Can a Unibody Vehicle Use Weight Distribution or Sway Control?
Question:
Whats the physics with a unibody and weight distribution hitches? Im getting mixed messages.
asked by: Michael S
Expert Reply:
This is a great question. I called my contact at Progress Manufacturing (creator of Equalizer and FastWay Weight Distribution products) to pick his brain on this topic. He explained that weight distribution (WD) and sway control products rely on leverage to work properly, which requires the body of the vehicle to be rigid enough to withstand the force. Unibody vehicles are typically not as strong or rigid and therefore cannot typically handle the same loads and stresses of a body-on-frame or ladder-style frame vehicle when it comes to towing and using WD or sway control.
The unibody structure is popular because it helps reduce weight and improves ride quality and fuel economy. So, it's not going anywhere. Engineering and material capabilities continue to improve each year, and unibody vehicles continue to improve. We've seen this with some vehicle manufacturers whose first unibody designs were not able to use WD, but later models are now rated for use with WD.
So, to determine a particular vehicle or model year's compatibility with WD or sway control, the best thing to do is consult the specifications in the the owner's manual or contact the dealer or vehicle manufacturer directly.
I've provided a link to our FAQ article on WD and to a video of WD in action. Also check out the product page for Equalizer's 4 point Sway Control WD system, part # EQ37060ET for some great info.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: ProPride 3P Weight Distribution Hitch w/ Sway Control for 2" Receivers - 10K GTW, 1K TW
- Video: Review of Air Lift Vehicle Suspension - 1000 Air Helper Springs Rear Coil Spring - AL57JQ
- Video: Review of Air Lift Vehicle Suspension - Air Helper Springs For Rear Coil Springs - AL42WQ
- Q&A: Availability of Air Lift Air Helper Springs For a 2022 Ford Maverick
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 4,000 lbs GTW, 400 lbs TW
- Shop: Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
- Shop: Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
- Shop: RV Roof Membrane
- Shop: Alpha Systems Alphabond Repair Tape for RV Roofs - 10' Long x 4" Wide - Black
- Search Results: rtc14
- Search Results: rlt600
- Search Results: va165b
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: Weight Distribution with Sway Control for Audi Q5 with OEM 2 inch Receiver Towing A Scamp Trailer
- Q&A: Is a Trailer Hitch for 2016 Porsche Cayenne Compatible with Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: Is There a Hitch Rated For Use With Weight Distribution On A 2020 Porsche Cayenne
- Q&A: Equalizer Weight Distribution Solution for 2022 Forest River GeoPro G19FDS
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Q&A: Can I Use a Weight Distribution Hitch on a 2020 Kia Telluride
- Q&A: Does the Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera Need To Be Covered During Winter
- Video: Curt Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Kia Telluride
- Search Results: air bags
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System Review RU-18-TA-00302588