Having to deal with a misbalanced and swaying trailer is no fun. But, more importantly, it’s not safe. Not safe for your vehicle and the people sitting inside it.
However, fortunately, there are totally reliable towing devices now. That have the capacity to prevent the swaying action. The best weight distribution hitch can keep the balance intact at the time of towing.
Now that you and I both have established that, it’s time to get on with the top picks.
Best Weight Distribution Hitch: Top 5 Choices
Regular towing means buying a high-quality hitching system. One that includes sway control! And also the kind that clamps to just about any standard couplers. Much like the five high-rated models reviewed below.
Name | Our Rating | Maximum Tongue Weight | Hitch Ball |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 Editor's Choice | 1,000 LBS | 2-5/16” Hitch Ball | |
#2 | 1,000 LBS | Hitch Ball Not Included | |
#3 | 1,000 LBS | 2-5/16” Hitch Ball | |
#4 | 1,200 LBS | 2-5/16” Hitch Ball | |
#5 | 1,400 LBS | 2 or 5/16” Hitch Ball |
* All links above will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com or you can read our in-depth curtain reviews below.
1. EAZ LIFT Elite 48056-A Weight Distribution Hitch Kit – Top Pick
When you talk about a weight distribution hitch you talk about directional control. The model that fits the bill on varied counts is the EAZ Lift Elite 48056-A Hitch. You’ll take one look at this beauty and thank yourself for buying it.
To explain to you its striking features. I want to explore all the components it’s made up of. This includes the tongue weight, sway control, pre-installed parts, and the spring bars. This breakdown should give you an idea of how this best weight distribution hitch stands up against the rest.
The maximum weight capacity of this model is 1,000 pounds. And its maximum gross trailer weight is about 10,000 pounds. This goes to show that the EAZ LIFT Elite is here to rig up your vehicle. It carries stealthy weight so you can cover the highest ground.
Plus, it has a front-to-rear weight balancing ratio. So even if what you’re towing is trailer-heavy. The truck towing it won’t feel a thing. A swift and bump-less towing ride is what you’ll get.
It’s difficult to feel the anti-sway factor on highway speed. Even more so when you’re carrying a significant load. That’s the first time the EAZ LIFE Elite has broken all records. You feel the anti-sway control pick up right from the start.
There’s an advantage to buying this weight distribution hitch. And that is its sway bar component. It eliminates any sway left from your vehicle. The sway stability truly makes for a smooth ride.
Installing this weight distribution hitch is the easiest thing to do. That’s because it comes with plenty of pre-installed parts. Like the chains and bolts on the spring bars are already installed. So you don’t have to. All you have to make sure while installing is that it’s right.
The rest, including the mounting hardware, is already taken care of. The same goes to you using specific tools for assembling the hitch. If I were you, I’d keep an open-end wrench, high-quality lubricant, and sockets in handy.
Who Should Buy This?
You need this weight distribution hitch if you’re traveling long distances. It has the best anti-sway control for its value. And kind that will probably cost you twice as much in RV centers.
That’s to say, this is also a good fit for RVs. It has everything you need to connect the camper to another vehicle. The well-engineered parts last longer and take maintenance off your back.
You’ll also find the lack of complicated parts more comforting. Since you want the least possible setup hassle when you’re on the road.
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Nothing beats the 4-point sway control of a weight distribution hitch. Especially not when it’s the Equal-i-zer hitch that we’re speaking of. This superior model has got what it takes to secure your towing experience.
It’s not only good at carrying all that weight. It’s excellent at controlling it in high winds and sharp turns. Imagine you’re towing a heavy trailer on a highway. And weather conditions are a little tricky to pin down. But no matter what comes your way, it’s hard to even notice the weight you have behind.
For those of you who have a trailer to tow. You should know how heavy trailers can be. Especially when you’re navigating on a highway on a windy day.
It’s almost impossible to have a lightweight towing experience on such a day. But it’s possible with this 4-Point Sway Control Hitch. It controls all lateral movements so you can pull your directions together.
