Is a Weight Distribution System Always Required When Towing a Trailer

Question:

Are weight distrubuting hitches always required when pulling trailers? Or are there some tow vehicle trailer combinations which dont require weight distrubuting hitches? Also, do they ever reduce turning radius? Thank you for any help you can provide here.

asked by: Stephen W

Expert Reply:

We recommend using a weight distribution system when the trailer is at least half the curb weight of the tow vehicle. If the trailer is lighter than that you wouldn't see very much benefit from a weight distribution system.

When it comes to reducing the turn radius, this is a thing but only for really tight turns like if you need to back into a tight parking space. Usually in that situation you're looking at disconnecting the weight distribution system anyways so you have more control and you don't have to worry about a bar slipping out of the bracket system.

One other thing to note is when you're choosing a system you need to make sure you're basing it off of the loaded tongue weight of the trailer, and that your trailer tongue weight is within 10%-15% of the total weight of your trailer for best towing performance.

For example, the Blue Ox TrackPro Weight Distribution # BLU36FR has a tongue weight range of 200 lbs - 600 lbs so if your tongue weight falls within this range you will see the best perfromance and get some use out of your setup.

expert reply by: Jon G