Weight Distribution/Sway Control Hitch for Haulmark 4-Snowmobile Trailer  

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A weight distribution hitch, either with or without sway control, is called for under specific towing circumstances: if your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50 percent of your vehicle's weight (GVWR); if the rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up; or if your vehicle headlights point upward. These and other conditions that merit a WD system are detailed in the linked article.

Usually the spring bar brackets for a weight distribution (WD) system are not welded in place, but it is always possible that a previous owner did so. You'll need to first make sure your hitch is rated for use with WD by checking its safety warning sticker. You will also need to make sure that there is enough room for the spring bar brackets of the system you select. Usually these brackets mount on the trailer frame between 24- and 30-inches behind the hitch ball. Feel free to submit a photo of your trailer tongue area so we can see exactly what you've got.

You can select a system based on your trailer's fully-loaded ready-to-tow tongue weight. This is the key for choosing a system that has stiff enough spring bars to push the tongue weight onto the tow vehicle's front axle without being so stiff that it results in erratic handling. Ideally your actual measured tongue weight will fall in the mid-to-upper-end of a system's operating range. Please refer to the linked article on tongue weight for more information.

You can use the link provided to select a system based on your measured TW. I suggest a system with sway prevention, which stops sway from starting in the first place, rather than one that corrects it after it starts. For example, for a 700-lb TW Reese offers an excellent option in their Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66084 which uses trunnion style bars that offer excellent ground clearance.

expert reply by: Adam R

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