It features a bumper-pull technology that suits RVs, cargo, utility trailers, and a lot more. The way it’s designed is well-distributed and effective at balancing heavy loads. This means all the nooks and parts of this hitch contribute for a smoother ride.
So it’s not only about how long it can take a 1,000-pound tongue weight. It’s how well you can steer, brake, and control the hitch. And the axles on this hitch makes it easier to do so.
Performance wise, this weight distribution hitch opens up a bunch of possibilities. The frictionless sway control being one of them. Even the trunnion bars offer incredible ground clearance. Couple that with its 4-point sway system and you have a stand-up hitch by your side.
You can even reach a high speed without feeling a sway at the back of your truck. The parts don’t squeak or vibration even on a front drive vehicle. For those of you who are new to the world of towing. That makes all the difference while towing a heavy load.
Who Should Buy This?
You need this if you have no prior experience of towing a large and heavy load. This could be your RV, boat, or a trailer. If you’re tired of paying an exorbitant amount on hitches, it’s time you bought this valuable one.
There’s a reason why this keeps selling despite the fact that it doesn’t come with its own hitch ball. It’s a beast in terms of durability and flexibility. The hitch offers practical features. Such as the promise of a no-bounce and noiseless ride on wavy roads.
You can also back up the trailer without removing the sway bars. And it puts more pressure on the front axle for better weight distribution.
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It’s not easy being the Pro Series 49903 Weight Distribution Hitch. For starters, it knows how to controls sway with confidence. This weight distribution hitch is constructed in such a way that it improves your vehicle’s efficiency.
It takes less to do more. Now isn’t that what you want from your weight distribution hitch? The product is more than complete and ready to be put to use. It has a 1,000 pounds round bar with a pre-installed hitch ball.
Install this kit on any towing vehicle. And it gives you top-level adjustability and control. It’s a breeze to use for as long as it’s installed well. You can easily search for an installation video online for this model.
All the parts are powder-coated and that means rugged and durable. So if you’re on the wrong side of the storm and getting the high winds. You don’t have to worry. Because the Pro Series 49903 can take the beating like a pro!
I don’t want to miss out on talking about the spring bars. They are a deciding factor, one of the top 5 factors, for a weight distribution hitch. The spring bars on this thing are forged steel. Coupled with adjustable spring bar tension.
During backing up or turning, they give the vehicle room to breathe. While maintaining stability and ruggedness in control. Another component that comes into play here is the head system.
The way it holds its U-bolts and screw heads is to die for. All the brackets complement the system head in a unique fashion. There’s enough room to accommodate any kind of towing vehicle. But you have to make sure you’re under the 10,000 max gross weight count.
Who Should Buy This?
Someone in need of a good friction sway control system in place. Where you don’t need to make a lot of changes before starting your ride. And where you have superior adjustability over how your towing vehicle runs on tricky intersections.
Once you get to know this beast a little bit more each day. You will realize it’s good for you in many ways. One of them being that it’s easy to set up. It works right out of the box. A big crowd-pleaser for anybody who wants to pull a heavy-duty trailer.
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I don’t have to convince you to buy the Husky 32218 Center Line TS. I’m going to rave about how it improves any towing experience instead. This weight distribution hitch combines the two most important features on the market.
And those are sway control and weight distribution. As you already know, if either one is interfered with, the entire system goes to waste. The engineers behind the Husky 32218 took this to heart.
And the result is a beast of a weight distribution hitch. With controls that are both far-ranging and rugged to use. Starting with its universal EZ adjust frame brackets. This feature is a head-turner because it demands nothing!
All you have to do is set it up to the system head. And you have a secure and solid hitch in place. And it’s more than willing to reduce noise, vibration, and sway on the road. Though the components are forged steel. This centerline TS is noiseless than ever.
The gross trailer weight is up to 12,000 pounds. And that is no problem as it gives high mileage even at low speed. So just relax and drive on either open or tight roads. The Husky 32218 Center Line TS knows how to keep things steady.
