Weight Distribution Hitches Explained - How They Work, Why You Need One
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- Опубліковано 20 лют 2020
- Today we delve into the black magic that is the weight distributing hitch, also called "load leveling hitch" or "weight distribution hitch." This is the ultimate trifecta of poorly understood, infrequently used, and absolutely essential...
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As one of our viewers pointed out, a weight distributing hitch can end up also shifting some weight from the tongue back onto the trailer's axle(s) depending on teh exact situation. However in our quick and dirty test with a load cell accurate to within 10 pounds, we noticed no rearward weight transfer but it is possible.
I appreciate the follow up, but the linked youtube video shows a signifcant 365 pounds being transferred back to the trailer, with a similar weighted test you used for your video. I will agree that it's probably highly variable, but still, it might be nice to discover and test for exactly what causes a 10 pound difference in one case vs 365 in another.
ua-cam.com/video/XBZu39pQ8Gg/v-deo.html
@@JohnSmith-ev1sm We would need an identical trailer and tow vehicle to replicate their findings, I can only comment on ours. It should also be mentioned that this does not change the recommendation that tongue weight should be 10-15% of trailer weight.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide
At the 1:14 minute mark, you have a blow up picture of a weight distribution hitch covering your face while talking. Then, you make it smaller so that your audience can see your mug [face]. Nobody wants to see your ugly mug, or mine for that matter, when talking and showing truck/trailer accessories. I had to pause the video to see all of the weight distribution hitch components. Great video anyways. I did, however, laugh at your 'reasons not to' use a WDH list. That how some truck owners are in my area. Irresponsible people, they are.
@@JohnSmith-ev1sm , Scales and a scientific measuring system used in the video you linked.
It's not that it *can* shift weight back to the trailer axle, it's that it *will* increase the weight on the rear axle--by the laws of physics. A weight "distribution" device is very aptly named as that is exactly what it does. Think of it this way: The more pressure you put on that distribution device, the more weight gets distributed on *both* sides of the fulcrum point. In fact, if you cranked it up hard enough (assuming the device is strong enough and has enough adjustability) you could potentially lift the rear wheels off the ground, in which case, you'd effectively have a bus with a very large front-to-rear wheelbase. Of course, more of the weight would be on the front wheels simply because the center of gravity is toward the front (due to engine and cabin placement mostly). So, maybe you'd have something like a 30/70 weight distribution front/rear. But 30% of the total weight (truck+trailer) is far greater than the trailer weight alone. For example, take a 7,500 lb truck and a 1,500lb trailer = 9k lbs total; with an estimated 30/70 distribution, that would put 2,700 lbs on the trailer's rear axle (1200 lbs extra) in the most extreme distribution example. Of course, nobody would crank up the distribution arms that much, but I'm making a point to help you see how this works. Anyway, with every crank of that distribution device, you'd effectively be increasing your trailer's axle weight from the original 1500 lbs *toward* that maximum (2700 lbs in my example). All I can say is that your test was flawed or the laws of physics are not at play in your part of the world.
Thank you - for speaking clearly and concisely; for not filming yourself with a one-handed camera approach; for not playing music while teaching; for having great graphics and props; and for leaving all the jargon out with which the average viewer may not be familiar. Great video. Maybe in your free time you can explain why the American League has the Designated Hitter rule?!
I wanted to understand how trailer weight distribution works, not just how to set it up, and this is the best explanation I've found after watching 10 UA-cam videos. Well done, thanks!
I am not an experienced tow person and only came here to understand the concept better. I understand it MUCH better when you use the term 'load leveling hitch' than 'weight distribution hitch' and the show and tell description with the 2 metal bars explained it clearly. Thanks!!
One of the better videos on the subject. Although not specifically stated, this video implies the idea of weight distribution is between the front and rear axles and not between the tow vehicle and the trailer. I think this is key in understanding the use and purpose of the weight distribution hitch. I also appreciated the overview of the sway bar, when to use it and when not to use it.
Wow! I am thoroughly convinced that we’d been towing wrong or just wee bit unsafe all these years. Very very informative and helpful.
