Looking for Weight Distribution Hitch

[ClarkPNW]

Hi, does anyone happen to have advice on which weight distribution hitch to get? Seems like this is quite a complicated topic. I found a couple of products online (here for example: https://mycamperfriend.com/weight-distribution-hitch/ ) but still not clear on what's the best. I know, there may be no default answer but would still appreciate any thoughts.

Regards,
Clark

[sourdough]

Welcome to the forum! Weight distribution/sway system selection depends greatly, if not entirely, on what your tow vehicle (and specs) and the RV (and specs). Post back and you can get some very informed answers.

Edit: didn't look at the link. Seems very pro Andersen - are they linked to the company? I don't have, nor want, an Andersen. It has too many components that will wear and deteriorate (poly). Innovative? Probably. Best in class? Not in a long shot IMO (maybe for a year or so).

The cheaper wdh units are just that. They do not provide sway control to any degree IMO. Now I will say I had some cheap wdh with the little add on friction bars on the side decades ago that would literally make my back truck tires leave the ground on a bump with the wdh portion; the friction bars? Didn't exist in real life.

The comments about the Equalizer on rough roads (I have one) makes no sense to me. I've used mine up and down, left and right etc. on all kinds of roads and never had an issue. I did not take the time to pull up the manual to see if those comments were accurate - I've never seen them but....

There is a reason the Equalizer is more or less THE standard not only for WDH but sway control as well. The Andersen is a novelty IMO and we will see how it fares in a few years.

[Fishsizzle]

Equalizer is very nice. Look at Fastway products. Same concept but not as expensive. We had one when I had my TT and it worked well.

Just make sure that you get over the weight of your trailer, or if you have a 10k trailer get the 12k hitch, just my thoughts

[Kylemcmahon1]

Welcome to the forum! Weight distribution/sway system selection depends greatly, if not entirely, on what your tow vehicle (and specs) and the RV (and specs). Post back and you can get some very informed answers.

Edit: didn't look at the link. Seems very pro Andersen - are they linked to the company? I don't have, nor want, an Andersen. It has too many components that will wear and deteriorate (poly). Innovative? Probably. Best in class? Not in a long shot IMO (maybe for a year or so).

The cheaper wdh units are just that. They do not provide sway control to any degree IMO. Now I will say I had some cheap wdh with the little add on friction bars on the side decades ago that would literally make my back truck tires leave the ground on a bump with the wdh portion; the friction bars? Didn't exist in real life.

The comments about the Equalizer on rough roads (I have one) makes no sense to me. I've used mine up and down, left and right etc. on all kinds of roads and never had an issue. I did not take the time to pull up the manual to see if those comments were accurate - I've never seen them but....

There is a reason the Equalizer is more or less THE standard not only for WDH but sway control as well. The Andersen is a novelty IMO and we will see how it fares in a few years.



The Anderson is not a novelty. It has been on the market for over 10 years. Before you start bashing a product you should do some actually research as in use the product. How can you say how good a product is if you have never used it.
I have had the equalizer 4-point and now have had the Anderson for 2 years. The equalizer is a great hitch. I went to the Anderson to save my back. The bars and hitch head are double the weight of the Anderson. Also the Anderson is very easy to adjust to different towing situations on the fly. I use my Anderson with a 38 ft 11,000 gross trailer, hooked to a 3/4 ton truck. When the truck is properly sized to the trailer the Anderson does an excellent job at both weight distribution and sway control.
In summary. You should not give an opinion on a product you have not used. You have no way to know how good it is or is not unless you have used it. I think both products are great products and the OP will not go wrong with either the equalizer 4 point or the Anderson. As long as the truck has the proper capacity to haul the trailer. But that requires the weight police to get involved.

