Best Weight Distribution Hitch

Have you ever imagined what will happen if a strong wind suddenly blew and you are towing a trailer?

You will surely get scared and feel that you will be losing control of the vehicle anytime.

To avoid this kind of situation, you need to find the right weight distribution hitch that can prevent your trailer from swaying.

Included in this post are tips and information about the weight distribution systems and a review of the top 5 best weight distribution hitch that you can consider.

What Type of Weight Distribution Hitch is Best?

The type of weight distribution hitch that is best for you depends on your specific towing needs. Generally, a weight distribution hitch with sway control is the best option for most towing applications. This type of hitch helps to evenly distribute the weight of the trailer across the tow vehicle and trailer axles, reducing sway and improving stability. Here are 5 best weight distribution hitch to control your load in 2023:

1. Eaz-Lift Elite Hitch Kit

This weight distribution hitch kit helps you save time since all of the components are pre-installed.

It has a round bar, hitch ball, and sway control.

The hitch ball measures around 1-5/16” and the sway control ball is built-in and torqued to specification on the hitch head.

The chain and the U-bolts are pre-installed on the spring bars. Also included is the mounting hardware.

The Eaz-lift is made from different engineered steels and passed the grueling and thorough manufacturing process that includes precision drilling and artificial rolled bending.

The product brings comfort by helping you tow smoothly.

Features

• Maximum TW 1400 pounds
• Maximum GWT rating 14000 pounds
• The product dimension is 32.1 x 10 x 6.9 inches
• Has bolt together flexible shank
• Clip and bolt pack for flexible hitches
• Function with a positive latching movement
• With 5-year warranty
• Include sway control device
• Weight 6.9 pounds
• It is noise free

Verdict

The Eaz-Lift Elite is one of the best distribution hitches since you can adjust everything easily. Based on the materials used in manufacturing this device, this product is very durable and will last longer.

The company is known for quality products, and this product is one of them. It is made of engineered steels and has undergone a detailed and grueling manufacturing process.

This weight distribution hitch is complete, and you can use it automatically. With the price, you need to pay for this product, and what is in the package, you will get the best product.

I think this product is worth recommending to others who are also in search of the best weight distribution hitch.

2. Equal-i-zer 90001000 Equalizer Hitch

The Equal-i-zer is one of the best weight distribution hitches on the market today.

It has two solid steel bars installed directly on the metal brackets, which makes it very durable.

Sharp turns are not a problem with this kind of hitches. Making a sharp turn is very noisy, but it makes sense considering the bars.

The Equal-i-zer has 2-inch shank but without the ball. The sway control is smooth, and you can control it all the time.

Installing the hitch may require you some time. You need a socket and torque wrench. There is not enough allowance between the bar sockets which makes it a bit harder.

Its maximum tongue weight is 1000 pounds, and the maximum gross trailer weight is 10,000 pounds.

Features

• This tow bar 10k equalizer has a flexible hitch.
• The product weighs a total of 102 pounds
• The dimension is 44 x 102 x 4
• Warranty for the parts
• 1000 lbs. maximum TW
• 10,000 lbs. maximum GWT
• Without a ball with 2-inch shank

Verdict

One major problem that you might encounter with this product is the difficulty in assembling it. However, if you can take the challenge and you think you can complete the installation fast this product is the one for you.

It provides what you need. Although it is quite expensive, I think it is worth buying since the product is very durable and it will surely last longer.

So, if you are a frequent traveler, this is the best hitch for you.

3. Pro Series 49903 Complete Kit

The Pro Series has earned a spot on the list because it is readily available on the market. It is quite a favorite and has a lot of great features.

The Pro Series weight distribution kit includes a friction sway-control which controls the sway when going through a location with gusty winds and during a hard turn.

Everything on it is flexible. It has a round steel spring bar with superior flexibility. The kit has adjustable spring bar tension.

The tilt of the head can be adjusted with the aid of the washers and a rivet depending on the requirements of your trailer.

