Weight Distribution Hitch Explained

[@alexyu6928]

I have viewed many weight distribution videos and I still didn't quite understand the principle behind until this gentleman said the weight distribution arms act like the handles of a wheel barrel to lift up the rear end of the truck and move some of the weight forward to the front end. That made a lot of sense, and now I completely understand. Thank you for your video.

[@huh_whoknew4714]

I took a mechical class one time from some engineers. The engineer came up and described the mechanical failure in algebraic expression on the dry erase board. Turned to the class and asked if we understood. Lol with a southern accent I said if it looks broken and sounds broken its broken.

[@ICYPROFITS]

More tongue weight

[@wildbill23c]

That's why its called a weight distribution hitch, it distributes some of the tongue weight of the trailer to the front of the tow vehicle LOL. Many people have no idea how to properly set them up, but once you figure it out its like what the heck was I doing before HAHA!!! I've been doing the same setup in this video for years, works every time...trouble is when people buy those hitches nobody bothers to tell them or show them how to set it up in many cases so the poor customer just throws it together and it just rattles around on their first trip, next trip they don't have any of it connected at all just a regular ball mount because they got frustrated with the first attempt and the rattling equalizer bars and hitch probably drove them crazy LOL. This is a great video easy to understand and follow and works on all the different types of weight distribution hitches....what it doesn't say is that dang hitch head and those equalizer bars are heavy...oh and they don't feel great when you run into them with your chins.

[@aaronoutdoors7556]

Since the trailer is pushing a lot of the weight on those bars when he brings the jack up it takes some weight off the hitch.

[@qxplore3117]

The wheel barrel example makes sense now... Had to go back to elementary, and think of doing wheel barrel racing. When your in a pushup positions and your back legs are being picked up by someone behind you while together you race forward with your arms. You actually feel more load in the front for stability.. I guess too much could cause front suspension parts or abnormal tire wear on some vehicles.

[@retrodog63]

You appreciate out time? That's just crazy. We should be telling you that. This is what KZbin is for. I'm a design engineer. I really appreciate it when somebody takes the time to put together an instructional video like this and pass along their knowledge. You're doing good stuff right here. Keep it up. It's much appreciated.

[@huh_whoknew4714]

Thanks! And no problem

[@yungskullivan]

I didn’t think about jacking up the trailer after attaching it to the truck hitch. You’re brilliant! 😂 locking the chain into the brackets by myself is quite an ordeal… not any more!

[@zone2Ironman]

bro, the wheelbarrow comment finally made it click for me. thanks dude.

[@jonyjonsy]

Same!

[@jonathanwright9670]

Right!

[@mddrudge]

Never ceases to amaze me at how many people (who have probably never made a video themselves) find it necessary to critique and point out ever little thing they don't like about videos that someone took the time to make in order to help others out for free. If you son't like the video just scroll on by, or better yet, make a better video yourself and show us all how to do it. Scroll, don;t be a troll! @Basic Jeep - Thank you for the taking the time to make the video, you explained it well!

[@63jeepj20]

Just because they point out mistakes doesnt mean they are assholes that feel superior. From what ive seen its just people giving advice on the proper way to do stuff. Some people dont know at all and have never been taught or told how to properly do it.

[@samuelhmullins2170]

@@63jeepj20 yes sir probably good finer points for travelers he noticed whom weren't applying equipment benefits. But I am worn out from replaying the mystery what/where is made lighter and what/where is made heavier? And why what for also? Do any comments under which name surrender that information? With that information I'm guessing I could comprehend the video.

[@Fordgroup00]

Just because someone does or doesn’t post a video doesn’t give them any more or any less credibility on a topic over anyone else

[@warrenturnbull3436]

Most comments I’ve read are not them being trolls... you need to change the way you read things my friend.

[@MajTom-wd2yt]

Did you even LOOK at the picture in post #1, I was not trolling, just casting a fact, that lash-up was wrong.