Will be towing to Death Valley come this December and will BE USING these hitch tools for added safety and peace of mind for my family. Thank you!!🙏🏻
Fantastic, best explanation I’ve seen by a mile!
Alex, excellent video. The production value is great. I appreciate the work you put into this. I think I finally understand what WD hitches are all about now!
I'll be sharing this with my family. I've been telling everyone that they need one, but have not been able to explain it as well as you just did 👍
Thanks for this video. I am an Engineering Professor and have a homework problem on weight distribution hitches. I recommend to my students that they watch your video for a good explanation on how they work.
good video, great advice about towing with an SUV. I always tow with an Equal-i-zer hitch because the the sway control is built in and I don't need to remove the sway brake to back up or turn tightly. Happy Towing!
Wow TFL didn't even explain it this good because I would of remembered it.
@Benjamin Burkhardt
How so? Please, provide some factual evidence to back up your claim.
@@Sig721Tau chill out
@@Sig721Tau , Alex has appeared in TFL videos.
TFL lacks any mechanical knowledge. He's a computer nerd
SrE. Zzrzrze. Atz
Thank you. You are a gifted explainer. Your cadence and delivery are flawless. Keep up the good work.
This is one of the best videos on UA-cam the explains the mechanics on how WD works. Thanks for the detailed explanation @ Alex. I use the Husky Centerline TS WD system on my 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 when towing a 7K flatbed trailer. Knowing the actual tongue weight for each load out is the key to getting the WD setup properly. I use a Sherman 2,000 lb. tongue weight scale to get the tongue weight measurement for the varying trailer loads, then adjust WD springs accordingly. With WD I can tow comfortably with a full load as the truck/trailer combination is well-balanced.
Thank you for this! You both explained what these are and how they work, but ALSO mentioned why our Land Rover mechanic said to not use one despite basically everywhere else saying we should.
Dude, you're the man. This was SO helpful. I've never hauled anything bigger than a small, 6' trailer. We just purchased a truck and will be hauling a travel trailer for the next year, touring the country. I read a few suggestions about these things, and really needed someone to explain how they work to me. You did just that.
Thanks again for taking the time to upload this!
Thanks for telling how it works rather than just what it does! Looked at several other videos and articles and none of them described how it actually works!
It's not often I take time to compliment an educational video, but then it's not often they deserve one. THIS ONE, however is the BEST i've ever seen. Being an engineer type (formerly a telemetry engineer) I figured I should be able to understand how a weight distributing hitch works but never did grasp it till this video. I now understand completely and will certainly use one on my 3500 lb. camper trailer. Thank you Alex.
Very good video, this explained it better than any other video I've seen yet. Just remember all, no anti-sway when driving in snow or ice.
I don't tow or even have a trailer, but I always wanted to know distribution hitch worked. Thanks for making a great video.
REALLY good video. I've seen these, but looking at them couldn't picture how they work. I was actually going to ask a question regarding a smaller load behind a smaller tow vehicle, and by the end you had answered EXACTLY the question I had. Buying one tomorrow. Thanks!
Great vid Alex, I finally understand that stuff. Thanx dude.
Another sensible and great explaining video overall Alex. I’ve subscribed long ago and shared about your great UA-cam channel again and again. Keep up the great work.
I'm a big fan of your channel. Thank you for being informative and honest.
I love these kinds of videos, so different from the usual content everyone puts out 👍
Now this is a very well detailed video. I'm a rookie but now feel more comfortable at towing. Thankyou for this video and keep up the great work!!
I didn't know I needed one, now I do thanks. I didn't know I needed a trailer like yours now I do.....Great presentation.
This is a great video. I've rarely seen one of these hitches, and I just thought it was weird. Now I know more and think it's great! Thanks for the concise info!
That was very well done. I purchased a used 20' travel trailer today upgrading from an older, smaller one. The RV tech set it up and showed me how to go through assembly but I didn't understand how it worked. On the ride home, I did notice that my front was pointed correctly, unlike the 500lb lighter trailer I traded in. Assembly is an extra chore but OK if you stay the night without unhitching the trailer.