Who Should Buy This?
When you know there’s going to be a lot of side-to-side movement. You need the stability controls of this weight distribution hitch to see through it. The tension system of this model reduces kick-back. That means it keeps the frame in line eliminating unwanted flips on tricky intersections.
If you want to install the hitch lower than standard sizes. You can do so with this weight distribution hitch. It accommodates all practical mounts including the ones you couldn’t with the previous hitch.
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Husky Weight Distribution Hitches - Installation
There’s absolutely no denying that this one is an innovative plus modern towing device. It is designed to offer just the kind of weight distribution you require when on the road.
The Andersen Manufacturing No Sway Weight Distribution Towing Hitch makes your every ride safe and smooth. So you can easily tow your vehicle even on rough or dirty terrain.
But why should you consider buying it? Simply because the manufacturer is reliable! And also because the hitch doesn’t offer any vehicle-specific limitations. It works with just about any mode of transport you own.
The hitch is packed with only one pin removal. To make the experience even more convenient! This simplifies the job of detaching the hitch from the vehicle. I’m sure you want to hear such great news.
You might also like to know that no lubrication is needed. The coupler and ball move gently. Minus potential issues!
On top of that, the hitch springs are anti-bounce and anti-sway.
Let me also bring to your attention the unique dampening system. It eliminates bounce, which is responsible for balancing your trailer.
The No Sway Hitch uses chains for bracket attachments. Chains, NOT solid bars. Meaning the hitch is comparatively more lightweight than the others. It’s also one of the quietest working models out there.
Even though light in weight, the gross weight of the trailer it can carry is 14,000 pounds. As for the tongue capacity, it’s 1,400 pounds. Isn’t that excellent as far as performance goes?
Who Should Buy This?
No doubt the design of this No Sway Weight Distribution Hitch is unique. And that’s because it uses chains and a damper. Instead of the heavy spring bars! This is what helps in limiting the bouncing and swaying action that usually occurs. So you know what to turn to if you haul trailers.
It’s also important to point out that these chains are not at all difficult to adjust.
The hitching system is perfect for those who don’t have the brute strength for hooking, unhooking, and carrying around the hitch.Anderson hitches are much lighter. No matter the model! Even the connecting and disconnecting part is faster and easier.
So for straightforward setup and silent sway control, this is the hitch you should get.
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Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch with ground-breaking Anti-Sway, Anti-Bounce
Buying Guide
Weight distribution hitches are towing devices. That connect to your vehicle, right? The primary purpose here is to make sure that your trailer travels smoothly. And remains well-balanced throughout the journey. This means no swaying. And only the best weight distribution hitch can do that.
Don’t expect just about any towing device to have the capacity to distribute all that weight equally. Only the correct hitch has the ability to balance the load of your mode of transport. And now that you know the top 5 choices, let me get to the next part. The part where I talk about how to choose such a great product on your own!
1 Types of Weight Distribution Hitch
Let me get straight to the point here. There are three different kinds of hitches.
• Round Bar Hitch
The round bar type makes use of round sway bars. They connect to the bottom section of your trailer ballmount.
However, since they attach at the bottom, the hitches are not very suitable for potholes and bumps. But, overall, they work fine for the greater part.
• Trunnion Bar Hitch
This hitch is much the same. Except for the shape of the bars, which are square and not round. Also, these square-shaped sway bars demand no clips for fastening to the vehicle.
Look forward to trunnion bar hitches providing better ground clearance. In comparison to the previous type! Even though they are not the easiest to adjust in terms of height!
• Andersen Hitch
The Anderson style is very different from the two weight distribution hitches discussed above. This particular design employs chains and dampers. In place of sway bars that is! These chains and dampers mitigate and minimize most of the bouncing and swaying action.
That means no more having to bother yourself with chains. The hitch goes a long way when it comes to reducing trailer bounce. That’s for certain.