[@bclaverenz1]

I just learned a hell of a lot more than I knew 10 minutes ago

[@BULLT850]

I could never wrap my head around how these work but your wheelbarrow handle analogy nailed it.

[@thedaddechannel]

My son put mine in my yard. Got the quick lesson on hooking it up, "it's easy". Riiight. Now I can teach it to my step-grandson. Right after I show him a shovel. And the wheelbarrow.

[@kurtv4946]

Just bought a travel trailer. Every video I watch helps. Thanks.

[@californiaexploring7319]

How has no one made this so clear?? From a single mom trying to figure this out... THANK YOU!

[@huh_whoknew4714]

No problem. Thank you!!

[@danthemanbruin7651]

One of the best videos that I have seen on this subject. Thanks

[@Jeremiuhh]

Agreed. Just bought our 1st camper and it came with all this, but I’m new to setting it all up. Perfect video for what I was looking for. 👍🏻

[@wildbill23c]

Extremely useful video for those who have no idea how to set these hitches up properly. These types of hitch setups work great but you have to know how to set it up otherwise they'll just rattle around and drive you crazy and next trip it gets left in the corner of the garage due to the 1st attempt fail LOL. I have this same hitch setup, it's worked great for 20+ years. You deserve far more subscribers than you have...great job with the video BTW.

[@Henray316]

I watched about 10 videos and still can't picture how it works. Thanks for explaining it well. The arm does the lifting when set right. your example about the wheelbarrow help out alot thanks again.

[@roblawrence9495]

I'm new to pulling a trailer and this video did more to explain how these work than the dealer explanation I sat through.

[@SPBurt1]

Nice job. You video explained it better than the other half dozen videos I watched on this. Love the "wheel barrel" analogy, perfect for the knuckle draggers like me.

[@drig3680]

Out of all the videos I watched this one was the most helpful. Straight to the point. I’ll definitely watch it again

[@maxcorder2211]

Been pulling my camper for four years with a similar hitch. Been doing it wrong. Thanks for the video.

[@guffeydrywall1552]

Nice video! Also something to remember is always take your torsion brake off before you back your trailer up.

[@johnbannister501]

Great comment! This gets hard to remember when arriving at a beautiful site...and you are looking forward to having that 1st cool drink!!😂

[@dwdelve]

Great vid as I'm working thru gooseneck or tow behind. I would add to cross your safety chains so that in the unlikely event you lose your trailer the tongue is cradled in the chains as apposed to hitting the ground and doing possible damage to your tongue

[@1harleyvette]

Actually against the law in Pa. to not have the chains crossed.

[@phonebooth7007]

@@1harleyvette you have to have em crossed in wv too

[@dacollecta2000]

The "handles on a wheel barrow" reference made me understand better weight distribution a lot easier. Thanks

[@martygray124]

"They kinda act like wheel barrow handles." Now I understand!! Thanks!

[@2dawgsmiked684]

Thanks for YOUR time, dude! Just looking at these online and hearing from my friends about how great these were - I was never able to understand HOW these actually work. But your explanation of the pre-load and then the wheelbarrow analogy made it all make sense. Thanks so much!

[@brendanpeterson5411]

Dude thanks. I feel so much better about my setup now. I really didn't understand what I was doing before. I upgraded from a little popup to a 32 foot bumper pull and I'm a bit scared, but your video has built my confidence.

[@huh_whoknew4714]

Yeah getting the hitch and anti sway control bars set up will make your trips so much better with that larger trailer.

[@Mary-fq6sm]

Thanks so much for this video!!! We are renovating a 40 year old Airstream. I’ve been researching distribution hitches & anti-sway bars. Most sales sites give weight limits, but don’t give any information about how they actually work. My husband understands it, but I am still learning. You were very clear about the hookup & operation of the weight distribution. The wheel barrow handle example was perfect! Now I get it.😃

[@robertreed5343]

Informative, well thought out. Best part at the end. "Thanks guys, I appreciate your time." Instant like/subscribe!

