Based on Draw-Tite Weight Distributing Hitches
A Weight Distribution hitch is used to balance the weight of the cargo between the front and rear wheels throughout the trailer which will allow for better steering, braking, and level riding.
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A Draw-Tite Weight-Distributing Hitch System is composed of four major elements:
- the hitch receiver,
- the ball mount,
- the spring bar assembly and,
- the sway control (see below)
These components work in unison to provide complete towing system compatibility. |
Operation of a Weight Distributing Hitch System
The Draw-Tite differences are in construction materials, welding, manufacturing processes, and hook-up.
Adjustment is simple because of the easy-to-operate snap-up brackets that allow spring bar tension to be
adjusted by changing links in the support chains. This lets you adjust for various trailer tongue weights
within the spring bar weight range by applying tension on the spring bars until the car or tow vehicle is
level. Rather than merely supporting the trailer tongue weight (TW), weight distributing hitches apply
leverage between the towing vehicle and trailer causing the TW to be carried by all axles of the tow vehicle
and trailer. When TW is distributed in this way, trailers with greater TWs can be towed, resulting in a more
level ride which reduces stress on the rear of the tow vehicle and provides greater steering and brake control.
Trailer Sway
This must always be considered in trailer towing. Unwanted sway turns a pleasant towing situation sour. Many
factors can contribute to trailer sway - the design of the trailer, the suspension, tire inflation pressures,
configuration of the tow vehicle, towing speeds and hitch weight. Therefore, Draw-Tite has devised several
options to resist or temper trailer sway.
Sway Control
There are two popular methods of sway control. The older, more common form of sway control is a friction
device referred to as FrictionSway Control.
A more contemporary approach is a device controlled by cam action. Known as Dual Cam
Sway Control, it is an innovative and effective technique to help control trailer sway before
it starts.
Friction Sway Control
The Friction Sway Control does exactly what its name implies, it uses friction to resist pivotal movement and
thereby works against the effects of induced sway. It operates on the principle of "stiffening" the
coupling between the tow vehicle and trailer. The degree of "stiffening" or friction is adjusted to
suit various trailer weights and towing conditions. Its operation is simple and uncomplicated. It doesn't prevent
the generation of sway; it simply works to resist the forces once they have started.
Dual Cam Sway Control (for use with weight distributing equipment
This patented product is the premier method for controlling trailer sway. Unlike the friction sway control,
this approach works to control sway from the start rather than just resisting sway once it's begun. And
it works only when needed. When towing in a straight line, the cams on either side of the trailer A-frame
are locked in position. This essentially creates a "rigid" connection between tow vehicle and trailer
and minimizes the effects of induced sway caused by high cross-winds or passing vehicles. Usually
the cams ride in a detent, locked-in position, even on fairly sharp curves.
However, when cornering maneuvers are required, the cams automatically slide out of their detent to permit full
radius turns. Yet when the maneuver is short and abrupt, like that encountered in the event of a sudden swerve or
a wheel dropping off the road, the cams seek a straight-line towing angle that helps the tow vehicle retain
control. The advantage of the dual cam system is its ability to forestall sway in addition to sway resistance.
It works to hold down the start of swaying activity while at the same time allowing free and easy vehicle
and trailer interaction. Another advantage of the dual cam system is that it's installed on the trailer and
therefore doesn't require adjustment every time the towing vehicle and trailer are hooked up, unless hitch
weight or tow vehicle loading are changed.
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The Hitch Ball is the connection from the hitch to the trailer. There are many elements in determining the correct hitch ball. Mounting platform thickness, hole size, coupler socket size and the most important gross trailer weight rating. The platform must be at least 3/8" thick and the hole size must not be more than 1/16 of an inch larger in diameter than the threaded shank. Every time you tow be sure to check the nut and lock washer to make sure it is fastened securely.
The ball mount is placed inside the hitch opening which is mounted to the vehicle. Be sure to check your ball mount before towing to make sure a hitch pin is placed through the hole of the ball mount. The hitch pin secures the ball mount inside the tube of the receiver hitch when towing.
How do I determine what size drop or rise I need for my ball mount?
Tongue weight is the downward force that is exerted on the hitch ball by the coupler. Tongue weight will vary depending on where the load is positioned in relationship to the trailer axle(s). To measure the tongue weight, use either a commercial scale or a bathroom scale with the coupler at towing height. When using a bathroom scale with heavier tongue weights, use the method shown; multiplying (the scale reading x 3).