But, in my opinion, it’s better off not to focus much on the kind of weight distribution hitch. Instead, it’s the weight capacity that requires more attention. If the hitch you decide to buy has a weight rating suitable for your trailer, you’re alright. Also, make sure that it properly fits the receiver you want to tow.
2 Components of a Weight Distribution Hitch
There’s nothing lightweight about a weight distribution hitch. It comes with serious parts that require constant attention. Along the way, even if one part gets faulty, you need to know how to fix it or replace it. And how will you know what to replace?
Take some time to look at each individual part carefully.
• Trailer Hitch
Also known as a receiver or a tow hitch, it’s the only part connecting to the vehicle’s frame. The receiver has varied ways of hooking up to the vehicle. It’s either a sliding, hooking or pinning feature.
You can categorize a trailer hitch based on its weight. If you look at any hitch’s weight label. It comes with the hitch’s weight carrying and distributing capacity. As I will discuss, in detail, further on, those are two very different factors. If a hitch can carry a heavy load, that does not imply that it can distribute it.
If you find a tow hitch with no specified distribution weight, it’s no good for a weight distribution hitch.
• Adjustable Shank
The shank attaches itself to the trailer hitch. It’s the only part binding the main assembly with the trailer hitch. If this connection is severed, everything else falls apart.
Unlike a trailer hitch, a shank can have many sizes based on its drop, length, and rise. Remember, the shank size should fit with the trailer hitch. Otherwise, you won’t be able to slide the shank into the hitch even if you try!
The shank the only component that allows you to adjust the height the vehicle is at. This goes to show how rugged a shank is supposed to be in a weight distribution hitch.
• Ballmount
Also known as the equalizer head or head assembly. The ballmount is the engine that drives a weight distribution hitch. It holds the head, spring bars, ball, and bolt attachments. If a ballmount could talk, it would probably convince you of its powers.
Ball: The weight you’re carrying and distributing gets hooked with the ballmount. It’s a metal tube or bar at the center of the head assembly. Determining the size of the ballmount should be the same as the shank size.
If the vehicle bumps or skids on the road. It’s the job of the trailer ball to keep it steady.
Coupler: It’s also the responsibility of coupler which improves mobility. It sits on top of the ball and has a rotating element to it. Allowing the vehicle to cut corners and hit bumps without disconnecting from the head assembly.
Chain: You also have the safety chain or cables to maintain stability. A stand-alone safety cable is not enough to tow a heavy vehicle. But it’s a safety precaution for better control.
• Spring Bar
The spring bar in a weight distribution hitch has to be well-built. You will come across two types of spring bar assemblies. The first is the round style bar which slides in an upward direction toward the head. Then a set of clips keep the bar in place.
The second is a trunnion style bar which slides from either the back or sides. It, too, slides up to the head but without the help of clips.
You can choose a well-constructed and powdered spring bar. A durable coating gives it a longer shelf life. There are plenty of sizes and all of them are based on weight.
• Brackets
A spring bar is only effective when it is held in place with brackets. Different brackets have different functions across weight distribution hitches.
Snap-Up Brackets: This is the simplest type of bracket. As the name suggests, it uses chains that connect to the spring bar. The assembly has frames that the brackets are hooked to.
Friction Sway Control Brackets: High-quality distribution hitches have this type of configuration. They offer incredible stability and sway control. If you want to upgrade from standard brackets. This is the best system in place.
Rotating Brackets: Once you attach the bracket and the chain, you can adjust it using the handle. Keep rotating the handle until the connection is tight. To keep it from disconnecting, clip it using lock pins.
3 How to Control the ‘Sway’ Factor (Includes Sway Control)
It’s a common problem, the trailer swaying back and forth. But that doesn’t mean you should let it sway. It’s dangerous after all.
Reducing Sway
So here’s how you can reduce most of the swaying drama. More often than not, swaying is a result of the following three possibilities.
- Tongue Weight
Around 10-22 percent of the vehicle weight should rest on the towing device’s tongue. Otherwise, trailer sway takes control.