The shank has a solid steel, and the height is adjustable with bolts.

Pro Series is manufactured for an optimum trailer gross weight of 10,000 pounds and tongue weight of 1000 pounds.

Features

• It includes a 2-5/16-inch hitch ball
• It has a standard hitch bar which measures 2 inches with a 1-inch drop, 12-inch long, and a 5-1/2-inch rise.
• Provides everything you need for safe towing and performance
• Ten years limited warranty
• Fabricated head and welded hitch bar
• Preinstalled and torqued sway control ball, chains, and u-bolts
• Includes mounting hardware and friction sway control

Verdict

The Pro Series 49903 is a weight distribution hitch that you should consider if you are looking for a practical system. It will not waste your time and money.

The installation will not take you all day. Just follow the guide in the manufacturers manual, and you will not have a problem.

This feature is what I like about this brand. The instructions are straightforward and easy to follow. Even those who have not experienced installing one this is the best product.

4. Eaz-Lift 48054 Bent Bar Hitch

The Eaz-Lift 48054 is yet another weight distribution hitch that is getting popular in the market today.

The product has a decisive latching action and is very flexible which makes it one of the recommended systems.

The Eaz-Lift 48054 has the same specifications as the other brands, the tongue weight is 1000, and the gross trailer weight is 10,000.

It has an adjustable hitch ball on the shank, it has multiple holes, providing a total of 6 inches of vertical adjustment.

It is best that you take the sway bar off if doing some tight turns.

Made of 100% heavy-duty steel bar. It is easy to install.

Features

• This weight distribution hitch is available in different sizes, like the 600 lbs, 800 lbs, 1000 lbs, 1200 lbs, and 1400 lbs.
• You will find the product in two designs, without a shank, and with a shank.
• The equipment carries, a maximum TW of 1400 lbs. and GTW of 14,000 pounds.
• The shank measures 10 x 2 x 2 with a 2.5-inch drop as well as 5.5-inch rise.
• Has sway control and weighs 6.9 lbs.

Verdict

Look no further for this company already has everything you need for a weight distribution hitch.

It has a built-in sway control to help reduce the swaying when a gusty wind suddenly meets you on the road.

I used the product and found it very helpful during our long travel. We did not encounter any problem at all along the way.

The swaying is less with this product, and it produces less noise as compared to other hitches.

If you would ask me how I will rate this product, I will give the product 4 stars.

5. Andersen Mfg 3350 No-Sway Hitch

If you are looking for a towing vehicle, there are lots of them that you will find online.

One of the vehicle furnishings that you can choose to buy is the Andersen’s Mfg 3350 No-Sway Distribution Hitch.

We have included this product on our list because we believe that it is one of the best.

The Andersen has higher capacity as compared to other hitches. It has 14,000 gross trailer weight and 1400 tongue weight.

It is one of the simplest and the quietest units in the market. You cannot hear a single sound when using this hitch.

It has a distinct feature, the urethane anti-bounce springs that can take in and moist the trailer bounce, providing some smoothness as you tow.

Most hitches with steel bars usually weigh around 100 pounds.

The hitch is approximately 60 pounds, which is a significant difference when it comes to installing and handling the thing on your own. It will just take you 30 minutes to complete the setup.

The Andersen is one of the most expensive hitches today.

Features

• The product has unparalleled adjustable sway control
• It has 2-5/16 inches ball, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches and 6-inch universal frame brackets without additional to buy
• It weighs 52.5 lbs
• The dimension is 16 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches
• Has single pin exclusion from a tow vehicle
• Doubles as traditional ball mount for towing without weight distribution
• Grease-free system coupler and ball move as one

Verdict

The Anderson is an ideal weight distribution hitch for most people. The weight is transferred over the hitch correctly and has a no-hassle approach to sway control.

Rather than using the traditional bar or the dual cam ways, the chains on the hitch will handle any swaying automatically.