[goducks]

I've used several WDH's over the years.
Round bar EAZ Lift with friction bar.
EQ with 4 Pt sway control
A used Hensley Arrow
Andersen.
Best of course was the Hensley. Bought it used for $950 and sold it for $900.
2nd was the Andersen. Only reason was that it made the ride smoother than the EQ
I used the EQ and the HA with two different trucks and the same TT. The EQ was fine if you like grease, noise and packing heavy metal.
The Andersen wouldn't of worked with my 1st truck and the TT because the Andersen wasn't capable if transferring enough weight. (1/2 ton truck and 900 lb TW)
It did however work great with the 2nd truck (12 2500 diesel). Not much weight needed to be transferred because the heavy diesel kept the front end down when hitched.
The EAZ Lift was used on a lighter TT with a 1/2 ton truck. That combo was as good as it got. TT was balanced perfectly and didn't need sway control. In fact on one return trip the cheapo friction bar broke some here along the way and I never knew it until I pull into the driveway to unhitch. Never put it back on after than. TT was 21' @4050 lbs. Truck was an 08 F150 Scab 6.5" bed 2wd Max Tow.

I'm in the process of changing from a 5th wheel to a TT. This go around I'm going to try the Blue Ox WDH. I like the fact that it doesn't need greasing like the EQ, is quiet and the whole assembly is lighter.

Having a 2500 gas and getting a TT with a projected TW around 1200+ there's no way the Andersen will transfer enough weight. If it would I would go that route.

[sourdough]

The Anderson is not a novelty. It has been on the market for over 10 years. Before you start bashing a product you should do some actually research as in use the product. How can you say how good a product is if you have never used it.
I have had the equalizer 4-point and now have had the Anderson for 2 years. The equalizer is a great hitch. I went to the Anderson to save my back. The bars and hitch head are double the weight of the Anderson. Also the Anderson is very easy to adjust to different towing situations on the fly. I use my Anderson with a 38 ft 11,000 gross trailer, hooked to a 3/4 ton truck. When the truck is properly sized to the trailer the Anderson does an excellent job at both weight distribution and sway control.
In summary. You should not give an opinion on a product you have not used. You have no way to know how good it is or is not unless you have used it. I think both products are great products and the OP will not go wrong with either the equalizer 4 point or the Anderson. As long as the truck has the proper capacity to haul the trailer. But that requires the weight police to get involved.


You need to re-read my post without going into "defensive" mode because you have one. I did not "bash" the Andersen. I said "IMO" it had too many parts to wear out (poly) - I still think that and believe time will show it. I don't have to own it or use it to analyze a product based on my criteria to form an opinion - we all do it - not being able to do so would be contrary to probably 90% of the opinions folks have formed. Novelty? I don't know. There has been an increased talk of the Andersen over the last 2-3 years, before that virtually not talked about that I saw, so, yes, IMO a novelty.

I did not say the Andersen wouldn't do the job - by all accounts it does. It's the long term I would be concerned about. I made the comments about the Equalizer and rough roads due to the cons listed for it in the article vs my experience with it.

[KCSA75]

I'll put in a word for the Curt TruTrac. It's very similar to an Equalizer but weighs a little less and costs a couple hundred dollars less (https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Weight_Distribution.aspx).

I've never used any other WDH so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it's done what it's supposed to do for me.

[Just chillin]

I looked real hard at the Anderson when I was looking. I don’t have a problem with the Anderson. But there are some trailer manufacturers out there, depending upon the type of tongue they use ,that say do not use the Anderson. It puts a lot of stress on the latch that keeps the tongue connected to the ball , because while distributing the weight it is pulling the ball back into the latch, something the latch was not designed for 100% of the time.

[Kylemcmahon1]

You need to re-read my post without going into "defensive" mode because you have one. I did not "bash" the Andersen. I said "IMO" it had too many parts to wear out (poly) - I still think that and believe time will show it. I don't have to own it or use it to analyze a product based on my criteria to form an opinion - we all do it - not being able to do so would be contrary to probably 90% of the opinions folks have formed. Novelty? I don't know. There has been an increased talk of the Andersen over the last 2-3 years, before that virtually not talked about that I saw, so, yes, IMO a novelty.

