Weight Distribution

5th wheels

 What is weight-distributing?

Weight-distributing (WD), not to be confused with sway control, is commonly the most misunderstood towing system on the market. The idea of connecting a system which helps pick up the vertical weight the trailer is excerting on the tow vehilce by means of spring tension bars is somewhat hard to understand until you see it in action. Please click the video here for WD systems.  Furthermore, an incorrectly installed WD system is as good as not having one at all. The majority of WD installations is done by a trail and error technique since every application is different.

More on WD

(WD) is an attachment, (sold separately) which slides into a class 3-4 or 5 weight carrying (WC) receiver hitch, and redistributes hitch tongue weight (TW).  Weight distributing hitches are normally used for heavier trailers up to 17,000 lbs., and typically uses 2 spring bars, one on each side of the trailer to lift up and apply leverage to the tow vehicle, thereby redistributing the tongue weight from the rear axle to the front. For example, if your trailer had 900lbs of tongue weight, the weight distributing system will take a third of the weight and transfer it to the trailer axle/s, a third and transfer it to the tow vehicle front axle and leave the last third at the tongue. This provides a level tow vehicle and trailer which in turn gives more vehicle stability while towing.  Weight distributing hitches currently come in two configurations:  One with square bars that hook to the center of the ball mount, called trunnion bars, and one with round bars that slide into the bottom of the ball mount, called round bars. Furthermore, WD systems come in several capacities depending on the vertical load of your trailer at the tongue (aka tongue weight) If you need to haul it, We have it!

If you are looking to upgrade your tag-a-long trailer to a 5th wheel trailer we have many options when it comes to 5th wheel hitches. The first thing you will need to know is what size truck bed you have. Most newer truck today have a 6'6" bed or less which requires a slider which moves the pivot point of the trailer/hitch connection further back in the truck bed to prevent a collision with the back of your truck cab.

Please see our products page and click on the links under 5th wheels to find out more.

Sway Control

Friction Sway Control

The most commonly known sway control is the friction sway control. This type of sway control is what is referred to as a passive sway control, meaning sway must begin to create friction for this system to counteract it. This is a create addition to your WD system for trailer less than 27 foot. See a video here

 Dual Cam Sway Control

This type of sway control untilizes the WD spring tension bars to resist sway at all times. This type of sway control is referred to as active sway control meaning it will not allow sway to even begin. This system uses the vertical load exerted by the trailer to resist sway at all times. The more vertical weight you have the better this system will work. A minimum of 500-600lbs of tongue weight is required for this system to function properly. See a video here