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RV glossary · Hitches & towing gear

Weight-distribution hitch

Also called: WDH, WD hitch

A hitch with spring bars that shift some of a trailer’s tongue weight forward to the tow vehicle’s front axle and back to the trailer axles. It levels the rig and restores steering and braking. Many vehicles require one above a certain trailer weight.

Without weight distribution, tongue weight squats the rear of the tow vehicle and lifts the front, which reduces steering grip and front braking. Spring bars under tension transfer part of that load forward, so the vehicle sits closer to level.

A weight-distribution hitch does not increase your tow rating or payload, and the hitch itself (often 75–120 lb) counts against payload. Most include or pair with sway control. Setup matters: the bars must be adjusted for your specific truck and trailer.

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Related terms

Hitch weight
The downward force a bumper-pull trailer puts on the tow vehicle’s hitch, typically 10–15% of the trailer’s loaded weight. Too little tongue weight can cause sway; too much can overload the truck’s rear axle and payload.
Sway control
A device, usually part of or added to a weight-distribution hitch, that resists the trailer pivoting side to side. Types include friction bars, cam systems and integrated designs.
Receiver hitch
The square tube mounted under a vehicle’s rear bumper that accepts a ball mount or weight-distribution hitch. Receivers are rated by class (I to V) with maximum trailer and tongue weights.
Payload capacity
How much weight a truck or SUV can carry: its GVWR minus its curb weight. Passengers, cargo, the hitch itself and the trailer’s tongue or pin weight all count against payload.

More hitches & towing gear terms

Hitch class · Ball mount · Coupler · Fifth-wheel hitch · Gooseneck hitch · Kingpin · Slider hitch · Brake controller

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