I did not say the Andersen wouldn't do the job - by all accounts it does. It's the long term I would be concerned about. I made the comments about the Equalizer and rough roads due to the cons listed for it in the article vs my experience with it.



By calling it a novelty you are bashing it. All I am saying is if you have never used it you do not know. So next time give your opinion on things you have experience with and not with things you do not have any experience with.
Part of the problem with these pages is people giving there opinion when they know nothing about something.
The best information for the OP is first hand experience with each product he asked about. So give your opinion on the equalizer and leave the info about other hitches to the people who have used them.

[sourdough]

I won't post on this again, but...

For you edification here is the definition of "opinion":

o·pin·ion
/əˈpinyən/
noun
noun: opinion; plural noun: opinions
a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

It doesn't define that I must have experience with "it" before forming an opinion. People have opinions about anything and everything without "first hand, hands on experience".

When I say that I believe that the poly components will degrade over time IMO, that is based on fact - I HAVE had poly components degrade. My comments are to give the prospective buyers something to think about or look into....nothing more. They may or may not think it is relevant but I can certainly point it out in good conscience.

If you actually take your own advice and decide to go skydiving, the pilot gives you a chute and the canopy is made of toilet tissue....youre telling me that the only way you could form an opinion if the chute was good or bad would be to put it on, jump and form an opinion when you "hit the ground"?? I suppose you would suggest that to someone else as well?

Edit: the definition of novelty:

nov·el·ty
/ˈnävəltē/
noun
noun: novelty
1. the quality of being new, original, or unusual.

I am trying to figure out how that is "bashing" anything.

As I said, I won't continue to debate this with you. You just need to think about what you are saying....it does not make sense to me.

[HitFactor]

Edit: the definition of novelty:

nov·el·ty
/ˈnävəltē/
noun
noun: novelty
1. the quality of being new, original, or unusual.

I am trying to figure out how that is "bashing" anything.

As I said, I won't continue to debate this with you. You just need to think about what you are saying....it does not make sense to me.

You left out 2. A small and inexpensive toy or ornament.

To me your statement read as if you were calling it a toy.

Either way your response is a bit over the top.

[sourdough]

You left out 2. A small and inexpensive toy or ornament.

To me your statement read as if you were calling it a toy.

Either way your response is a bit over the top.



Sorry you think so. I gave an in depth explanation of what I said and why. I used the word "novelty" as it is referenced in my post. The Andersen is not a toy...it is rather new, IMO unproven over long periods of use due to my concern of the poly components. It is my opinion. I was not bashing and tried to give a thorough explanation since the other poster has the unit and seemed to think I was - that's it. Again, it's unfortunate you think it's over the top but it IS my opinion. Explanation and protesting are 2 very different things.

All of this is off topic and hi jacking the thread. The OP asked for "advice" and "any thoughts" about what weight distribution hitch he might get - lets keep it on track - not criticizing others opinions or trying to parse words to construe them in a manner that wasn't meant.

[KSH]

The nice thing about the propride is the bars are in place and go up and down with a drill. Nothing to lift or fight with.

[travelin texans]

The main thing is that regardless of the TT or TV a WDH with some sort anti sway system should be mandatory! Just MY opinion, not fact!
Most that ask for help diagnosing/repairing problems will get a page full of opinions as to what is wrong &/or how to fix it & with a bit of luck those opinions will have been helpful.
So again, IN MY OPINION, keep the opinions coming & don't attack others if theirs doesn't agree with yours.....

[chuckster57]

The main thing is that regardless of the TT or TV a WDH with some sort anti sway system should be mandatory! Just MY opinion, not fact!
Most that ask for help diagnosing/repairing problems will get a page full of opinions as to what is wrong &/or how to fix it & with a bit of luck those opinions will have been helpful.
So again, IN MY OPINION, keep the opinions coming & don't attack others if theirs doesn't agree with yours.....


Yup!! I have seen all manner of hitches, including what I call the “upside down” round bar/chain. I have seen some that are “shot out” with less than a year and I’ve seen some that are on the owners fourth or fifth trailer over a span of many years. I’m. I will say I personally favor the equalizer 4 point. But since I’ve only towed a fiver since 1989, I don’t have any experience with ANY W/D sway system.

