Alternatives for Trailer Hitches That Do Not Allow for the Use of a Weight Distribution System
Question:
Not interested in that much modifying the vehicle springs but the anti sway shock seems good. It says "does not allow backing up" though and sooner or later I am going to. I don't want to have to step out of the car to detach something to do that. Will I be able to back up, or will this overextend or compress the bar too much? Since I have you, might as well ask which of youir wireless brake activators you recommend. I am going to use the power port in the car for it and don't want to mount it although if there is a cell phone mount that would work that would be fine. Also am going to get a wireless back up camera (or to see how many cars I am holding up) so if there is a combined unit that would be cool.
asked by: Jeff
Expert Reply:
I do have ways to help with trailer sway and vehicle sag on your 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan but none of the trailer hitch receivers they have for your vehicle are compatible with a weight distribution system. Load leveling is what Volkswagen calls what we refer to as weight distribution.
A weight distribution system is never going to be required however, if the gross trailer weight (GTW) of your trailer is more than 50% of the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) for your vehicle, the use of a weight distribution system is recommended but not required. Although your trailer hitch is not rated for weight distribution, I have two products that will essentially take its place.
In order to help support the added tongue weight from the trailer on your vehicle which will in turn level the load across the axles, I recommend using the Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs part # F4176. The coil-rite airbags install inside your vehicle's coil springs and are adjustable meaning you can adjust the level of support/leveling needed.
In order to combat trailer sway you will need to add a friction style sway bar like the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit part # 83660. The sway control bar attaches to your ball mount and trailers a-frame. The sway control bar will then limit the amount of side to side movement (sway) that can occur with your trailer while in motion. The only other item you will need to install this kit on your trailer is a mounting tab for the ball mount for which I recommend using the Reese Sway-Control Bracket part # RP26003.
I have attached a review video of the sway bar and airbags for you to take a look at as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
Reese Sway-Control Bracket for 2" Ball Mounts - Class III and IV
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Sway Control Parts
- Brackets
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Firestone Coil-Rite Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Light Duty
- Firestone
more information >
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Jeff
12/31/2017
Not interested in that much modifying the vehicle springs but the anti sway shock seems good. It says "does not allow backing up" though and sooner or later I am going to. I don't want to have to step out of the car to detach something to do that. Will I be able to back up, or will this overextend or compress the bar too much? Since I have you, might as well ask which of youir wireless brake activators you recommend. I am going to use the power port in the car for it and don't want to mount it although if there is a cell phone mount that would work that would be fine. Also am going to get a wireless back up camera (or to see how many cars I am holding up) so if there is a combined unit that would be cool.