13:50 - The "belt and suspenders" approach never hurt anyone! Be aware that you've put the friction anti-sway bar on in reverse order, Alex... and be aware that you should not overtighten them, otherwise they will break! Great video, as always, Alex!
Absolutely excellent video and advise Alex. This is why you are unparalleled. 👍
Excellent, thanks for doing this. Now, how to think about adding air suspension and/or a weight distributing hitch. Many thanks!
Fascinating. Always wanted to know about this. Thanks for sharing!
Nothing fancy, just clear, concise information. Thank you so much
Best explanation I’ve seen. Now I get how these things work. 🇨🇦👍🏼
Best Explanation I have heard In 5 years of towing my Trailer !!
Thank you so much for the explanation. I am picking up my new little travel trailer today, they are installing one of these, but I had no idea why I needed it. I've always had motorhomes before, and never pulled a trailer other than a small utility trailer. Now I will have a better understanding when they explain it to me at the dealer!!
Very informative. Thanks for posting.
A great video, I just bought a caravan and it has a weight distribution hitch however whether this is correct for my vehicle I don't know but will find out.
What is needed is to remember that this is actually a physics problem and so working out or having a qualified person to work out the correct hitch is important.
Your so spot on about speed, so many people drive a truck thinking it's a car and without thinking tow a trailer and still think they should drive the same way.
Very well done video, I never fully understood the physics involved with these but do now. Thank you very much and keep up the good work!
Great and well synthesized information about the ins and outs of weight distribution.
Searched for a while landed on this video. Hands down, the best video on this topic. Thank you!
Great video..Clear, concise and easy to understand..thanks!!!
Thanks very much for clearly, concisely, and quickly explaining this. Well done!
We had a single-axle travel trailer that I loved when it was parked, but hated towing it to and from. "Had" as in sold it because of that because it would porpoise up-and-down like crazy. It was a 3,500lb trailer that towed okay when completely empty, but when loaded it was just awful. Could only carry a little in the trailer which had to be loaded rear of the trailer axle and everything else had to go in the back of the F150 (with extreme towing package), which wasn't optimal, either. Even the two full propane tanks were too much on the front of the trailer and had to go in the pickup. Using a weight distribution hitch would probably have made the towing much better. So now we're shopping for a new dual-axle travel trailer... and a weight distribution hitch!
I bought a travel trailer and was given a weight distribution hitch and those sway bar friction brakes and I had no idea how to use them! Thank you so much for this explanation!!!
Great video Alex! Just the information I was looking for. Appreciate it!
An important topic overall. When considering to pull any trailer, this is a must. Some manuals point out that it’s a legal obligation and if you don’t, it’s legally called “negligence” and one can be sued without any insurance coverage because thou was being too cheap or too proud or similar and really, “negligent” in the eyes of the law. Also, consider the fact that employing such a weight distribution & sway control hitch (i.e. The Equal-i-zer), you can avoid hurting loved ones or others because your vehicle won’t lose control and worse.
Thank you very much for this excellent explanation of a weight distributing hitch!
Thank you! This is one of the most easiest UA-cam channels to understand.
Thank you! Very informative video!
Excellent video. I learned a lot. Thank you! Very well explained and you very effectively communicated your points. Well done.
Excellent video, quick and to the point. Clear and relevant information. Thank you!
Thanks you for the info. Great video.
After watching your video i was surprised that trailer safety products have taken until now to improve. Good job!!
Great video and explanation! We recently got our 1st travel trailer 24ft Jayco from a friend of ours, Wright distribution hitch is new for me as my aluminum boat trailer doesn’t need weight distribution very light aluminum boat. Thank you
Great video thanks. I have Ann Xterra soon to be towing a RV trailer and will definitely get one.
Fantastic video. Thanks for doing it.
Excellent video as always.
Best video on the subject I have found, very good and clear info.
Awesome video. Very informative overall!