Let’s say the total trailer weight is 2000 pounds. So the tongue weight should be 200 pounds.
- Tires
Do they have the correct air pressure? Is the size of all the tires the same when inflated? You need to know the answers to these questions. As tires also tend to increase sway!
- Gusty Winds
It’s best to keep away from gusty winds. And here’s how you can do that.
- Make sure your steering wheel is steady.
- Don’t increase speed because that’s what sways the trailer vigorously.
- Use just the brakes of the trailer to minimize sway gradually.
Preventing Sway
Keep in mind that every weight distribution hitch features sway control. It’s what prevents the unfortunate swaying action. But not all systems apply the same method. So now is the time to find out the two different types of sway controls.
- Dual-Cam
It’s a sliding tool that suspends the hitch’s spring bars. Each cam bolt connects to the frame of your trailer. One end goes there and the other in the bracket created for lifting. The hooked and rounded ends of the spring bars sit in those cams.
For natural interaction, the spring bars positioning is such that it keeps the entire hitching mechanism in place. In fact, it also enables enough movement.
- 4-Point
An integrated sway control, the 4-point kind, is found only in a few weight distribution units. Such a system depends on the safety connection inside the head. This is where the spring bars position lies tightly. To make way for optimal tension!
4 How Much Weight Can a Vehicle Tow
There’s a lot that goes into putting up with the best weight distribution hitch. And one of the main factors of consideration is its tongue weight capacity. You need the measurement of two different weights to get to the bottom of this. And what are they?
They’re tongue weight and gross trailer weight. These distinct weight ratings set the tone of how much weight can the hitch tow.
The gross or total trailer weight is the same as that of the load and the hitch. Both measurements are combined to give you the total weight.
The tongue weight capacity is the hitch’s capacity for any particular cargo or load. So it concerns what goes on behind the axle of your towing vehicle.
This makes the gross trailer weight higher than the tongue weight. You will lose balance over distribution overweight if this isn’t up to scale. That means the tongue weight is either more or extremely less than 15% of the gross trailer weight. This will cause the trailer to tip over or sway even on a straight road.
You need to understand what a hitch does in this scenario. It does not elevate the weight capacity of a tow vehicle. Rather it distributes the significant load to take pressure off the tongue weight.
You can’t have too much loading weight that holds steady without a hitch. Your tow vehicle is not well-equipped to handle such heavy capacities. For that, you will need a proper tongue weight capacity of a hitch.
You need to buy the closest to your towing needs. So if you’re towing 400 pounds of tongue weight with 100 pounds of cargo. You get a gross trailer weight of about 500 pounds. You don’t need a hitch that has a tongue weight of 1,000 pounds. The closest to 600 pounds of tongue weight is helpful. A 1,000 pounds tongue weight will be dangerous to take out on the road.
You need to reduce the gap between the hitch’s tongue weight and the vehicle’s gross weight as carefully as possible.
5 How to Set Up a Weight Distribution Hitch
I’ll take you through the steps to install a weight distribution hitch. It’s not hard once you pen down all its basics. And these instructions are especially a breeze when you already know a bit about weight distribution hitches.
Before we get into the details, here’s a simple tip. You know what makes a good weight distribution setup? It’s when the weight of the towing vehicle is 50% less than the weight of the trailer. The trailer can be any load that you’re carrying. If this setup is in place, it makes for a smoother and easier ride.
- Adjusting the level of the trailer
You need to do the leveling of the trailer before attaching the hitch. So when the trailer you’re connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle. Both have to be parallel to the ground during loading.
A simple measurement between the ground to the front and back panel is enough. Do this for the towing vehicle and trailer.
Leveling both vehicles also includes the wheel opening. You need to know the exact difference in measurement of the front and back wheel. This determines the height of the towing vehicle and trailer.
- Getting the head assembly set up
The shank is the first component that needs installing. You can either slide or plug it into the receiver. Once the vehicles are level, as done already, the receiver on both sides is not in the same line. The receiver on one is either higher or lower than the other.
