Can I Use a Weight Distribution Hitch Without the Weight Distribution Bars Installed?

Question

Question:

I am putting my trailer into storage an wonder if I can just tow with just the weight distribution hitch without installing the bars or if I need to use a different trailer hitch for short tow distances. My trailer is light enough that a weight distribution hitch was not required.

asked by: Dan T

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes. If you don't need the weight distribution bars attached to carry the trailer to storage, you can absolutely use just the WD hitch head and ball to tow the trailer. It will work just like a ball mount.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

Greg W.

11/10/2021

I have a Reese weight distribution hitch. One of the pins that holds the bar next to the ball has broken. Will the weight hold it on the ledge on the camper or am I ok to drive with one?

Reply

Les D.

11/12/2021

In order to give you the correct part, can you provide us the Reese part/model number for your WD hitch? I have attached a document that has an exploded view of a Reese hitch. Which part did you break? Number 18, or 3 or 4, or other? This is used for example. We still need the actual model number If you are asking about driving with part number 18 missing - you cannot!

Helpful Links

https://www.reeseprod.com/product-assets/install/n49913.pdf

Reply

Greg W.

11/12/2021

@LesD Thanks. I actually got a replacement locally, so it's all good. Thanks for replying.

Reply

Answer 1

What I think you are asking about is replacement parts for a Reese Weight Distribution System. The Reese and Draw-Tite products are manufactured by the same parent company so depending on what site you are looking at you may have part numbers or…

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Answer 2

Thank you for the pictures. From them I can tell that you have a Reese trunnion style weight distribution system. Which makes the Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System #RP58167 the correct replacement head for your system.

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Answer 3

In regards to the B&W Tow & Stow 3-Ball Mount part #BWTS10048B for 5" or part #BWTS10049B for 7", the distance from the top of the shank to the bottom of the upright while the hitch balls are stowed away is 8.5" for the 5"…

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Answer 4

You can tow a trailer with a weight distribution setup that does not have the spring bars connected. As long as the head of the system is attached to the shank properly (there's no reason it wouldn't be) it would work just as well as a…

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Answer 5

For your R-pod travel trailer, the biggest issue you will face is sway , so I recommend he Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Round Bar - 10,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW #RP66086 which is rated for total tongue weight between 200 and…

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Answer 6

The difference between the two systems is basically the attachment point. One is not better than the other except that the trunnion bars are a little easier to install than the round bars that require a clip to hold them into the head. For the round…

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Answer 7

The round or trunnion bars refers to the end of the spring bars. Round bars are typically designed for lighter applications, are a bit harder to install and are usually priced lower than trunnion bars. Trunnion bars are typically designed to be used…

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Answer 8

You wouldn't want to try and move a trailer up an incline with the MT70881. The dolly itself would be fine but you would most likely not be able to pull that heavy of a trailer up an incline. And then if you somehow did get it going up the…

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Answer 9

The working load limit is the safe working load limit for the strap. The max break strength instead is how much weight it will hold right before it breaks. Basically WLL is 1/3 the max break strength. The part #IMF14393 has a 1,500 lb max break…

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Answer 10

Great questions! The safe working load limit that you see on products like the Curt Safety Chain Quick Link #C82932 has to do with everyday use. So, if you were to use this quick link to regularly pull something Fulton doesn't recommend exceeding…

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Answer 11

There is one superb option to carry your RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike, which is definitely a unique bike, with a wheelbase of about 50 inches and weighing in at over 70 lbs. With those specs the best bike rack for your RadWagon is the Hollywood Racks…

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Answer 12

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the 2018 Jayco Hummingbird 16FD travel trailer is 3500-lbs; this is the most it can weigh when fully loaded. Since properly loaded trailers have tongue weight (TW) in the range of 12- to 14-percent of the…

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Can I Use a Weight Distribution Hitch Without the Weight Distribution Bars Installed?

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