Last Updated on March 31, 2023 by Will Sabel
Since every horse owner wants to take their horse trailer on an enjoyable and safe trip, towing safety is one of the most widely discussed topics.
A weight distribution system could be required for numerous bumper-pull horse trailer owners to ensure that their tow vehicles can safely handle a load of their horse trailer while driving.
A weight distribution system is a form of hitch that helps your horses have a smooth and level ride. It increases the towing capacity of the tow vehicle’s hitch and improves your rig’s steering, braking, traction, and trailer sway.
Thus, for definite horse trailer and tow vehicle combinations, a weight-distribution hitch could improve towing safety.
Essentials Of Weight Distribution Hitch
When a trailer is hitched to a tow vehicle, the weight at the back of the vehicle increases. Because of the weight imbalance between the front and rear of the vehicle, this added force can alter how the vehicle handles.
When this imbalance isn’t corrected, the vehicle and trailer will sway. Trailer sway is hazardous and can result in an accident, causing damage to your trailer, vehicle, or perhaps even you or other drivers on the road.
A Weight Distribution Hitch’s Components
The weight distribution hitch is made up of three main components.
Hitch Receiver
A hitch receiver is a kind of trailer hitch that attaches to the tow vehicle’s underside.
Ball Mount
This is a round ball-shaped portion of the tow vehicle.
Spring Bars
Spring bars are an essential component of the weight distribution hitch. They are responsible for keeping the trailer in connection with the towing vehicle.
How Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Keep Your Trailer From Swaying?
Using a weight-distribution hitch to prevent trailer sway is among the most significant reasons to do so.
Unequal weight distribution, passing a large truck on the highway, rapid gusts of wind, and bad weather conditions are all potential causes of trailer sway.
When driving at high speeds, such as on the highway, if indeed the trailer starts to sway, it can quickly gain momentum, making regaining control difficult.
When a weight-distribution hitch is installed, the spring bars work to keep the trailer aligned with the tow vehicle by applying pressure to one side of the other.
What Is A Weight Distribution Hitch And How Does It Work?
In a manner, a weight-distribution hitch tends to paint with the aid of using spreading the towing vehicle’s weight greater lightly. The factor at which the burden from the trailer is moved to the vehicle is altered with the aid of using a weight-distribution hitch.
The weight of the trailer and vehicle is distributed from across axels of the vehicle and trailer, rather than being concentrated at the point where they connect.
The trailer hitch and also the tow vehicle’s rear axels can dive if the tongue weight exceeds the gross trailer weight. Weight distribution hitches work by evenly distributing tongue weight between the trailer and towing vehicle axles, enabling both to be more parallel to the road. Spring bars are used to accomplish this.
See Also: Set Up Weight Distribution Hitch With Air Suspension
How do you install a weight-distributing hitch?
To begin, you need to first insert a shank into the receiver. The shank is then geared up with a head assembly, which serves as a platform for hitch ball and additionally spring bars.
The chains are then connected to the spring bars, which might be then inserted into the construction and operation. The brackets are then set up at the trailer, and the chains are generally connected with a boost lock.
Make certain the brackets are parallel to the bars’ ends.
What Role Do Weight Distribution Systems Play in Increasing Safety?
As formerly stated, a truck hauling a badly distributed weight is an unlucky twist of fate ready to happen; in fact, it’s miles one of the foremost motives why bumper pull horse trailers have this kind of horrific recognition concerning protection.
The majority of a horse trailer’s weight, particularly stay horses, appears to be a complex load to move with the aid of using the definition. As you drive, your horses circulate round due to the fact the bulk of their weight is off the trailer’s ground.
A conventional shipment load, on the alternative hand, has the bulk of its weight toward the ground. When a trailer’s weight is inconsistently disbursed, it is greater hard to return to an unexpected forestall while you want to.
Directly proportional to the pressure at the lower back of the automobile, an excessive amount of dive among each truck and trailer should generate a dangerous scenario wherein braking is extraordinarily hard for the reason that the front wheels arise off the ground slightly.
A weight distribution device consists of a large trailer hitch that connects to the tow automobile, a weight distribution shank with a ball mount, and spring bars that swept back beneath neath the tongue of your horse trailer to remedy this problem.
These components work collectively to present the truck and trailer with greater hitch points. The whole trailer load is sent lightly throughout all axles at the truck and trailer combination, ensuing in a stage weight distribution.
The weight distribution device enables beautify guidance and braking while additionally using due to the fact the burden of your bumper pulls the pony trailer it is now not targeted at the rear axle of the tow automobile.
It additionally offers your horses a greater convenience and stage experience.
The Summary
It’s critical to have superior driving control over the truck and trailer while towing. For a safer, smoother ride and complete towing peace of mind, follow these weight distribution guidelines.
When you’re hauling a little more load in the truck or trailer than usual, a weight distribution system could provide an extra layer of safety. Weight distribution hitches come in a variety of styles and brands, and others are designed for specific drawbars.
You may also need to install an adjustable towbar, based on the height of the vehicle and trailer. To see if this affects your vehicle’s maximum braked towing capacity, check with the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Question
Is a weight-distribution hitch capable of towing more?
No, it does not increase the towing capacity of your vehicle. A weight-distribution hitch is required if the trailer weighs more than half the weight of your tow vehicle.
Are you able to back up with a hitch for weight distribution?
While a weight-distribution hitch can be used as a backup, it must be done with caution. Before you back up, make sure the sway control is off.
Is it possible to use a weight-distribution hitch without bars?
Yes, you could tow the trailer with only the weight distribution hitch head and ball if you don’t require the weight distribution bars. It will function similarly to the ball mount.
Is a weight-distribution hitch required for a 3000-pound trailer?
A weight distribution system is suggested when towing a trailer with a fully loaded weight greater than 50% of the vehicle’s gross weight.
When towing a 3,000-pound trailer with a vehicle that weighs less than 6,000 pounds, a weight distribution system and trailer brakes must be used.
Is a weight-distribution hitch compatible with all towbars?
No, you’ll need to talk to your vehicle’s manufacturer about installing a weight-distribution hitch if it’s a factory-installed towbar, or the towbar manufacturer if it’s an aftermarket addition.
