Best Weight Distribution Hitch (Review) – Top Picks & Buyer Guide
Are you facing difficulties in towing a trailer? Does it sway when some heavy vehicle passes by or on rough roads? Let us reveal, this happens because of uneven weight distribution. As it can lead to losing the control of your vehicle, finding a solution is very necessary.
If you install the best weight distribution hitch in your vehicle, you won’t face any such problems because it is the simplest mechanical approach to easily tow a trailer.
Best Weight Distribution Hitch in 2020
Going for a weight distribution hitch is always a wise decision because it ensures a safe connection between the trailer and vehicle. Yes, a WDH evenly distributes the trailer’s weight across the vehicle’s axles. In short, it keeps you and your vehicle safe when you are towing.
If you are worried about features of a good hitch or not having enough time to research and find one of the best, relax because we have already done it for you and are presenting you with some of the best weight distribution hitches in the market. Not only this, it also includes a small guide to help you purchase the right one for your vehicle.
Comparison Table of Best Weight Distribution Hitch
Our 10 Picks of Best Weight Distribution Hitch
Whether towing a trailer with an SUV or truck, you and your vehicle are always at risk if an efficient WDH is absent. Our top picks mentioned below ensure your safety and convenience. Considering our picks is only going to benefit you before making the final purchase. Here are they:
1. Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch – Almost perfect weight distribution hitch
The first in our list is Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch and it belongs to the category of trunnion bar weight distribution hitches. Being available in different GTW ratings and sizes, it is one of the best hitches in the market.
Its unique feature is the 4-point integrated sway control that provides enough resistance to prevent your trailer from swaying. Moreover, it is designed to efficiently transfer the trailer’s tongue weight to all axles. This way your tow vehicle’s front part does not fly off the road.
With proper weight distribution and sway control, this hitch ensures a safer ride. Yes, it provides enhanced sway control, braking, and steering which means most of the stressful driving conditions are eliminated and your family, as well as the investment, remains safe. When you own an Equal-i-zer hitch, you don’t need any additional sway control device.
It is made to work with almost all kinds of trailers with surge brakes and bumper-pull trailers including horse, RV, cargo, utility trailers, boat, and others. We found that hitch ball doesn’t come with it, you should purchase it separately. If you own a heavy-duty truck, its standard shank of 2.5” makes it the perfect choice.
- Unique 4-point integrated sway control prevents trailers from swaying.
- Made from high-quality American steel means it will last long.
- One of the best hitches for long/ big trailers.
- Available in different sizes and weight ratings.
- Eliminates the need for an additional sway control device.
- Priced a bit higher but its features somewhat justify that.
Bottom Line
Equal-i-zer 4-point sway control hitch is one of the safest weight distribution tools in the market. If you are looking for a stronger hitch compatible with almost all kinds of trailers, go for this one.
2. EAZ LIFT 48058 – Top rated Weight Distribution Hitch
EAZ LIFT 48058, from the house of Camco, is our second pick. It belongs to the round bar hitches category and is specifically designed for smoother rides and it is possible because of interchangeable bars which provide favorable latching action.
EAZ LIFT 48058 comes as a complete kit including the hitch with a weight capacity of 1,000 lb., sway control, and a hitch ball of 2-5/16”. You don’t need to make any additional purchase after buying this kit.
The sway controls of EAZ LIFT do not cause noise issues and can be released during unfavorable road conditions. When other sway controls fail on oily and icy road conditions leading to impaired driving control, it does not let you face any problems.
Coming to the build, it is made up of high-quality engineered steel and goes through a detailed and grueling manufacturing process before reaching the market.
- Bestseller and quite affordable.
- Comes with an amendable ball mount.
- Hitch is adjustable and the clips, as well as bolts, are included in the package.
- Highly successful on oily and icy road conditions.
- Maximum GTW rating of 10,000 lbs.
- Less mitigation of bounce and sway in comparison to other products belonging to the same category.
