Weight distribution hitch - Event Date: 20 Jul 2016

Originally posted by Olddawgsrule Okay, I've read through the posts and see we're still calling this 'weight' distribution.  If Offgrid has taught me anything, it is that this is not weight distribution. The weight upon that tongue is still on that that tongue. I fall into the group of not using that mis-named hitch and going sway only.

The WDH does distribute the weight on the axles. It is also true that the weight on the hitch does not change. Where on the tow vehicle the weight goes is what's being distributed. 

The wdh does redistribute the weight on the axles, but since it does that by creating moments (torques) around the hitch point it doesn’t actually reduce the hitch load, just changes it. Depending on your rig there could be a big benefit from doing that or it might not provide an advantage at all. For me, the wdh is a significant benefit, I use mine all the time while towing.

+1 on a 3500lb rated tow vehicle for and rPod. That is pushing things IMHO.

Originally posted by Green Sailor Curious, did you make any modifications to your highlander. I am looking at trailers and my Sorento has a tow weight of 3,500 and I was wondering if I can pull a dry weight trailer at 2,800. Thanks for your input, it could help me make a decision on the tow vehicle. Frank

You don't gauge this by the empty weight of the trailer, you gauge this by the loaded weight of the trailer.  The loaded weight of the trailer is going to most likely be closer to the max weight of the trailer, which is probably in the neighborhood of 3800 lbs (don't know which R-pod you have so that is a SWAG). 

When I first got my 179, I was actually talked out of getting a WDH by the dealer because the trailer is so light and told just getting the sway bar.   What I learned is that the WDH isn't just for the tongue weight (and the sway).   I had no problem with my regular hitch with a sway bar, but what you do notice is those back roads where the trailer can rock up and down like a gallop girdy.   I finally bought and installed the 4-way equalizer hitch and just came back from a 1k round trip between Portland, OR to the boon docks up the St. Joe river in Idaho close to Montana--noticeably smoother ride.  I probably will add another washer to make it a bit firmer, still. 

Again, it's not as much for the tongue weight, but the see-saw as well (and, of course, you get sway control as well).

We have towed our 177 for over 5 years w/o a WDH, use only a sway bar control.  TV was a '08 Explorer and is now a '13 Explorer.  Have been out west and back 3 times going as far as RMNP (2x) and Glacier once.  Been on a lot of mountainous roads and have experienced some severe cross winds in the mid-west exceeding 25 mph with no problems.  Also been through the Appalachian Mts into the Smokies as well.  Tows great for us, don't see a need for it with what we tow it with.