Minor correction... weight is shifted off the towing vehicle rear wheels to BOTH the tow vehicle front wheels AND to the trailer wheels. This became an issue when I towed a travel trailer with a 3500 lb axel rating.
Correct. And not pointing this out to people can cause smaller trailers with only a single axle to shift more weight over that single axle and that might be undesirable if that axle is already beyond its safe working limit.
These hitches are so underrated. Having all of that extra weight put on the front axle aids so much in steering feel and trailer sway. I recommend the Equalizer WDH with sway control.
Thank you sir for this I jus bout a camping trailer and have a Tundra and never towed before, looked and looked for a video detailing this took me awhile to find but very grateful I found your video,
thank you
Informative video, concise and with theory and demonstration. Love it. 2 thumbs up
Only today came across this vid. I love that you have the Rivian concept image on the shelf behind you.
Thanks, really helpful video to a newbie and a trailer.
thanks so much for this video. I will be using this with a toy hauler trailer bumper pull and I am glad I wont have to adjust it everytime but whee do I unhook it if I need to leave my trailer set up and do I have to jack up the truck each time I put it back on? Sorry I'm a newbie
This was very good thank you!
Thank you for this video. I've towed lots with various vehicles etc. Buddy bought a camper, to tow behind his trailblazer. Sent puc of camper.. Nice! Pic if camper on his vehicle... i was like ""Dude.. you need an equalizer hitch..." lol
Then i finally found your vid to explain it.. thanks! So clear n concise! ❤
Thanks for the bonus of the sway control! Wasn't sure if I'd need two or one.
This is really well done. Thank you
Logic tells you if you’re towing 10000 pounds with a half ton you could probably use a three quarter ton
Towing 10,000 pounds with any half ton is just plain stupid.
@@michalp2362 That's your opinion. Had no problem hauling a fully loaded 28ft toy hauler that weighed just around 10k lbs using a 2003 Silverado 1500 with 10 ply tires, electric brakes, a load-leveling hitch with sway control on a 800 mile round trip to the desert and that was with the small 4.8L LS and a 4L60E transmission.
Lol
Strictly depends on the truck and your setup.
Well fk what the factory says I can tow. Some random people on UA-cam set me straight.
Excellent video for a subject I did not know anything about. Great job sir. 🏆
Excellent video!! Well done!!
This was very good thank you.
Dude, this was so helpful. Thank you!
This was very helpful, thanks!
Excellent video. Thank you.
Great description, thanks!
Very clear. Very thorough. Thank you.
Aaaaahhhhhh i was wondering how they worked. Very simple and clear. Thanks dude.
Excellent explanation.
Thank you so much, you cleared a doubt that I had that not even technicians at rv places and not even in uhaul knew how to respond: The weight range for weight distribution hitchs.
I have a trailer that will have around 560 dry tongue weight, and there is a kit from the husky that is 400 to 600. then 600 to 800. And a similar hitch (a copy may be) at harbour freight that says "up to 1000lbs" I was going to buy the harbour freight one since had great reviews and it costs HALF than husky or curt. I asked arround and all people told me "yeah its ok while you are in less than 1000lbs" But now I understand that must be between a range since those "spring bars" will bend accord and if I use a heavier trailer will go up since they are harder .
Or at least thats what I understood hahaha
THANKS again
Andersen WD hitch with built-in sway control is something to be considered. It has its limitations, but easy to hook up and can do tight turns without the need to disengage the sway control mechanism.
Good video. Great and simple explanation of the sometimes over mystified topic.
Wow thanks for this, extremely helpful.
Thanks, great explanation.
Thanks this cleared up a lot for me!
I LUV YOU. THANK YOU THANK YOU for eliminating the confusion.
Best explanation that I find!
Great video. Thank you
Very helpful-Thank you !
Great information! I burned out my shoulder because the truck was laden down driving 900 miles.
Thank you!
Presentation clear and informative
Excellent explanation, im a believer.
Great explanation.
Excellent video.
Nicely done! Thanks!
Finally, i got this. No need to look for another videos. That's it! Thanks for video !!! 👍
Great video! Thanks