Bottom Line
If you don’t ride a bulky trailer and your nearby roads are paved smoothly, EAZ LIFT 48058 is one of the best options in the market. It is made of high-quality steel to last long.
3. Husky 32218 – Perfect combination of technology and design
The next in our list is the Center Line TS from Husky which is a combination of advanced design, material science, and latest technology. It is made to prevent swaying and equally distribute the weight. After buying it, you don’t need to purchase any additional hardware.
It is one of the trunnion bar weight distribution hitches that not only match standard weight ranges but also delivers unmatched sway control, extra ground clearance, superior performance, and exceptional value.
This lightweight (in comparison to other competing products) and compact hitch has a handle which you can use for hooking up and removing bars. There are many hitches in the market which, after some time, start causing noise problems but with Husky 32218, you are not going to face any such issues.
It also excels in terms of safety. Being made up of forged and toughened steel components Husky 32218 delivers exceptional safety, durability, and service. Hitch balls come installed from the factory and are also tightened to right specifications. This significantly decreases the cost and installation time. Moreover, its frame brackets (Universal EZ Adjust) also allow easy adjustment and installation.
- By providing both sway control and weight distribution, it prevents the purchase of additional hardware.
- A combination of hardened and forged high-quality steel components makes it one of the strongest hitches.
- Easy and quick to install.
- Lightweight in comparison to other competing products.
- Extra ground clearance.
- Shank available with the hitch is not sufficient for certain vehicles.
Bottom Line
Whether it is your first time or you are upgrading to a big travel trailer, Husky 32218 has all the features to satisfy you. It is also liked by people who want a complete and easy-to-install hitch that provides a smooth ride in all conditions.
4. CURT 17062 – The universal fit
CURT 17062, a round bar weight distribution hitch, is at the fourth position in our list. The hitches from CURT are known to offer improved control and smoother ride, this one is not an exception as it precisely distributes the trailer’s tongue weight across your vehicle.
We found that this standard fit hitch has 2 grease fittings which are easily accessible and consistently provide lubrication to spring bars. This decreases the need for maintenance and you also experience quieter and comfortable towing.
Most hitches nowadays are available as the complete set of sway control, hitch, and a 2-5/16-inch tow ball. It also comes in this form and its tow ball is pre-torqued for quick setup. In simple words, CURT 17062 is easy-to-install and no additional purchase is required after buying it.
The build quality of this hitch is excellent as it is equipped with a strong fabricated head and its 31-3/16-inch long bars are made of forged steel. When it comes to towing capacity, it can tow 8,000 – 10,000 lbs. GTW and 800 – 1,000 lbs. tongue weight. With carbide black powder coating, the company has made sure that it resists corrosion and serves you for a long time.
- Continuous lubrication provided by combined grease fittings.
- Standard shank of 2-inches makes it a universal fit.
- Powder coating ensures it resists corrosion and serves you for a long time.
- Improved control and a smoother ride.
- Strong construction.
- No known problems with the hitch but some customers have issues with packaging and shipping.
Bottom Line
There are many round bar WDH in the market but, with 31-3/16-inch long steel bars, this is one of the strongest. If trailer stability is your objective to purchase a hitch, go for CURT 17062. With a clear set of instructions, it is quite easy-to-install.
5. Pro Series Reese 49903 – A WDH with Friction Sway Control
The fifth position is secured by Pro Series Reese 49903 and we like it because it promises enhanced safety, improved towing, and high-performance from the moment you install it in your vehicle.
Not many hitches in the market are featured with friction sway control but Pro Series Reese 49903 comes with it. Now you don’t need to worry about sway at the time of side wind or when some vehicle passes by.
Every trailer is not the same. That’s why you are allowed to adjust its weight distribution hitch head angle as per the requirement. All you need is washers and a rivet. Moreover, its spring bars made of forged steel provide superior flexibility.
The shank is also made from high-quality solid steel. There are bolts available with which you can easily adjust its height. Coming to the weight capacity, it is the perfect hitch for maximum GTW of 10,000 lbs. and tongue weight of 1,000 lbs.
