A towing hitch is an addition to your vehicle’s load-bearing framework, designed to connect the primary vehicle to the object being towed. Whether you’re towing trailers or ATVs, having the right hitch is essential to safe transpiration on the open road.

With so many products on the market today, it can be difficult to find which towing hitch is right for you. When you’re towing large cargo, using a WDH hitch is an absolute essential. WDH stands for “weight distribution hitch”; a hitch that helps to evenly distribute the load of your trailer to ensure better control over your vehicle while driving. Let’s explore the pros and cons of using a weight distribution hitch, and how its different from standard towing products on the market today.

What is a Weight Distribution Hitch?

A weight distribution hitch is a specialized type of tow hitch that helps evenly distribute the load of your trailer across all four wheels of your tow vehicle. It does this by transferring some of the tongue weight from the front axle of your tow vehicle to other areas in order to eliminate dragging as seen in the photo above. This helps keep your vehicle more level and improves steering, braking, and overall stability by ensuring that the load on each wheel is properly balanced.

Benefits of Using a Weight Distribution Hitch

The most significant benefit of using a weight distribution hitch is improved safety. With an unevenly distributed load, your trailer may sway while in motion, which can be dangerous at high speeds or on windy roads. A properly adjusted weight distribution hitch will reduce or eliminate any swaying or fishtailing while in motion and make for safer driving overall. Additionally, it will allow for easier braking and smoother handling when cornering or turning sharply. In short, it makes towing much less stressful!

In addition to improved safety, using a weight distribution hitch also helps improve fuel efficiency because it reduces drag from an unevenly distributed load by distributing it evenly over all four wheels. This means that you won’t have to use as much fuel when pulling heavy loads with your trailer. And finally, using a weight distribution hitch will help extend the life of both your tow vehicle and trailer by helping them carry heavier loads without being damaged or overworked due to an unevenly distributed load.

Considerations Before Buying a WDH Hitch

The main reason people choose to go without a WDH is perceived cost savings. Depending on the size and type of hitch you need, they can seem like an unnecessary purchase. This is true if your towing vehicle weighs more than the cargo, but cutting corners can end up costing more money in the long run. Even if you don’t notice trailer sway, all it takes is for an officer on patrol to notice, and you’ll be given an unexpected ticket. In the long term, a WDH hitch saves more money than the cost.

Another reason why weight distribution hitches are not used more commonly is the perception of heavy maintenance required by owning a hitch. After all, if you skip the hitch you just need to match and ball mount to a coupler and start driving. All this talk about sway control bars and tongue weight sounds a lot like hard work. In reality though, there are plenty of tools like Fastway’s SIMPLE WEIGH that streamline the entire process. And when you need to measure your weight distribution, Equalizer’s OnTarget Towing Tool can handle it straight from your pocket. While beginners may be alarmed by the look of a WDH hitch, its actually very simple once you learn the ropes.

Equal-i-zer’s Featured Weight Distribution Hitch

Whether you are hauling boats or trailers, a weight distribution hitch is always recommended to improve your handling and control on the road. When used correctly, these hitches help ensure optimal safety and performance while reducing wear-and-tear on both your tow vehicle and trailer.

Weight distribution hitches are growing in popularity as more literature becomes available to towing and trailer enthusiasts. When you need a company with the experience and know-how to ensure the best towing experience possible, you need the unparalleled products here at Equal-i-zer Hitch. Check out our flagship 4-point sway control hitch, and learn more about trailer and towing products right here on the Equal-i-zer blog today.