Do I really need an equalizer hitch?

A weight distribution hitch is an essential piece of equipment when it comes to towing anything behind your vehicle. Towing a trailer, pop-up camper, or anything that is a considerable weight means you should have a weight distribution hitch installed.

When should you use a weight distribution hitch?

When are these weight distributing hitches required by law? The best rule of thumb is to compare your trailer and vehicle weights. You will need a weight distribution hitch if what you are towing starts to outweigh your vehicle’s weight by one-half. For a 5,000-pound truck, that would be around 2,501 pounds.

Can you pull a travel trailer without weight distribution hitch?

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.

Can you have too big of a weight distribution hitch?

Yes, if you use a weight distribution system that is rated too high for the tongue weight of a trailer the ride quality will be incredibly stiff and harsh. You want to ideally pick a system that has a tongue weight range where your tongue weight falls right in the middle.

Does a weight distribution hitch reduce sway?

Weight distribution hitches offer additional features to help with sway control. Better distribution of weight reduces the up-and-down motion of a trailer, while sway control addresses the side-to-side motion. Elements like passing cars and wind can lead to your trailer swaying back and forth.

When should you not use a weight distribution hitch?

Your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50% of your truck’s weight (GVWR)

1. You find it difficult to steer or stop.
2. You want to tow at your truck and trailer’s highest capacity.

Should I remove weight distribution bars before backing up?

If using a weight distribution system that does not come with sway control at all then backing up would not be an issue unless making severe turns (jackknifing the trailer) and you would want to remove the spring bars ahead of time.

Do I need a sway bar if I have a weight distribution hitch?

Most weight distribution hitches that use chains to hold the steel arms up instead of tabs do require a sway control bar in order to be effective against sway. There has to be the friction aspect in order to keep the trailer centered behind your tow vehicle.

What size trailer needs a weight distribution hitch?

Every truck manufacturer, whether it is for a midsize, 1/2-ton, or heavy-duty, requires a weight-distributing hitch when using a bumper trailer hitch ball. Most mid-size and half-ton trucks require it at 5,000 pounds, while heavy-duty trucks usage can vary from 6,000 to 8,500 pounds.

Does a weight distribution hitch Add to tongue weight?

A weight distribution system will not change the tongue weight of the trailer. It just maximizes the vehicle and hitches capacities if rated for weight distribution (check the sticker on the hitch and the owners manual for your 2013 Ford F-150).

Do sway bars help towing?

Installing a sway bar helps reduce the body roll and sway you will see on the tow vehicle, but does very little in preventing the trailer from swaying. Installing a weight distribution hitch with sway control will be the best option for preventing trailer sway.

Can too much tongue weight cause trailer sway?

Excessive Tongue Weight If the trailer is too heavy, it can cause the tow vehicle to squat and make the rear “squirm,” which then creates sway in the trailer. The tongue weight should be around 15% of the total weight of the trailer to avoid squat as well.

Do you need a weight distribution hitch for a horse trailer?

We see heavier cargo trailers, campers and toy haulers using weight distribution hitches. Occasionally, we see a horse trailer using weight distribution, but not often. Considering the value of the horses and the weight of a loaded horse trailer, we recommend using an e2 weight distribution hitch when towing a horse trailer.

When do you need a smaller trailer hitch?

If you’ll only be towing light-duty trailers or using the hitch receiver for cargo management with a bike rack or cargo carrier, a smaller trailer hitch may be sufficient. Note: Always abide by the lowest-rated towing component, including the vehicle. Vehicle aesthetics should be considered when buying a trailer hitch.

When to switch from ball mount to weight distribution hitch?

There isn’t a specific weight that defines the point where you should switch from a ball mount to a weight distribution hitch. Instead, you need to consider the tongue weight and gross vehicle weight (GVW) of your trailer and the size and weight ratings of your tow vehicle.

Is there a weight limit on a trailer?

The trailer and load cannot exceed any of the manufacturer specified weight limits for your specific truck configuration: maximum payload, tongue weight, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), and the requirement for a weight distribution hitch.