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Finding the right weight-distribution hitch for your towing needs is no simple task and may require a lot of information.
With so many products on the market, it can be hard to decide which one to choose.
To make a better-informed decision, take a look at a few of these weight-distribution hitches.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Weight Distribution Hitches
- OUR TOP PICK: CURT 17052
- 3326 Andersen 'No-sway'
- Husky 31423
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best Weight-Distribution Hitches
- What is a Weight-Distribution Hitch?
- How Does a Weight-Distribution Hitch Work?
- When Do You Need a Weight-Distribution Hitch?
- Why Did These Hitches Make Our List?
- Review of the Best Weight-Distribution Hitches
- Benefits of Investing in a Quality Weight-Distribution Hitch
- How to Hook Up a Weight-Distribution Hitch
- Conclusion
- People Also Ask
Comparison of the Best Weight-Distribution Hitches
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What is a Weight-Distribution Hitch?
A weight-distribution hitch is a piece of equipment that will help you distribute your trailer weight evenly. This means the weight is not placed solely on the tow vehicle's rear axles. Instead, the weight is evenly distributed among all the axles of both the towing vehicle and the trailer.
This will help prevent the front wheels of the towing vehicle from being lifted up. It will also give better drive control and braking. With this method, more weight is distributed to the front axles and trailer axles. Plus, some weight is removed from the rear wheels.
How Does a Weight-Distribution Hitch Work?
The simple explanation is that the spring bars of the weight-distribution hitch help to balance out the total weight. This will prevent the towing vehicle from being weighed down at the back and lifting up at the front. When the towing vehicle lifts up at the front, it becomes more difficult to drive.
The weight-distribution system will help to even out the weight and place some of it on the front axle. At the back, more weight will be shifted to the trailer axles, which also distributes the weight more evenly.
When Do You Need a Weight-Distribution Hitch?
You need a weight-distribution system when your towing vehicle becomes difficult to drive and unsafe to handle. It is also necessary to have a weight-distribution system when the weight of the trailer exceeds 50% of the vehicle's weight. If the towing vehicle sags when the trailer is attached to it, you will need a weight-distribution hitch for towing.
The weight-distribution hitch will then help to reduce the tongue weight of your trailer and evenly distribute it between all the axles. Too much tongue weight will affect the steering of the towing vehicle.
Why Did These Hitches Make Our List?
It is never easy to get the exact product you are looking for to fulfill a certain need. The same goes for finding a weight-distribution hitch for towing a vehicle safely. The following products made the list because they each met certain expectations.
Let us take a look at the specifications that made these products part of a select few that meet the required standards.
Quality
Product quality is one of the features that is looked for when selecting a certain product. Having a high-quality product will allow you to use it for many years to come without worrying about it breaking or failing.
Price
Price is another major factor, as well. You always want to get the best unit for your budget. Going cheap when it comes to a weight-distribution hitch is a definite no-no. Towing is already a riskier way of driving. Towing with a cheap product will only make the situation more hazardous.
Weight Distribution
The best weight-distribution hitch will do as its name says - distribute weight. It should spread your trailer’s load over the axles of the trailer and the vehicle. The towing process will be easier with a weight-distribution hitch, and sway and dive should be reduced.
Review of the Best Weight-Distribution Hitches
This review will help give you the necessary information when it is time for you to get the right distribution hitch.
Best Overall:
CURT 17052
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, this weight-distribution hitch is made from good-quality materials and is designed and constructed well. The whole weight-distribution hitch system is easy to install, easy to use, and works great. It comes at a very good price, works fine, and is a great system to use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The good quality and sturdy construction of this weight-distribution system make it a good, reliable product. The powder-coated components and continuous lubrication via the grease points give you long-lasting quality. The standard size shank allows it to be used with more than just one trailer.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great towing system to use with every type of hauling, so all trailer owners can use this. It is also a very safe system to use for towing any type of recreational trailer. The versatility allows this hitch system to be used for all types of trailers.
Bottom Line
This is an overall safe and high-quality system for use by anyone who needs to tow something. It distributes the weight of the trailer evenly between all the axles, allowing for much safer driving. For a very good price, you get overall quality and ease of mind.