[@thomasday3226]

This is very good. You take your time without a wasted word. And now I know exactly what's going on. Brilliant.

[@jordanott5464]

By far the best video I've seen on the subject. other places will just tell you what the thing does, not HOW it does it

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Hey brother, thanks for taking some time out of your life to produce a very informative video. Definitely helpful and appreciated. God bless. 👍🏼

[@huh_whoknew4714]

No Prob

[@davidpurych8741]

Thanks for the lesson! I couldn’t imagine that these systems accomplished anything, but I stand corrected. Great job thanks again

[@Sammcm20]

Oh my gosh THANK YOU!!! The wheel barrow reference was an amazing way to explain how that works!!

[@tysenp8193]

Just got a camper trailer and wanted to figure out how to install the hitch. The instructions were kinda meh in the box but this video clears up everything!! Thank you!!

[@6Sally5]

I have a wdh for my 30’ camp trailer, and while I can put it on correctly and it works well, I could not get into my head as to exactly what it does...until you said “the bars are like the handles on a wheel barrow “. All of a sudden, the light came on! Thanks!

[@jefff963]

Thanks for the most common sense explanation of a weight distribution hitch that I have ever heard. Good information!

[@gerardocasas4859]

Great video. Don’t know how many videos I’ve seen on this topic, and this is the first one that actually helped me understand how it worked. Thanks.

[@gerardocasas4859]

When you mentioned wheelbarrow handles it clicked in my head.

[@BhodieBob]

i'm an engineer but ive looked at these rigs and sort of guessed how they work, but this is a good explanation. Clearly too, it's a bigger task to disconnect the trailer and go.

[@shortCUT207]

Wisdom is knowing what you don’t know which is why I’m here Thank you for correct some of my mistakes Upgraded trailer recently and decided to see if I was hooking properly. I had most of it right but not all. Thankyou! We appreciate YOUR time

[@saramichelle3121]

My friend Leslie and I have a 30ft camper and this helps a lot! Thank you from Gurls with campers

[@huh_whoknew4714]

Glad I could help! I also run this on my Camper. Its the way to go

[@kdcarver]

Excellent explanation. I've seen other videos that try to explain what occurs when the bars spring back, but fail. This is clear. I like your wheelbarrow analogy.

[@trooper2221]

Thank u so much, I for the life of me didn’t know how to lock those bars in to the old hitch, that’s what we have. No pin. No clips, can’t wait to try putting em in like u did, we’ve been towing camper without em. And ya front end of truck is a little squirrely. It doesn’t seem though that we will need the anti sway bar off our old camper. We certainly needed it on old camper, but never ran the weight distribution bars on the old pop up.this camper now doesn’t swAy, at least at 65 mph. Hey thanks

[@JoseOrtega-xn4mj]

Thanks i used a bar to lift chains ⛓ and boy that was heavy, now i will jack it up then put those chains ⛓

[@jamescrowton007]

Thank you for your video. Im a newbie when attaching my curt swaybar hitch for my camper. Your the only person who explains what you were doing. Grear job!!

[@dr.floridaman4805]

Dude you are an amazing teacher. Kiss method, with explanation, and visuals. Right on!

[@edwardmylnychuk5774]

great video, my dad used one of these so i know they work and its great that people like you take the time to show others how to do this. i watched a few vids that explained why they are good but did not show how to set it up and explain why they are effective

[@huh_whoknew4714]

Thanks for watching!

[@edwardmylnychuk5774]

i did not post anyting i just enjoyed what you posted because my father did this also

[@larrygood6764]

This is one of the best how to and why videos I've seen, thank you!

[@justnsaliga8518]

Super helpful information currently deciding on a gooseneck equipment trailer or bumper pull and honestly never heard of a weight distributing hitch or ever seen one on the road until I seen this video

[@chrismiller4863]

Thanks just stumbled on this video and my trailer came with a really old one like the one you have, but no instructions so this was extremely helpful.

[@alphaditto]

Thank you for taking the time to explain how the WD Hitch works!