Once the shank is in place, you need to attach the head assembly. This is what holds the hitch ball and spring bars also. This paves the way for how you set up the rest of the weight distribution system.
- Installing the weight distribution system
Starting with the spring bars that are connected to a pair of chains. Whether it’s a trunnion or round spring bar system. The pair of chains connected to the spring bar increase their pressure.
The chains are often connected to brackets that hang below the trailer. With such a setup, the bars are pushed down due to the pressure of the tongue weight. And as a result, the chains attached under the bar come up.
If you don’t install the spring bars correctly. It may interfere with the way the axles on either side balance the tongue weight.
What comes next is the hitch ball. The way you use nuts and bolts to install the shank. You need to do the same for the hitch ball to the main head. Remember, you want the head assembly to be slightly lower than the level of the ball.
The coupler goes above the hitch ball in between the tow vehicle and trailer. You don’t want the tongue weight to slide off the ball without a secured coupler. You can then use a tongue jack to level the tongue weight with the rest of the hitch.
Note: The leveling of the hitch ball cannot be done in guesswork. You need to set up the ball first and then make further adjustments. Make sure everything is level. This includes the chain links, bars, ball, and the tongue jack.
6 How to Stay Safe While Towing
This is part of your training for using a weight distribution hitch. Ask any expert and they’ll tell you how important this is. By now you’ve figured that driving with a heavy weight is not a simple task. There’s a lot that comes into play with an extra pair of wheels and the heavy hitch.
So what do you do? You don’t overlook anything no matter how trivial. You keep an eye on small details, it affects everything else. The following are some of the best safe towing tips I’ve received, in a while. I’m passing it on to you because I want you to have the best towing experience of your life!
- Keep tabs on towing weight
You won’t know which weight distribution hitch to buy without this. How else will you know the ideal size of a hitch to buy? Keeping a check on your trailer weight capacity is necessary. You prevent accidents, damages, and hold-ups in your towing journey.
- Distribute your towing load evenly
This means keep the load in balance. Imagine you’re carrying something heavy by yourself. It wouldn’t do if one side of the object is heavier than the other. You’ll fall where it’s the heaviest because of uneven weight distribution.
The same logic applies to when you’re towing using a weight distribution hitch. If what you’re towing are cartons, for example. Make sure they’re even on both sides so the weight manages itself.
Research suggests that for towing 60% of the weight goes up front. The tongue should have the least amount of pressure as that ensures a smoother drive. And it keeps the hitch steady when you turn corners or hit bumps in the road.
- Get your car ready
Imagine what would happen if your brakes a faulty. Or when you fail to re-adjust your vehicle’s mirror. You’re setting yourself up for a smooth ride when you pay attention to the small details.
For example, when towing a large load, it can obstruct the view. You will end up with lots of blind spots to cover. But with an extended side-mirror attached. Your visibility will be effectively unobstructed.
The second most thing is the brakes. Trailers with functioning electric brakes need a brake controller to tow. You will also have to connect the towing vehicle with a brake cable for emergency uses.
It’s obvious that when towing a vehicle. There’s more pressure on both your vehicle’s tires. Whether they’re overinflated or underinflated. Such inconsistencies can really harm your towing experience.
Verdict
So what’s the moral of the story here? That it’s important to get the best weight distribution hitch. And also that there’s no room for any indecisiveness or confusion. Especially when the topic choice is the EAZ LIFT Elite 48056-A Weight Distribution Hitch.
This towing device keeps your vehicle perfectly balanced. Thanks to its phenomenal sway control feature. The 4-point system offers enough resistance. So your trailer doesn’t waver. The design of this 48056-A model is perfect for RVs. Along with most other bumper-pull trailers! As a matter of fact, even boats.
So place all your trust in the EAZ LIFT Elite 48056-A Weight Distribution Hitch. And in the other four options I have reviewed in this article.
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