Runner-up:
3326 Andersen "No-sway"
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This weight-distribution system is very easy to install and using it is quick and easy. It is also very easy to adjust when changing over from one trailer to another. Once everything is set correctly, all the components work together to prevent swaying and bouncing.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a very lightweight system that is very easy to set up and use. The anti-sway and anti-bounce technologies give a much smoother and safer driving experience. It is a strong, yet very quiet item.
Who Will Use This Most
The Andersen No-Sway Weight-Distribution Hitch is suitable for all RV towing enthusiasts, as well as for the newbie. This system will give all the new RV enthusiasts a great introduction to towing. This system is for everybody out there who tows vehicles regularly.
Bottom Line
This item is a great way to be introduced into the towing and caravanning trade without the worry of unsafe driving. This weight-distribution system removes the hassle out of hauling for newbies and veterans alike. Even if the price is quite high, it gives good value for everyone.
Best for the Money:
Husky 31423
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This is a great system for the price and offers very good value for your money. It is a bit difficult to install but easy to use once the system is up. There is quite a difference in the steering experience after installation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Though it is a bit difficult to install, there is a notable difference in driving your vehicle after installation. The versatile head platform that allows for the installation of a sway control unit makes it easy to upgrade. It is overall a good product for an affordable price.
Who Will Use This Most
Anyone who needs a good, easy-to-use weight-distribution system will benefit from this very affordable unit. Everything you need, except for the ball, is included to help you get up and running in no time. It is suitable for anyone who is towing some kind of trailer.
Bottom Line
This unit is worth just as much as the more expensive ones you can get. It also offers great value for your money. With this unit, you get far more than what you pay for, and it offers great versatility, as well. This is a good system and very much worth the money.
Best Weight-Distribution Hitch With Sway Control:
CURT 17500
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This weight-distribution hitch provides excellent quality, is made of high-quality materials, and is strongly built. This makes it easy to back up without removing the bars from the hitch head. This is a strong hitch system and is a bit expensive, but it is worth the money.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The precise leveling of the tow vehicle and trailer are obtained through the TruTrack Weight-Distribution Hitch system. This hitch system helps distribute the weight evenly throughout the whole system and also resists swaying. An easy setup, as well as quick adjustments, is possible with this system.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the perfect hitch system for towers that need something that can be set up quickly. This system is very easy to adjust to fit many different types of towing setups. It will handle up to 10,000 pounds gross trailer weight and up to 1,000 pounds tongue weight.
Bottom Line
This product from Curt is an excellent, versatile, adjustable, and customizable system. The fast and easy setup makes it compatible with a variety of different setups. Overall, it is a good, useful hitching system for normal towing work.
Best Weight-Distribution Hitch Travel Trailer:
Husky 32218
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The innovation of this product has been at the center of buyers' admiration. There have been one or two users who received damaged goods upon delivery. However, aside from that, reports have been glowing about how exceptional the hitch’s performance has been.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Husky appears on this list as the best choice for towing a travel trailer. It is by far, the best-suited hitch to use on long roads with unpredictable or terrible weather.
Who Will Use This Most
Any long-term traveler looking to invest in the best trailer-hauling partner would find the Husky 32218 the ultimate companion. Families who love regular breakaways would also benefit from the wonderful innovation of the Husky hitch. Road trippers and fishermen will also appreciate the hitch for its comfort.
Bottom Line
In basic terms, anyone looking for a good permanent trailer hitch for their vehicle will approve of the Husky 32218. It is a great product by most standards. Everyone who has invested in Husky’s Rugged by Standard Equipment knows its exceptional quality.
Best Andersen Weight-Distribution Hitch:
Andersen Hitches 3350
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Anyone familiar with Andersen knows the standard of production that goes into their hitches. Andersen aims to provide top-class American innovation and the 3350 has done just that. Everyone who has bought this hitch considered it a lifelong investment that was well worth the price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Andersen is a hitch manufacturer whose quality and services can be trusted. They are adored all over America as a manufacturer of hitch hardware. As the best weight-distributing hitch from Andersen, the 3350 was chosen for its rich innovation and simplicity.
Who Will Use This Most
The Andersen 3350 Hitch may be the best-performing trailer or caravan-pulling hitch available on the market. It is an ideal option if you are looking to fit a permanent towing bar onto a vehicle.
Bottom Line
If you are familiar with Andersen Hitches, then the 3350 is likely to be the favored choice in the weight-distributing category. It certainly is the choice of many trailer owners.
