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WDH puts weight back on trailer?

Old 06-01-2019, 11:52 PM
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Default WDH puts weight back on trailer?

I've read that a weight distribution hitch ( I have an equalizer) puts some of the tongue weight back on the trailer. Can anyone confirm this?
Old 06-02-2019, 12:28 AM
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Yes. Some. Put some on the front axle too.
Old 06-02-2019, 01:06 AM
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In berybsimple terms, a WDH transfers weight off the rear axle, putting the weight taken off the rea back to the front axle and the trailer axles.

However, this does not compromise or adjust what that actual tongue weight of the trailer is.
Old 06-02-2019, 12:03 PM
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Originally Posted by flyflotr
I've read that a weight distribution hitch ( I have an equalizer) puts some of the tongue weight back on the trailer. Can anyone confirm this?
It's true. You can prove it to yourself by weighing the rig in a CAT scale twice, once with the spring bars adjusted, and once with the spring bars disconnected and placed in the back of the bed. Then notice the different weights on the axles.

Ideal weight distribution is 20% to 25% of hitch weight distributed to the front axle, another 20 to 25% distributed to the trailer axles, leaving 50% to 60% of total hitch weight on the rear axle. So if you have a 6,000 pound TT with 780 pounds TW and a properly-adjusted WD hitch, about 156 to195 pounds should be distributed off the rear axle and back to the trailer axles.

Last edited by smokeywren; 06-02-2019 at 12:06 PM. Reason: Fix typos
Old 06-03-2019, 11:07 AM
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Only if the trailer axles are as far from the TV's rear axles as the TV's front axle, will the load placed upon the axles be the same. The force applied is equal, but the weight 'felt' at the axles depends upon their location.
Old 06-03-2019, 01:21 PM
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When properly sized. If the bars are too light for the TW of the trailer, then very little will be shifted rearward, mostly forward, but not enough for a proper distribution. So if you run through the setup exactly by the book and cannot get a decent distribution based on what others here have said, your spring bars may be too light. BTDT.
Old 06-03-2019, 02:45 PM
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a weight distribution hitch really helps out

Last edited by danlexani; 06-03-2019 at 02:51 PM.


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