, the weight is forced in an upward direction pushing the tongue of the trailer up so both the rig and the tow vehicle ride more evenly and parellel to the ground. Hence the term, "weight distribution hitch". It also stabelizes the rig from swaying. You can also install sway bars alongside the tongue and receiver, one on each side, that will further control the swaying. I didn't need them on my rig. The whole trick is to install it properly with the correct amount of pre-load in the torsion arms and the brackets installed in the proper place on the trailer. Added cost is worth the resultant ride and control, IMHO.