One thing we like to tell you is that its parts, being made of solid steel, are heavy. Even the chain used to attach spring bars with spring brackets is made up of high-quality solid steel. For prevention from rust and corrosion, this hitch is powder coated.
- Friction sway control prevents your vehicle from swaying because of ongoing vehicles or side winds.
- Round spring bars of forged steel.
- Adjustable shank of solid steel.
- Suitable for GTW up to 10,000 lbs.
- A bit on the heavy side.
Bottom Line
People usually look for a WDH that not only provides swift and safe towing but also prevents their vehicle from irrelevant sways. Pro Series Reese 49903 is for them. It has all the qualities to satisfy towing-related requirements.
Read Also: 9 Best hitch Bike Rack Review
6. Fastway e2 – Simple and solid WDH
The next WDH is from Fastway and it belongs to the category of round bar hitches. It comes in distinctive tongue and GTWR ratings but the one we are talking about is 10,000 round bar plus 2-5/16 inch hitch ball.
With weight distribution and sway control in a single system, this is a complete solution and you don’t need to make any additional purchase. This also reduces the need for traditional chain-style hitches which didn’t provide inbuilt sway control.
It is not impacted by weather changes and you can leave it attached to your vehicle. When we discussed this weight distribution hitch with some users, they said that it is built firmly and can be easily installed and used. Moreover, better sway control allows you to confidently tow even the heavy trailers.
When using this hitch in the starting, it won’t make any noise but after a few months of continuous use, it’ll start making little noise but you can prevent this situation from greasing. It is seen that proper greasing is always beneficial in reducing the noise from hitches.
- Combination of weight distribution and sway control makes it a complete solution.
- Crafted efficiently and keeps the trailer’s front axle on the right position.
- Easy to use.
- Can easily lift gross trailer weight up to 10,000 lbs.
- Might produce a little noise after continuous use for some time.
Bottom Line
Fastway e2 holds excellence in mitigating sway and distributing the trailer’s weight evenly. This is a strongly built and easy-to-use WDH anyone can look forward to.
7. Blue Ox BXW1000 – The perfect choice for standard couplers
Our seventh pick is Blue Ox BXW1000 and it is known to easily fit any vehicle. With a tongue weight rating of 1,000 lbs., this hitch is made for standard couplers. It keeps your vehicle protected from swaying during moderate winds.
Coming to the build material, it is made up of heavy-duty solid steel. It means whether you use an SUV or truck for towing, this hitch guarantees a smooth and soft ride. According to the manufacturer, it does not produce noise. We agree to this claim but want to suggest proper and timely greasing.
The best thing we liked about this hitch is that it comes with a pre-adjusted hitch head which does not leave any room for fine-tuning. In simple words, it comes ready to use. So when it reaches you, take this hitch out of the box and start using it.
Sometimes users complain that it is difficult to adjust its sway bar chains but unlike most hitches in the market, you don’t need to remove them while reversing the vehicle.
- Maximum tongue weight capacity of 1,000 lbs.
- Best for standard couplers.
- Made from heavy-duty solid steel.
- Has a pre-adjusted hitch head.
- Easy to install and does not produce noise.
- Not the best choice for extremely heavy-duty towing.
Bottom Line
People seriously engaged in towing find it one of the best hitches. If you are also the one (serious about towing) and looking for some high-quality hitch, get Blue Ox BXW1000 now.
8. Andersen Hitches 3350 – Unmatchable Sway Control
The next one is one of the most popular Andersen Hitches 3350. It is different from trunnion and round bar hitches. You’ll find that it has a damper and chains instead of spring bars. This not only prevents your trailer and vehicle from swaying but also helps in avoiding trailer bounces.
Not only this, you just need a nut to loosen or tighten the damper and chains. The anti-sway feature and accurate motion-dampening system are also the basis for quietest and simplest towing on roads.
