Towing liability is consistently the #1 concern of most trailer and hitch enthusiasts. Nothing ruins a roadtrip faster than a ticket and a date to appear in court. Rather than go through the hassle of driving blindly into the sunset, let’s get some foresight and wisdom here by learning the truth of the matter. Is a WDH required by law?

Local Laws

While there currently aren’t any federal laws requiring the constant use of a WDH hitch at all times, local mandates and municipalities are a whole other story. Like in Minnesota; where electric trailer breaks and safety chains are legally required by local law.

Depending on where you buy your trailer or hitch supplies, the vendor is likely to have information regarding your local laws and regulations.

On that note, you should also verify if any warranty or insurance policy attached to your trailer comes with information regarding weight distribution hitches.

If you as the owner got into some kind of accident while blatantly ignoring manufacturer instructions on a particular issue, your insurance may not cover the cost.

Litigious Lawyers

Did you know that you can be sued for trailer sway? If the driver behind you faces difficulties, real or imagined, then you may be the person paying the price.

Having a weight distribution hitch not only reduces trailer sway, but it also shows the courts that you took all necessary steps for proper vehicle towing before you hit the road.

This will be especially valuable when dealing with litigious lawyers who demonize travel trailers for the sake of financial gain.

Much like a dashcam in your primary vehicle, a weight distribution hitch might never come up in court; but if it does, it could save you a lot of time, and a lot of money.

When Weight Distribution isn’t Enough

In the great state of North Carolina, trailers being towed cannot exceed 7000 pounds. Similarly, the towing vehicle must have a towing capacity of above 10,000 pounds. Failure to comply may result in fines and penalties, regardless of your intentions.

And this is not a unique phenomena either. Plenty of States all across the union have laws related to total weight and towing capacity. While some would argue these laws are enforced inconsistently, the point still remains. Sometimes, even with a proper WDH, you can still get into legal trouble if you aren’t careful.

For these reasons and many more, its important to stay up to date on the latest trailer news and trends. For more information about trailer and towing topics, follow Equalizer Hitch on Facebook Today!