Best Reese Weight-Distribution Hitch:
Reese 66559
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love how strong and sturdy this weight-distribution hitch is. It was made by experienced experts and it will last for a long time. Its friction sway control is greatly admired by those who use it, as it makes for a better experience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Durability and ease of use make this hitch stand out. It is made of high-quality materials by a brand that knows how to make good products. It comes with a hefty price tag, but it is worth the investment. The lifetime warranty is a nice bonus that will sway an undecided buyer.
Who Will Use This Most
Anyone who will need to use their hitch often will find this to be a great option. It is durable and strong and will last for many years with no issues. On the other hand, this is not for people who are uncomfortable with coughing up lots of money.
Bottom Line
This is a great product that will please even the fussiest user. It is not difficult to install and will travel with you for ages. It has a black coat finish that protects against rust. This hitch is on the expensive side and may not be the best option for those on a budget.
Best Husky Weight-Distribution Hitch:
Husky 30849
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers were impressed with how well the hitch operates. It is like the Husky Round Bar knows what it was made to do and does it exceptionally well. They love that riding with this item is smooth and sway-free.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a strong hitch that can handle 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight, which is not bad at all. Hitch users will appreciate the coat finish too, as there is no worry about rust. Overall, it is a great product at a reasonable price.
Who Will Use This Most
People who travel often and use these kinds of hitches a lot will love this product. It is, for the most part, easy to install. There are interchangeable spring bars that make it more convenient to use. You also get the chains and assembly hardware included, as well.
Bottom Line
Weight-distribution hitch users who love great quality but do not want to spend a fortune for it will appreciate this item. It is made to help you enjoy your travels for a long time. You will be able to effortlessly lift about 12,000 pounds with this hitch.
Benefits of Investing in a Quality Weight-Distribution Hitch
If you enjoy hooking up your trailer and taking it out on the road, you cannot skip on having a weight-distribution hitch. Although you may have to pay a pretty penny for a good product, it is worth it.
Quality
For a smooth and safe ride, you cannot neglect the quality of your hitch. It is an investment in your safety and can prevent future damage.
Guarantee
If you buy a proper product, you will be guaranteed that it will not break easily. However, if you opt for a cheaper one, you could end up regretting your decision. Buying a quality product means you get quality with a warranty and that if anything goes wrong, you can get it repaired or replaced.
Price
Quality often does not come cheap. With that said, you can still find a good product at a reasonable price. Just be sure to do your homework. Keep an eye on all the relevant information you have learned here. If you remember what to look for, you will find a good hitch and make an excellent choice.
How to Hook Up a Weight-Distribution Hitch
First, you will measure your vehicle and trailer height on a level surface. You have to know the distance from the ground to the bottom of the rear bumper and front bumper on your tow vehicle.
Next, you will attach the weight-distribution shank and hitch head. Make sure the shank is fully inserted in the receiver tube of the trailer hitch. You will then have to adjust the head as needed. For this, you will need the product’s instruction manual. You may have to rotate the head up into the mounting position. It should either be tilted back slightly or in a vertical position.
Then, fasten all the bolts. After this, you should install the spring bars and then couple your trailer. Once you have your coupler attached, lift your coupling unit with the trailer jack about three inches above level position. You will then engage the hookup brackets. You should attach the spring bar chains to the brackets and make sure that both sides are spaced the same.
For a detailed discussion on how to hook up your hitch, check out this video:
Conclusion
Now, you know what to look for in a weight-distribution hitch. You should be able to use all the information shared here to find a good product. Just make sure you know what you need and get to work from there.
People Also Ask
Here are a couple of questions often asked by weight-distribution hitch users. Perhaps you will learn something new, or answer a question you already have.
Do Weight-Distribution Hitches Help With Sway?
Yes, weight-distribution hitches most certainly help with sway issues. These items help with weight distribution, obviously, which gives you better control over your trailer. They also help with vehicle sag and improve your steering.
How Much Does a Weight-Distribution Hitch Reduce Tongue Weight?
These hitches do not technically "reduce" tongue weight. Basically, the tension on the spring bars lifts up on the tongue, holding some of the weight. As a result, there is a shift in the distribution of weight. It will go from the rear axle to all of the axles.
Can You Back up With Weight-Distribution Bars?
You should be able to back up with these hitches installed. You will have to be careful, though. It works the same way as backing up with a normal hitch. Just be sure to disengage the sway control before you attempt to back up.