When Should You Use A Weight Distribution Hitch

Question:

Hi, thanks to your website and several others Ive learned a great deal about proper towing. Making sure to follow vehicle ratings, trailer ratings, equipment ratings, etc. My question is... would a wd hitch actually negatively impact my towing experience? Tow vehicle- 07 f150 fx4 5.4L super crew * tow capacity-somewhere between 7500-9000lbs * tongue weight- 500ish * gvwr- 7200lb * curb weight- 5500lb Being towed- 88 chaparral 195xlc boat * approximate boat weight- 2500lbs * approximate trailer weight- 1000lbs * approximate loaded towing weight- 3800lbs * approximate tongue weight- 100lbs havent measured the actual yet but can pick the front up by hand Now I know everything about this trailer falls within spec for the truck and my equipment except that the trailers tongue weight is LESS than the recommended 10-15. Would a weight distribution hitch be recommended AGAINST in this scenario due to these specs? Im soon to be traveling close to 1000 miles and want as comfortable a ride as possible while minimizing any sway. I will be using an anti sway system with my hitch but Im wondering if I should leave the distribution bars at home?

asked by: Ryan

Helpful Expert Reply:

Even if you are within the towing limits set by your equipment, vehicle manufacturer, etc., there are other indicators that you may benefit from a weight distribution hitch, including:

Your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50% of your vehicle's weight (GVWR)
The rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up
You experience trailer sway
Your tow vehicle's headlights point upward
You find it difficult to steer or stop your rig
You want to tow to the highest capacity allowed by your trailer hitch

If you said yes to any of the points above then you would want to use a weight distribution hitch. That being said, if you use a weight distribution hitch rated too high over your tongue weight then yes, you would have a negative experience while towing your boat trailer. I recommend using one closer to your estimated tongue weight like the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0450. This hitch will require you to purchase a hitch ball with a 1" diameter shank. You can use the Tow Ready Hitch Ball # 63845 if your trailer requires a 2" ball to mount or the Curt Hitch Ball # C40005 if your trailer requires a 2-5/16" ball.

I highly recommend getting an accurate measurement of your tongue weight to ensure you're using the correct rated equipment. If you have any cargo in the bed of your truck behind the rear axle that will also count towards your tongue weight as well.