[@nathandumeney7601]

Alot of people think that the weight distribution hitch by itself is for sway and they couldn't be more wrong. One thing he didnt talk about was never try and back your trailer up with the sway control system attached to the truck and trailer I have seen the aftermath and it's not pretty. Also you can use your break control by manually squeezing the slider to correct sway while traveling down the road, you do light squizing so you dont lock up the breaks on the tralier.

[@toddyarnell3161]

If you have the right hitch you do have the sway control and you do not need that extra bar for the sway it's called THE EQUALIZER HITCH BEST HITCH EVER MADE won't use any other hitch

[@georei]

Exactly how I was shown how to do it. I had my hitch set up by an RV dealer for the height of my truck, and before I drove off with my new camper they went over the procedure with me. I have seen videos where the chains are never tight before lowering the jack. If the chains are not tight, the spring bars will not do their job.

[@walkerskii]

Best work boots money can buy - flip flop sandals, the necessary tool for working on any trailer or other heavy equipment! But seriously, excellent video, thank you!

[@kauffmanguy]

Thanks for the tips, I thought it was well done. BTW, it appears you have a Georgia veterans tag like mine , thank you for your service

[@vretana1]

Great Information. I have a weight distribution system, but got some really good tips. Thanks for taking the time to help out.

[@jk22N0JFK]

Thanks.The way you explained it made scene to me and quickly made me feel much much more comfortable even thou I have been hauling trailers for years and even been a trained trailer rental employee in the past. Also no BS just the facts in a helpful way..

[@tomahawksteak6672]

I used a equalizer 4 point hitch and really like how easy it is to set up and use. Alot easier than my Reese dual cam sway system. Both perform really well.

[@abbaby555]

These hitches are worth every penny, if your towing your home away from home and they aren't cheap mind you, spend a little more and properly and safely hitch up your investment. You won't be disappointed

[@mike7044863]

Wow , Lotta work . From my experience if your swaying it's your load weight being uneven so try to even that up , keep trailer level with adjustable hitch and if you still have some sway then simply slow your speed . Going 55 or 60 in a 70 wont make or break your arrival time

[@501BBQ]

Always thought the bars we’re supposed to be parallel with the frame! I may cinch mine up a little more. Good video

[@900bz]

I have two of those bars been looking at them for a few years never knew what they were for nd couldnt looks it up because i didnt know the name glad i accidentally found your video thanks for the explanation

[@pogveteranar9415]

My set up is like that one and I like it with the chains, they still make them that way. Bought our setup in 2018. Great video and thank you for the information.

[@robr4596]

Thank you for your time! great post and very informative. I'm new to towing a somewhat heavy trailer, you helped me out!

[@jamesroberts9849]

Very good presentation. I had several questions and you answered most of them if not all. Very informative. Thank you very much.

[@sdavrider]

Thank you. I watched a dozen videos before that didn't explain this principal properly. I understood what you said.

[@eanschlotzhauer8059]

Great video I like how you are quick to the point and indepth about why and how you do it. Don't worry about that haters ever one thinks they know best. Some of the best advice I've gotten is from folks they have done what I'm having trouble with. Thank you for makeing the video

[@TCPUDPATM]

This is an excellent point. Just because it’s hooked up doesn’t mean it’s actually distributing weight.

[@brianw612]

I use both weight distribution and air bags. makes a huge difference.

[@black98rt]

Nice explanation of the weight distributing hitch. I’ve heard that term a lot but never really knew what it was.

[@johndough3940]

Thank you for explaining, I have never seen these before and wanted to learn more when I saw it truck parked with it. thanks!

[@jasonvredenburg4839]

Great job explaining this...I have used that set up since 2007..it works great..if you are towing a toyhauler or camper use dual sway controls..right and left..this helps with swaying and passing and being passed by vehicles

[@richardlindquist5936]

I actually feel smarter after watching this! Thanks!

[@michaelfunk5951]

Your very thorough. Really like your explanation of how to get it right.