[busterbrown]

I would steer away from a Blue OX Sway Pro if the trailer in question is very long and/or heavy. I never had good results on my 35' Bullet. Other's have reported the same with longer trailers. The sway was minimal if conditions were ideal. But when crosswinds are forecasted, better have a tight grip on that steering wheel.

IMO and from what I've read, the 4pt friction hitch from Equalizer leads the way for performance in that price range. Go Propride or Hensley if pockets are deep and one wants a complete sway elimination design. ...again, my opinion. ;)

[Jackitup]

I had the Anderson hitch and it did a great job however in the past 3 years of owning the hitch I had to get in touch with the manufacturer for replacement parts and explaining my issues with them and them sending me new updated cones and and a new updated head for noise issues. I just need a hitch that will perform with no issues so I currently use the Equalizer 4point for the past 2 years and love it yes it is a bit heavier but it performs like the day I bought it. Just my opinion ✌️

[Dobbs]

I use the Andersen. It was given to me by someone going to a 5er. None of my money went to the Andersen manufacturer. I agree about some of the POLY parts wearing out being a concern. My experience has been very positive when I had a couple separate issues. One was one of the poly springs/bushings cracked. The other was the brake/friction material had also cracked. Both were replaced within days after contacting the company with pictures. I repeat I got this set-up used, for free, and the company is still standing behind it 100% with the second problem fixed with a new head worth $200+.
As for performance it is wonderful. Easy to hook up, quiet, no sway, dampens porpoising, and not a back breaker. Ball turns with the trailer so no grease needed. But if they stop the wonderful service or parts become unavailable I'll be in the market for something else.

[sourdough]

I use the Andersen. It was given to me by someone going to a 5er. None of my money went to the Andersen manufacturer. I agree about some of the POLY parts wearing out being a concern. My experience has been very positive when I had a couple separate issues. One was one of the poly springs/bushings cracked. The other was the brake/friction material had also cracked. Both were replaced within days after contacting the company with pictures. I repeat I got this set-up used, for free, and the company is still standing behind it 100% with the second problem fixed with a new head worth $200+.
As for performance it is wonderful. Easy to hook up, quiet, no sway, dampens porpoising, and not a back breaker. Ball turns with the trailer so no grease needed. But if they stop the wonderful service or parts become unavailable I'll be in the market for something else.


Dobbs, your post points out the exact problems I figured would happen with the poly components. Your experience dealing with them, and their willingness to help, is a great statement for them IMO. Hopefully the service continues. My worry would be if they didn't? Thanks for posting your experience.

[Northofu1]

I use the blue ox sway pro. I am very happy with it. I requires light greasing to stop creaking, it is not light. I have no sway. I have driven through rainstorms with wind and have been very stable.
Anytime I see any product that integrates poly/plastic with metal moving parts, I stay away. The poly/plastic fails, and it maybe that it's designed that way, I want no part of it.

[xrated]

I had great success with my Blue Ox Sway Pro, once I got the tongue weight heavy enough to be make it work correctly. Putting toy in the garage of my T.H. really lightened the front end of the trailer, so additional weight up front had to be added. This happening was in NO WAY related to the B.O. system, it was simply not having enough tongue weight after loading the garage. As many of you know, I added the StrapTek winch system and did away with the B.O. pull ups. That in itself made the system 100% better as far as ease of hooking up the trailer and getting the spring bars into position. No complaints on how the system worked though. I stopped using it because I went to a 5ver trailer and I'm selling the B.O. Sway Pro today.

[GMcKenzie]

Another vote for the 4pt. Love mine, just wish it had a bit easier adjustablity for different loads. Like if I need to take water with me.

[sconner]

I’ve put thousands of miles on my Reese Dual Cam WDH. It’s easy to hook up, easy to unhook and backs while hooked up just fine. It’s also relatively quiet compared to some friction bar styles.

