Weight Distribution Hitches

What size weight distribution hitch do I need for my travel trailer?

Size your hitch by gross trailer weight (GTW) plus tongue weight (TW), not by trailer length. Pick a system whose rated tongue weight falls in the upper-middle of your actual loaded TW, typically 10 to 15 percent of GTW. For example, a 7,500 lb loaded trailer with 900 lb tongue weight pairs well with a 600 to 1,000 lb bar rating. Undersized bars will not transfer enough load to the front axle; oversized bars ride harsh and can stress the trailer A-frame. Weigh your rig loaded for travel before ordering, and confirm your tow vehicle's hitch receiver rating matches.

What is the difference between a weight distribution hitch, an equalizer hitch, and a sway bar setup?

A weight distribution hitch uses spring bars to shift tongue weight off the rear axle of the tow vehicle and back onto the front axle and trailer axles, leveling the rig. An equalizer hitch is a specific brand and design (Equal-i-zer by Progress Mfg.) that combines weight distribution with built-in 4-point sway control in one unit. A standalone sway bar is a friction or cam-style add-on that resists trailer yaw but does not redistribute weight. For most travel trailers over 3,500 lb GTW, an integrated weight distribution plus sway control hitch is the correct answer.

Do I need sway control with my weight distribution hitch?

Yes, for nearly every travel trailer application. Crosswinds, passing semis, and sudden steering inputs all induce trailer sway, and a hitch with integrated sway control corrects it before it builds. Some hitches in this collection have sway control built into the head (friction brackets or cam arms), while others require add-on sway bars. If you tow a single-axle trailer, tow at highway speeds, or travel through mountain passes and open plains, choose a hitch with 2-point or 4-point sway control already integrated.

What else do I need to install a weight distribution hitch on my camper?

Plan on a 2-inch or 2-5/16 inch trailer ball sized to your coupler, a shank that matches your receiver size (2 inch is standard, 2-1/2 inch on heavy-duty trucks) with the correct rise or drop to level the trailer, and a torque wrench rated to at least 250 ft-lb for the ball nut. Most installations also need a 1-1/8 inch socket, a floor jack, and basic hand tools. While you have the rig apart, it is worth checking related towing gear in our RV electronics collection for brake controllers and our RV plug adapters for 7-way connector upgrades.

How do I know my weight distribution hitch is adjusted correctly?

Measure the front wheel well height of your tow vehicle unhitched, then hitched without the bars engaged, then hitched with the bars fully engaged. Correct setup restores the front wheel well to within 1/2 inch of the unhitched measurement, with the trailer riding level. If the front end stays high, the bars are undersized or the head angle needs more tilt. If the rear sags, the bars are not transferring enough load. Recheck after the first 100 miles, the spring bar hangers and chain links will sometimes settle.

Does United RV Parts ship weight distribution hitches, and what are the freight costs?

Yes, all 41 hitches in this collection ship from our warehouse. Most complete kits weigh 60 to 110 lb and ship standard ground; heavier 1,500+ lb bar systems may ship via truck freight with a flat rate noted on the product page. Orders over $100 qualify for free standard shipping. Need help confirming the right kit for your tow vehicle and loaded trailer weight? Text or call our team at 817-984-1852 before you order.