The weight of Andersen Hitches is quite low in comparison to other hitches (just 60 lbs.) but, with 14,000 GTWR with 2-inch rack and 16,000 GTWR with 2 ½-inch rack, it can tow a lot more. Being manufactured in the USA signifies it is high in quality.
There is no need for pry bars which means the installation of this hitch is easy and quick. Since it comes complete, you don’t need to buy anything extra. You can also use it as the standard ball mount while towing.
- Designed uniquely (chain link) for smooth and quiet operation.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Has GTWR of 14,000 lbs. with a 2” rack and 16,000 lbs. with a 2 ½” rack.
- Reduces bouncing as well as swaying.
- Problem-free backing up.
- Not everyone believes that chains can be strong.
Bottom Line
If you like to admire advanced products, then go for Anderson Hitches 3350 because it is not only an example of engineering at its best but also has the highest weight capacity in its category.
9. ezStorHitch – The Space Saver
ezStorHitch is our second-last pick and we like it the most because this helps in easily storing the weight distribution hitch on your trailer’s A-frame. Whether you have a flat bar, round bar or trunnion bar weight distribution hitch system, ezStorHitch helps in easily storing it.
ezStorHitch is given a universal design to house most spring bars and hitches. It is made to easily fit and work with most travel trailers. Being manufactured in the United States is the surety that it is high in quality.
The saved storage space is not only valuable but, by avoiding the mess created by greasy hitches and bars, also helps in keeping the connection between your vehicle and trailer clean. Moreover, it is completely made of high-quality steel and to prevent it from seasonal effects, it is powder coated.
As it mounts on the A-frame of your trailer and with no need to drill, installing ezStorHitch is quite easy. Moreover, this one is quite lightweight (just 17 lbs.) and compact. We want to suggest that for fitment, consider the space between the camper and propane tanks.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Helps in saving a lot of storage space.
- Universal design and clamp-style mechanism help in fitting most trailers.
- Efficiently places the WDH on the trailer’s A-frame.
- Complete high-quality steel construction.
- Except for a few compatibility issues, nothing serious till now.
Bottom Line
Storage space in a trailer is always valuable. If you agree to this and want a tool that can easily place your WDH on the trailer’s A-frame, ezStorHitch is the best option.
10. Camco Chem 48752 – Streamlined Design and Efficient Weight Distribution Hitch
The last one in our list is Camco Chem 48752. This belongs to the category of round bar WD hitches and comes as a complete kit with GTWR of 10,000 lbs. and tongue weight of 1,000 lbs. Since this kit also includes a hitch ball, you don’t have to make any additional purchase.
We found that its build material is of high-quality and it is easy to install. Remember that you have to lubricate armholes, pins, and hitch ball before installing. After that tighten down the hex key head of sway control as per your preference.
Some users complain that it is difficult to install because of unclear instructions but we didn’t find any such difficulty. If you are still not sure, watch a few how-to videos or research deeply on the internet. This will clear all your doubts.
It bears a streamlined design that helps the trailer and hitch move in alignment. When you are riding on icy, oily or other dangerous road conditions, it allows you to completely turn off the sway control. In comparison to other hitches, its spring bars provide additional ground clearance.
- Higher GTWR and tongue weight.
- Compatible with almost all trailers falling in its weight category.
- Streamlined design aligns the trailer and hitch.
- Black powder coating prevents it from rust and corrosion.
- Option to completely turn off the sway control.
- Some users complain that proper instructions are missing.
Bottom Line
Camco Camp 48752 is one of the few hitches in the market which allows turning off the sway control in dangerous conditions. Many people prefer an efficient WDH with simple and streamlined design. This is the one.
Things to Consider When Buying Weight Distribution Hitch
Purchasing a weight distribution hitch without ample knowledge is never suggested. Even if you are buying it for the first time, experts advise considering certain things. Here are they:
· Weight Capacity
The first thing you should consider is how much weight it can tolerate. Note that weight here means the weight of the trailer as well as tongue. Every hitch in the market is rated according to weight capacity. Always purchase the one satisfying your requirements. It is always suggested to go for a higher capacity weight capacity model but remember, weight capacity shouldn’t be too high. A higher capacity might lead to unpredictable weight distribution which can be unsafe.