Using it, I’ve never experienced sway with my Keystone Passport 2920BH with either my 1500 or 2500 trucks. Granted, the 1500 got blew around a bit more since it’s lighter, but never swayed. I’ve hauled a swaying trailer and it’s certainly a hair raising experience.

In the industry, I think you will get the most recommendations for an equalizer hitch. But I wanted to give my pleasure of using the Reese Dual Cam hitch. Either one will suit you fine.

FYI, a friend swapped his equalizer for a Blue Ox hitch and hasn’t been as pleased as he thought he would. Wished he hadn’t spent the money on it.

Biggest thing is get the right size bars for your tongue weight. And don’t purchase based on your dry tongue weight. Add a couple hundred for when it’s loaded up for a trip.

[FlyingAroundRV]

This is what I was told by a specialist hitch business, not my opinion, but theirs.
The Equalizer is probably the Rolls Royce of hitches in quality and brand recognition, so expect to pay that kind of price too. The Husky Centerline series was modelled on the Equalizer and Husky made some changes that they deemed improvements over the Equalizer. Also, the Husky is a bit less expensive than the Equalizer.
They reccommended the Husky to us and we went with that. We only have about 10,000 miles on the Husky so far, but I'm pretty happy with how it performs.

[Retired Copper]

I can see where you are at Clark, there are so many choices. Not getting one that works for you can be a bad experience both towing and can get expensive and you would like to get it right the first time. Been there done that was not impressed with the first hitch so I bit the bullet and got the one I wanted at first but was talked out of it. I am very happy with the one I use and it is worth every penny I spent. The one I use has won Trailer Life Reader Choice Award 5 times straight. Not saying there are ones just as good out on the market today but I figured that most using it seem very happy with it. I too am one of the happy users. It can be very stiff and loud when new but once broken in it is simple to hookup and gets much quieter.

[linux3]

3 years and maybe 25k miles towing with a Husky Centerline and it works fine NOW. I say that because I was unimpressed with the dealer's install.
Husky sent me instructions and I did a complete reinstall and now I'm satisfied.
But that ball head is heavy.

[LarrySharon]

The only system I have had any experience with is Husky Centerline. I have been very satisfied with it. So I can not speak on others. One of the things I like about it is that I do not need to worry about taking the bars off prior to backing up into spaces or my driveway which is difficult to back into. Uphill-other wise I would drag trailer power jack.

[cookinwitdiesel]

I do question if every setup calls for a WDH. If pulling a TT with a DRW 1-ton Diesel, I am pretty sure the truck can keep the front down sufficiently on its own with having to project trailer weight around. For smaller trucks/vehicles, they make more sense.

I have not ran such a setup myself but my dad has for years in Wyoming (with very high winds at times) and has not had issues.

I tried to get weights last time I was at a CAT scale with and without the WDH bars but they screwed up and lost my weights :( Next time I am at one will take another stab at it. Curious to see what the numbers reveal.

[Bouleyfamily]

I'm using the Equalizer E2 with my setup that carried over from my old setup. I used to tow with a Ram 1500 2wd. And am now towing with a Ram 2500 4x4. While I'm not really using the WD aspect of the system any more because my truck only swats about 1 inch and I have air bags on my truck I do still use it for and swear by its anti sway capabilities. It works very well and compared to most other anti sway stuff you can actually reverse your truck and TT without having to undo anything before hand which makes setting up a somewhat quicker process. I've gone head on with Big Rigs on 2 lane roads and not had my trailer go crazy even when I was towing with my 1/2 truck. Hope this helps.

[tlist809]

Looking for Opinion, How often do you check the torque on the hitch ball and the shank bolts? I am debating on having a hitch dealer torque mine back to specs or get the tools and do it myself.

[chuckster57]

Looking for Opinion, How often do you check the torque on the hitch ball and the shank bolts? I am debating on having a hitch dealer torque mine back to specs or get the tools and do it myself.


The ball has a lock washer that “bites” real good. I have yet to see one back off. Same goes for the bolts that hold the head to the “stinger”. I’ve taken some apart that are years old.