[@durakingdiesel]

I install these hitches on the regular. I'm not critiquing the video however your hitch head could use more kick back. The weight distribution bars should be parallel to the frame of the trailer not pointed up at it. The links indicate roughly an inch each if you load them up more. With the sway control once you feel resistance on the crank handle go about roughly 3/4 of turn afterwards. Always remove the friction sway control when reversing the trailer.

[@huh_whoknew4714]

I was taught to show a bow and to tighten the sway control as tight Lol to each his own. Thanks for your input

[@myavo]

I always recommend crisscrossing the chains to create a sort of harness. Nice video!

[@raycalandra1887]

Great job of explaining how a properly set up WD system works. The chains should be crossed under the bars and hitch to act as a "catch/cradle" if the trailer becomes unhitched. That way the trailer tounge won't drop to the ground.

[@huh_whoknew4714]

Lol thanks. But as I explained in the video when ran on the inside (crossed) they caught the hitch and sheared off.

[@Rossco84]

Thanks for this video! Really demonstrates how they work! The comparison to a wheelbarrow is very useful.

[@Soljarag5]

why am i watching this..... I don't even have a truck

[@goodbonezz1289]

Soljarag5 This got me away from flat earth and illuminati videos! Lol

[@huh_whoknew4714]

Lol well at least you now have the concept of a WD hitch.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Have you seen the new flat earth proof video? ...Just kidding. But, Interesting vid as I couldn’t imagine how a trailer could lift a truck rear end. It’s still a little hard to see.

[@huh_whoknew4714]

Some people can not see the forest due to the trees

[@hg2.]

Me too!

[@MichaelAnderson-nh4gu]

Great video, I just tow a tent trailer. But my dad used to use that style of hitch and when I was very young I used to help install that style of hitch. He always said how nice it was to tow.

[@ottokittel709]

nice instructions, but I think three things you might reconsider. spring bars should be not more than level with the a frame,. safety chains should be crossed, and lastly the bolt on sway control needs to be released when backing up. great job with the instruction and why it's needed. take care from an old timer!

[@ernestoduarte3522]

Thank you brother just got a new travel your video was very helpful 👌 👍🏻 👏

[@dickfitswell3437]

Looks like a Devil Dog licsence plate yuuuuuut yuuut. Ive been pulling cargo trailers, goosenecks for last 7yrs. Mainly bumper pull cargo haulers. I just accidentally read about these distribution hitches. Its like seeing a UFO. Cant believe these exist. Geniuses whoever designed these.

[@huh_whoknew4714]

Yuuutttt

[@Da3m0n75]

Thanks for this video! One of the better ones I have found on setting up this kind of hitch.

[@kingkobina]

Great video partner ! 👍 Thank YOU for taking the time to do this video.

[@Samorsita]

DOT will if stopped will require you to cross the safety chains once. In the case where the ball pops off the chains they say, will hold the trailer from hitting the ground. Great video though, good description of how it works and set up.

[@rxonmymind8362]

Just a beginner, I don't even own a trailer but I will soon and love videos like this. So a HUGE thanks for making (what looks like) a solid video. I need to go to chop down a tree and get a six-by-six block got it. 😁 Now off to learn about GVWR in it's entirety. Ugh, math.....

[@Freshcakes47]

Lol I was a beginner too 6 months ago. When you do all the math....you then realize, towing capacity isn't the most important number. Good luck!!

[@SarasotaTim]

You gave me all I needed to know my friend. Thanks I appreciate your tutorial very much. 😎

[@SmokeETer-he6xy]

Try a wooden shim in the hitch receiver, snugs it up and does minimal/ no damage. Unfortunately you typically need a new one everytime you put your hitch in. Cool vid, never used these before

[@joemonn2684]

I always wandered what those things were. Now I know. Thank you the video 👍👍

[@chrisniner8772]

I think I would use a bottle jack under the receiver hitch. That seems like a lot of stress on the trailers hitch to me... Great video

[@luiscabrera3960]

Very informative I must say I learned something very important today😎

[@scottsmith507]

The wheel barrel handle really helps to grab concept! 👍🏼

[@tightline8164]

Thanks for that explanation, it was really helpful.