All You Need To Know About Weight Distribution Hitch

What Is A Weight Distribution Hitch?

A weight distribution hitch is generally a towing device you use to temporarily connect the trailer and the towing vehicle.

The primary purpose of the hitch is to keep the trailer in a smooth balance to avoid it from swaying.

It is also used to make sure that the weight of the load you are transporting is equally distributed. The device balances the load at the front part of the trailer up to the axle.

When Do You Need A Weight Distribution Hitch?

The weight-distribution hitch is needed for every truck that tows tons of weight. You will also take advantage of a weight distribution system if:

• Your trailer weight is over 50% of your automobile’s weight.
• The back of your tow vehicle sags if the trailer is connected.
• Your trailer sway.
• The tow car’s headlights are pointing upward.
• You are having problems with stopping or steering your rig.
• You want to tow to the highest capacity allowed by your automobile’s trailer hitch.

Tongue Weight And The Gross Trailer Weight

The tongue weight and the gross trailer weight are the two weight ratings of weight distribution hitch. In deciding which system to choose, you need to determine the following:

1. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) pertains to the weight of the fully loaded trailer during towing.

• To measure the GTW, place the fully loaded trailer on a scale.
• The rating of the weight distribution system should match or surpass the GTW.

2. Tongue Weight (TW) pertains to the tongue weight of the trailer and the weight of the cargo that found behind the back axle of your automobile.

In measuring the trailer use a tongue weight scale, usually around 10 to 15% of GTW.

With the use of the commercial scale, you can measure the weight of the cargo on the rear axle. You also weigh the automobile without the load, the weight with the cargo loaded and subtract the initial weight from that of the loaded car.

Tongue weight (TW) equals to trailer TW plus automobile cargo load behind the rear axle. It is the most vital factor in assessing the right size of the weight distribution hitch.

If the bars of the hitch you prefer are rated quite high for the setup, they will produce a hard ride, which causes the trailer to bounce. If it is not ranked high, the system will not be able to distribute the weight, which makes it useless.

What Size Of Weight Distribution Hitch Do I Need?

The weight of the load you need to tow is the first thing you need to consider when choosing the weight distribution hitch.

As mentioned above, there are two ways of rating the weight distribution systems – GWT and TW. Make sure that both rates are higher than the amount you need to tow.

Understanding Weight Measurements

For instance, if the weight of the system is around 1000 lbs tongue weight capability, however, the trailer only weighs 300 lbs of tongue weight having 50 pounds of load in the trunk, the weight is about 650 lbs below the rating. It makes the distribution dangerous.

The rule in choosing the weight distribution system is to select the one that is closest to the total weight without getting over.

Weight Carrying and Weight Distribution

The two systems applied in weight distribution are the weight carrying and weight distributing:

A. Weight Carrying

If your towing a trailer with a regular rear-mounted hitch, the trailer’s TW is carried over to the back axle of the tow automobile.

And because of this, the back end of the automobile is forced to lower and raised the front end. I

If this is the case, the weight of the trailer and the tow vehicle will carry the vehicle’s rear axle. This affects the steering, stopping power, and traction.

B. Weight Distributing

This system help solves the problems that occur with regular hitch systems.

Putting bars to the towing setup puts leverage to both sides of your system. This places the burden that is pushing on the back of your car to all the axles both on your trailer and tow car.

The equal distribution of weight can provide smooth, level travel, and the capability to tow at the optimum capacity of the hitch.

Components of Weight Distribution System

Aside from the Class III, IV, or V trailer hitch on your automobile, the weight distribution hitch has the following components the spring bars, trailer-frame-mounted brackets, and the ball mount which is composed of the shank and the ball platform.

The hitch ball is sold separately.

1. Trailer Hitch

This part connects to the frame of your automobile and provides the 2 x 2 receiver opening that the shank slides into.

The hitches are classified according to weight-carrying capabilities. The trailer hitches are categorized as Class V, IV, or III.