The key is get the proper torque the first time. We use an air impact gun that produces close to 700 lb/ft. So it’s “one and done”.

[tlist809]

Chuckster57, That is what I thought, but when unhooking my trailer the other day, it appeared that the ball "tilted" back towards the trailer. Today I checked the shank bolts (I do not have the 1-7/8 thin walled socket for the ball) and my T wrench will only go to 150 ft lbs, and the nuts on the shank moved (they are supposed to be at 310 ft lbs) but they should not have moved. That is why I am asking. Seems like it was not tight enough in the first place or they loosened up. I will go and get it checked at a equalizer dealer.

[chuckster57]

If the tilt is changing then the locking bolt at the bottom wasn’t tightened. When it’s correct, the ball will tilt AWAY from the tow vehicle about 10-15 degrees. I hope the dealer put the right amount of washers on the tilt pin.

[tlist809]

the hitch did not move, the ball did and went back after the trailer coupler cleared the ball. I will run it into a dealer to have it checked. Never expected this.

[sourdough]

We check ours before every season and/or long trip - generally just do a quick check at each stop. Bought a big torque wrench from HF along with a Crescent wrench that must be 30-36". DW and I BOTH grab the thing and try to pull it to spec. We don't have a "hitch" shop anywhere near. I did have the local tire shop do it for me once because they had a large, flat table, 1/4" plate, anchored to the floor with a big vise on it. They put the hitch on the table, secured it in the vise and the young man, I thought, was going to throw something out trying to get to 350 lb. ft. (he used my stuff). I think it might be supposed to be more like 400 ft. lb. but the 3-350lb. with checks works. Beats the heck out of our "new buying experience" when I got the trailer home from the dealer and the lock nut/washer was completely loose with 2 threads left before the nut "left the room". :banghead:

So, in answer to your question, I personally prefer to have the stuff instead of depending on someone else...you never know when "they" won't be around.:)

Edit: This IS a busy thread. This was a response to post 30.

[chuckster57]

the hitch did not move, the ball did and went back after the trailer coupler cleared the ball. I will run it into a dealer to have it checked. Never expected this.

That’s not good at all. The nut for the ball is 1 7/8” socket as I recall, unless the dealer used the small shank ball and the spacer ring. I would ask for the large shank ball.

[sourdough]

the hitch did not move, the ball did and went back after the trailer coupler cleared the ball. I will run it into a dealer to have it checked. Never expected this.


Someone didn't take care of business and left you in a vulnerable, and dangerous, situation. Don't leave it with the "service" guy. Take the situation to the the service manager and/or GM and explain what happened - and express your displeasure along with your dissapointment. That kind of stuff just can't happen - it could be fatal for someone. I'm in a conversation as we speak with the head of a large RV chain over something like this and he told me I needed to remember "people make mistakes".....really? When people make mistakes that kill people they go to prison....it's not a "little" thing". Just "setting the stage" for you.....:D

[Gegrad]

Having used both an Equalizer 4 pt sway and the Husky Centerline 4 pt sway, I can say, based on my personal experience, the Husky vastly outperforms the Equalizer. I still had some sway and occasional questionable moments with the Equalizer on my old Passport. When I went to purchase the Premier, I was so focused on the PDI (and that turned out perfectly, as I caught EVERYTHING wrong, and the dealer promptly fixed on the spot) I ignored them fitting my hitch up and ended up purchasing the Husky accidentally. Turns out the Equalizer would have worked for my system, so I was upset (mostly at myself for not catching the mistake, but also the dealer for being dumb). I sold the Equalizer later, so it was not all bad, but that mistake changed me. The Premier is around 5' longer and 1000 lbs heavier than the Passport, and I now have ZERO sway, even when semis blow past me doing 80. The Husky is a bit harder to get connected, but the sway control is far superior, IMO. So to summarize, based on my experience with the 2 systems, I would recommend the Husky over the Equalizer 7 on every day that ends with a "Y":