[@hitchport1192]

Thanks for your patient explanation. Have you considered weight distribution hitch storage? HITCHPORT Hitch and Spring Bar Mounts are the solution.

[@younghex9577]

This video was very informative thank you for your time

[@robsycko]

We should thank you for your time making this video. Well explained.

[@BrotherSpike]

Great Video! Thanks for going a bit further with "pre-loading".

[@ronperino7699]

Great video...Clear, concise and easy to understand..thanks!!

[@lloydholt6511]

Your instructions are in conflict with the instructions for the Equalizer brand hitch. Equalizer says the spring arms should be parallel to the trailer younger. Weight distribution should be changed by adjusting the shim pack which controls the angle of the ball. All of the manufactures recommend measuring the height of the truck at the front wheel well and rear wheel. Goal should be t end up with nearly identical measurements at the front and rear measurement points. Spring arms should be matched to the tongue weight of the trailer. This value can be obtained from your trailers dealer or you can spend ten dollars and weigh it at any truck stop. Most of the manufacturers I have used all said the spring bars should be parallel to the tongue. I suspect the spring arms you are using are not matched to the tongue weight on your trailer or have lost their spring rate due to age and need to be replaced. Just some thoughts of mine.

[@johnclark6571]

Yep. I have one of the newer models you spoke of. They make a huge difference when towing. And I have a 1 ton truck. Your later model Chevy/GMC is probably more heavy duty than my 06 Dodge.

[@JPSmithBuilds]

Wow, thanks for explaining! I never realized how those worked.

[@brianmorris8045]

They are a great idea, but they are not a be all and end all solution. I had them on a caravan I used to own. Reduces the sway. But there are indeed other things you need to do. I had pneumatic shockers too, which helped a bit too. Anything to help reduce the sway to keep the misses and kids in the car, I put on the car. Once all that stuff is done, it's up to the nut behind the wheel (the driver). Even weight distribution inside the van helps. One just wants to get from A to B without any dramas. If you encounter different roads surfaces, different situations arise. Yep the levellers will help. Your grey matter has to do the rest.

[@fergrn]

Dude thanks for the video. Straight forward explanation. I’m planning on getting a camp trailer next year and will need a set up like this. Your vid answered a lot of questions. As for whatever the other keyboard jockeys had to say about your “mistakes “ I either didn’t care or didn’t care cuz you were doing it for educational purposes and I’m sure you set it up the way it needs to be when you actually get going.

[@huh_whoknew4714]

No problem man thanks for watching I hope it helped. And for the keyboard jockeys it's just part of doing anything people have opinions and some are prone to voice their's. Lol I am confident with my set up. My chains are a tad short to cross them with out them getting hung up in the bars and hitch. To each his own

[@misters2837]

@@huh_whoknew4714: I kept looking for the critique posts...Now I take it they were about crossing your safety chains...Do They not understand that the "Leveler Arms and Chains" DOUBLE as Safety Chains? - 30 Years ago, I had one like yours on a 36' Bumper Pull Travel Trailer on a F250, and the weld failed on the Ball, and I actually did not know it had failed until I had stopped at the end of exit ramp...and the trailer slid forward on the hitch and the tongue Bumped the Bumper...For the last 5 miles I was hearing this clunking and chattering, I could see my tires were fine, but was pulling off to check it out...Well I got out and looked and saw what issues were, I was shocked, but for some reason the tension was enough that the trailer would stay in the general vicinity of the snapped off ball, I PULLED IT another half a mile to the NAPA - with a snapped off ball! (Napa was closed for the night so we camped in their lot till morning, the town cop came to check us out, his eyes were big as saucers when I showed him WHY we were "Camping at Napa") The Manager of the Napa was impressed... My safety chains were NOT crossed...Heck, they were never even put under tension... So those Nay Sayers, can go pound sand!