· Sway Control
The next thing to consider is sway control. Sometimes, sway control is available as an option and sometimes, it is included as the part. Often, it is seen that a hitch reduces sway naturally. If you feel there is no need for sway control, go for the one without it and if you feel the need, go for the one with sway control.
· Type of Hitch
Before purchasing a hitch, you should be aware of what type of hitch you have to purchase. There are three major types of weight distribution hitches you should go for. They are:
- Round Bar: In round bar weight distribution hitches, sway bars having round shape are attached to the assembly and ball mount of the trailer’s bottom. They are not the best when it comes to dealing with potholes and bumps but works fine during other applications.
- Trunnion Bar: A trunnion bar WDH is not much different from round bar hitches except for the fact that sway bars in them are of square shape and do not need a clip for fastening to a receiver. In comparison to round bar hitches, these are a bit difficult to attune to the head’s height but offer better ground clearance than the hitches with a round bar.
- Andersen Hitches: In Andersen type hitches, chains and dampers are used to mitigate or reduce the bouncing and sway of trailers. Andersen hitches also allow tightening of dampers and chains which helps in reducing sway and bounce.
· Easy to Fit
How the hitch fits the trailer and vehicle is the next thing you should consider. Remember, it is always better when the hitch fits your vehicle easily. It saves your time and efforts.
Read Also: Best Hitch For Towing Travel Trailer Review
Frequently Asked Questions
If your vehicle and trailer are connected with an efficient hitch that equally distributes weight, you can smoothly handle the maximum weight it is allowed to tow. A good WDH also help in improving the movement of steering. But many questions might arise in your mind while researching for the best one. Below some of those questions are answered:
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- What are weight distribution hitches?
WDHs are the best solution for simple and swift towing. They are made to evenly distribute the weight and provide a stable ride while towing a trailer.
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- When should I look forward to a WDH?
When to look forward to a WDH is usually mentioned in the owner’s manual of every vehicle. However, certain situations also indicate that you require a weight distribution hitch. They are:
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- When your trailer sways.
- When the gross trailer weight (GTW) is over 50% of gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
- When the headlights of your tow vehicles point upwards.
- When steering or stopping the rig becomes difficult.
- When your towing requirement increases.
- How WD Hitches help while towing?
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These have spring bars which evenly distributes the weight at the backside of your vehicle to every axle on the trailer and tow vehicle. As a result, you experience a level and smooth ride.
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- Can every WDH be used with surge brakes?
No, every WDH is not made to work with surge brakes. For example, most chain-style hitches don’t work with surge brakes.
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- What major parts weight distribution systems have?
The major weight distribution hitch parts are:
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- Frame brackets
- Spring bars
- Shank
- Head assembly
- Class 3, 4, or 5 trailer hitch receiver
- Which weight ratings should I consider?
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You should consider tongue weight as well as GTW (Gross Trailer Weight).
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- Does a hitch increase the towing capacity?
No, a hitch does not increase the towing capacity.
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- Is it necessary to grease my hitch?
Yes, it is important to grease the hitch. The faces where the head’s top, as well as bottom plates, rub against arm sockets should always remain clean and lubricated with some good-quality grease.
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- If I have to install my hitch on a new vehicle, what should I do?
In such a situation, you should go through the adjustment section of the hitch’s installation guide.
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- What if I feel sway even after installing a new and recommended hitch?
If you feel sway after installing the hitch, it means a few minor adjustments are remaining. You should recheck or take professional help.
Wrapping Up
Out of so many weight distribution tools in the market, selecting the best 10 was nothing less than a challenge because each one looked better than the other. However, we did. The 10 mentioned above have many good features and some drawbacks but all of them are the best weight distribution hitches you can purchase for your vehicle.
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