Check the weight rating label on the hitch. It bears two capacities: weight distributing and weight carrying. If there is no weight listed for weight distributing, then it cannot be used as a weight distribution system.

2. Shank

It is the piece that slides into the hitch and provides a connection for the weight distribution head assembly.

The shanks are available in various drops, lengths, and rises to fit several applications. It ensures that your trailer is level along with your tow vehicle if hooked up.

3. Head Assembly

The head assembly connects to the bolt holes or channel along the shank and offers mounting points for the ball and the spring bars.

• Hitch Ball Platform: It is for mounting the hitch ball used for trailer hookup. Have a built-in platform to mount the bar-style friction in controlling the sway. The bar-style sway control is installed to a smaller ball on the side of the head. Others only have ball hole on the right-side connection. Others have dual platforms to mount a sway control on both sides of the trailer.
  
  
• Spring Bar Connection: The heads of weight distribution are available in various styles – heads for round spring bar and the trunnion spring bars. The round style slides into the head and is held in position with clips. The trunnion bars slide into the head from the back or the side.
  
  
• Head Adjustment: This part is to position for a weight distribution system. You may need to adjust the tilt of the head assembly.

4. Spring Bars

This component is responsible for putting the load that pushes down on the rear of your automobile if you are towing to the axles on both the trailer and tow vehicle. By putting power into your towing tool, these bars are the one used for complete installation.

5. Lift Brackets

The brackets are mounted on the frame of the trailer and used to hold the spring bars of the weight distribution system in position. The function of the brackets can vary among the different system.

• Snap-up Brackets – a regular system use chains for connecting the spring bars to the trailer. The chains are connected to lift brackets that mount on the frame. Conventionally, the lift brackets have a snap-up design.
  
  
• Friction Sway Control Brackets – some premium weight distribution systems require specially made sway-control brackets in the position of conventional snap-up brackets.
  
  
• Blue Ox Latch Brackets – the system includes rotating brackets rather than snap-up brackets. Just pop in the chain into the bracket and turn the bracket using the handle included in the package until the chain is tight. The bracket will be in place automatically once the lock pin engages.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing

1. Weight Capacity

It is one of the most vital factors when deciding which distribution hitch to choose. Choose the one that offers at least 50 percent higher the Gross Trailer Weight than to its Tongue Weight.

This rating will ensure that driving controls are correct and distribution is improved for both the towing vehicle and the trailer.

The tongue weight may vary from 1000 to 1200 lbs. The GTW can range from 10,000 to 12,000 lbs. Check the manufacturers manual to make sure you have the right type of hitch you need.

2. Easy to Install

Pick a model that will not give you a hard time in installing. An easy to install hitch can be installed within 30 minutes to one hour, but longer than that is not acceptable.

3. Sway Control

The hitch should be capable of reducing the possible and dangerous sway of the towing vehicle and the trailer. It should prevent your trailer from getting into fall when making a hard turn. To improve your control, you need to build a resistance that only a hitch can do. 

4. Types of Spring Bars

The kind of spring bars is yet another factor that you need to consider. You can find two common basic styles, the round, and the trunnion.

The round bars provide a little more clearance space to hook up the trailer. The Trunnion bars can increase the weight rating of the system. The advantages of both types of bars vary depending on setup to setup.

5. Price

Invest in something that is durable and will last longer. It does not necessarily mean that if you buy the most expensive one, it is the sturdier of them. You need to find the one that is made of high-quality material and a trusted brand. Normally, they offer a warranty on parts. If you invest in a more expensive device, you don’t have to worry if it malfunctions.

6. Pre-installed Components

Some hitches are already equipped with everything you need thus there is no need for you to buy additional parts. Find the one that is complete and has all the parts that you need.

7. Additional Features

The additional features, such as sway control is yet another factor that you need to consider. The hitch is less prone to sway so you can stop on that purchases. If it is still swaying, then you may add a sway control system.

