Does A Weight Distribution Hitch Increase Towing Capacity

A weight distribution hitch can help distribute the weight of your trailer more evenly, allowing you to tow heavier loads.

While a weight distribution hitch won’t necessarily give you more towing capacity, it can improve your stability and handling while towing.

In this article, we’ll take a look at does a weight distribution hitch increase towing capacity and see if a weight distribution hitch is right for you.

Does a Weight Distribution Hitch Increase Towing Capacity?

No, a weight distribution hitch doesn’t give you a boost in towing capacity. Rather, it helps to distribute a load of your trailer more evenly.

This can improve stability and handling, particularly on unlevel or rough terrain.

So you may still be able to tow the same total weight, but a weight distribution hitch can make it easier for you.

How Much Difference Does a Weight Distribution Hitch Make?

A weight distribution hitch keeps the tongue weight of the trailer at 10-15% of its total load, ensuring a safe journey.

By doing this, you are less likely to lose control of your trailer, and also prevent too little weight on the hitch which often results in uncontrollable trailer sway.

A weight distribution hitch also increases your towing capacity by distributing the load more evenly across the tow vehicle and trailer, reducing the amount of stress on both.

This allows you to safely carry heavier loads and travel over more difficult terrain.

While the cost of a weight distribution hitch can be considerable, it is definitely worth it to ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey.

Whether you regularly tow a trailer or are just planning your first trip, investing in a weight distribution hitch is the right choice for your peace of mind and safety.

When Do You Need A Weight Distribution Hitch?

There are a couple of situations in which you might need a weight distribution hitch or WDH.

Below we list three of the most common reasons for needing a WDH.

The first is when you are towing a trailer or caravan that has an unbalanced load.

This means that your tow vehicle may not be able to fully support the weight of your trailer.

Especially if it is very heavy or unevenly distributed on the hitch ball.

A WDH helps to distribute the weight more evenly and ensures that your tow vehicle can safely support the load.

Another situation in which you might need a WDH is if you are towing an oversized or taller trailer.

This is because, without a WDH, your vehicle’s suspension may be unable to fully support the additional weight of the trailer.

A WDH helps to evenly distribute the weight across your suspension and prevents it from being overloaded.

Finally, if you are frequently towing a load that is heavier than what your tow vehicle can handle on its own, then you may need a WDH as well.

This is because if you do not have sufficient weight distribution, then your hitch can become overloaded easily and your vehicle’s handling could be compromised.

A weight distribution hitch helps to evenly distribute the additional weight without compromising your vehicle’s stability and performance.

So if you are planning on towing any type of trailer, it is a good idea to invest in a quality WDH.

Not only will this help ensure that your tow vehicle can fully support the weight of your trailer, but it can also help to improve safety and handling when driving.

Can Weight Distribution Be Used With Surge Brakes?

Many standard weight-distribution hitches aren’t able to be used with surge brakes.

Use a weight-distribution hitch that is compatible with surge brakes to avoid any issues when towing a trailer.

Weight distribution hitches are designed to evenly distribute the weight of a loaded trailer across the axles of both your tow vehicle and the trailer.

However, some types of weight-distribution hitches may not be compatible with surge brakes, which are used on many trailers to help slow down and stop the trailer.

If you are planning to use a weight-distribution hitch with surge brakes, be sure to check and make sure that the hitch is compatible with these types of brakes.

Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your tow vehicle or trailer while towing.

Fortunately, there are a number of weight distribution hitches that are compatible with surge brakes.

So if you’re looking for a weight-distribution hitch for your next towing adventure, be sure to do your research and find one that will work seamlessly with your trailer’s braking system.

How Much Towing Capacity Does a Weight Distribution Hitch Add?

If the trailer tongue weight is less than 10% of the total loaded trailer weight, it can make the vehicle harder to control.

If it’s more than 15%, there could be issues with overloading your tow vehicle’s rear axle.

A weight-distribution hitch will not change the amount of weight your vehicle can tow.

A weight distribution hitch is designed to help evenly distribute the weight of a loaded trailer across the axles of both your tow vehicle and the trailer.

While many weight-distribution hitches will not increase your vehicle’s overall towing capacity, they can be useful if you need to tow a heavy trailer that puts too much weight on your vehicle’s rear axle.

For example, if you are towing a large camper trailer that has a tongue weight of more than 15% of the total loaded trailer weight, a weight-distribution hitch can help distribute this additional weight and make it easier to control your vehicle while towing.

Can I Tow More If I Use A Weight Distributing Hitch?

No, a weight distribution hitch will not change the amount of weight that your vehicle can tow.

However, using a weight distribution hitch may be beneficial if you are towing a heavy trailer that puts too much of the load on your vehicle’s rear axle.

In addition, a weight distribution hitch can help to ensure that your trailer is properly balanced, which can make it easier to control and tow.

When you’re looking for increased stability and control when towing a heavy trailer, consider using a weight distribution hitch the next time you hit the road.

What Happens If You Exceed Towing Capacity?

If you exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity while using a weight distribution hitch, there may be several consequences.

For example, your vehicle may not have the necessary power or braking capacity to safely tow a heavy trailer on steep or rough terrain.

Additionally, exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity can place additional stress and strain on the engine, transmission, and other components.

That’s why it is important to always check your vehicle’s towing capacity and consult with a professional to ensure that you’re using the right equipment for your vehicle.

If you are concerned about exceeding your vehicle’s towing capacity, it may be a good idea to invest in a larger or more powerful tow vehicle.

FAQs on if A Weight Distribution Hitch Increase Towing Capacity

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of what happens if you exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity while using a weight distribution hitch.

You should also know when you need to tow a heavy trailer on steep or rough terrain.

So you need to be sure that your vehicle is equipped to handle the additional weight and stress.