How To Control The Sway

Reducing The Sway

The possibility of your trailer to sway hard back and forth is the common problem most of the trailering is experiencing. It may cause the trailer to fall on one side, and your vehicle might go along with it.

The trailer sway is a dangerous situation and is a common problem for the majority of trailer owners. It can affect your driving and transport if your trailer is sticky, it induces anxiety if you know there is a possibility that you can be out of control of your vehicles.

The swaying can be due to various things that you can fix by yourself like the following:

1. Having Less Tongue

Weight 10 to 22% of the weight of the trailer should be on the tongue. It is one of the most popular causes of trailer sway. You can bring your wagon to a commercial scale and let them weigh it. For instance, if the total weight of your trailer is 2000lbs, the tongue weight should be around 200 lbs.

Get rid of some things or distribute the weight if needed. Put heavy load at the anterior of the trailer, place the charge at the center, and use supports to keep the cargo in position and prevent it from maneuvering around.

2. The Tires

Ensure that the tires of your trailer and your vehicle have the right air pressure. Likewise, check to determine if they are the same size if inflated.

3. Install a Friction Sway Control Tool

The device reduces the effects of sharp turning and gusts of wind by applying resistance to the vehicle and trailer with regards to each other. If driving, turn and stop the adjustable handle then make a quarter turn in the clockwise path, which places more friction. Repeat this process until your trailer becomes stable.

4. Load Capacity

Make sure not to overkill your trailer. Remember that your load capacity comprises the tongue, the trailer’s weight, your passengers, and the vehicle.

5. Avoid Gusty Winds

If possible, avoid areas with gusty winds. Here are tips on how to drive in gusty winds.  Reduce the speed if you experience trailer sway – do not hit the brakes hard. 

• Keep the steering wheel steady – do not make a turn right away, and do not attempt to steer out of a sway situation.
• Do not increase your speed, since it can make the trailer sway vigorously.
• Use only the trailer brakes to reduce sway gradually.
• Stop and check what causes the sway. It is not a good idea to drive a trailer on the road if you know that it has a swaying problem.

Safety is essential, mainly if you are towing a hefty load. Depending on the composition and state of your trailer, along with the right conditions, things can become bad. If you have problems with trailer sway, keep the above tips in mind, and you need to be careful on the road.

Tips On Preventing Sway

The weight distribution system is equipped with sway controls to prevent the trailer from swaying.

These systems may apply different methods, such as friction or tension application, to make your tow vehicle and trailer to go in a straight line.

1. Dual-Cam Sway Control

Cams a unique sliding tool is used to suspend the spring bars in the Straight-Line system from Reese. The cam bolts end is attached to the trailer’s frame, as the other end is connected in the lift bracket with the lift chain. The spring bars rounded, hooked ends sit in these cams.

To have a natural interaction between your tow vehicle and your trailer it has controlled the positioning of the spring bars to keep your system in place while still enabling enough movement.

The cams instantly adjust and center on its own depending on the situations:

• Cornering – the cams unlock automatically and slide to enable full-radius turns.
• Straight-line movement – the cams lock in position to keep the trailer from swaying even during gusty winds.
• Sudden swerving – the cams go to a straight-line angle to stabilize the trailer.

2. 4-Point Sway Control

A built-in 4-point sway control is present in some weight distribution systems. These systems depend on a safety connection within the head where the position of the spring bars lie tightly so there will have enough tension. It is composed of 2-points of any 4-point system where the spring bar is connected to the head.

There are some systems, such as the Equalizer and the Husky Center Line that depend on friction between the spring bars and the frame brackets to force the trailer back in line in case of sway occur.

Conclusion

Deciding which among these five hitches to buy is quite a challenge. Each brand has their own unique features which makes it better than others. But all of them would do well in normal situations.

Each of them had some negative features, but all the five brands reviewed are no doubt the best weight distribution hitches you can buy in 2023.

I find Eaz-Lift Elite as the best among the five hitches when it comes to price. But overall, I think the Equal-i-zer is the best weight distribution hitch.