If you are like most people who are looking for the best weight distribution hitch, then you are probably taking your family for a vacation in an RV and need the right connection to hook it up to your pickup truck or S.U.V.
And if you are like most people, you already have your eye on a travel trailer, but you need more information on whether your truck can haul it, and what type of weight distribution hitch you should buy to tow it safely.
If you are any kind of do-it-yourselfer, any kind of trailer hitch seems like an easy item to buy and then install. Meanwhile, check out our product review on the best hitch cargo carrier.
Comparison Table of Weight Distribution Hitch
However, once you get into it, you start to realize how much is riding on this purchase and how complicated a simple trailer hitch installation can become once you get out onto the road with a 10,000 lb. trailer riding behind your truck.
What you also realize is how much information is out there and how much you need to know about towing a trailer for 1,000 miles or more in unpredictable weather and traffic – all while your loved ones are along for the ride with you.
That’s when it hits you that you have a lot of research to do, and although a weight-distribution hitch isn’t that expensive of a purchase, it is still a major one.
That said, here are the top 10 picks for weight distribution hitches, some buying considerations, and some frequently asked questions to get you started:
10 Best Weight Distribution Hitch Reviews
01. EAZ LIFT Elite Kit 48056 – Preinstalled Parts Speed Up Connection Time
- Materials: various types of steel
- Tongue weight: up to 600 lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 10,000 lbs.
- Weight of hitch: 93.7 lbs.
- Hitch ball: 2-5/16”
- The included ball mount is adjustable
- Positive latching action for safe operating
- Pre-installed chains and U-bolts
- Clips and bolts included
- Sway control and hardware included
- Hi-low shank, 2”x2”x10” bolts together
EAZ LIFT Elite kit comes with everything you need to start towing! Elite kit features a round bar weight distributing hitch with other standard components that are pre-stalled to save you time when you are setting up.
It includes a ball-tongue plate, a friction plate, spring clips, crank handle, slide bar, chrome tongue ball, and self-tapping screws.
This hitch also delivers a smoother ride due to the positive latching action of its interchangeable bars for better operation.
“This hitch is heavy and hard to store. The friction plate does not help with the noise and the adjustable portion of the ball mount can slip.
The fit tends to be loose and it can be hard to level the load. Some of the parts wear out quickly and need to be replaced. Needs to be installed with proper air tools.”
EAZ LIFT sway controls handle turns without losing their functionality, operate quietly, and don’t diminish road clearance. They can also be effortlessly released when you don’t need them as driving conditions change.
- Quicker to set up once installed
- Anti-sway works well
- Well-made, solid steel
- Evenly distributes the tow weight
- Less expensive than other hitches
- Complete kit includes everything
- Some parts don’t last
- Missing parts, shipping problems
- Heavy, hard to manage
- The loose fit can be worrisome
02. Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control Hitch 90-00-1000 – Steady In All Driving Conditions
- Materials: high-quality U.S. steel
- Tongue weight: up to 1,000 lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 10,000 lbs.
- Hitch weight: 102 lbs.
- 12” shank fits 2” receivers
- 4-point sway control brackets
- Hardware included for installation
Equal-i-zer hitch 90-00-1000 is the product of a company that has been making quality hitches for more than 70 years.
The steel shank is 12” in length and allows for a 7” rise, along with a 3” drop. It couples with trailer hitch receivers of 2”.
The sway control brackets on this hitch will keep your trailer positioned straight behind you, even when you have to pass someone quickly or take a sharp turn.
Even in high crosswinds or other inclement weather, your trailer will stay firmly with you – no worries. This is because when the weight distribution is working, the sway controls will automatically kick in.
You may need special tools to install it and there may be some parts missing when it is shipped.
It makes a loud noise when backing up and turning at the same time – which will get you looks in the parking lot.”
Equal-i-zer hitch 90-00-1000 is easy to install after you order a hitch ball of 2-5/16” with the 5/8” clip and pin to fasten it to your trailer.
When properly installed, the hitch delivers a trailer that is level and with correct weight distribution.
Also, this hitch will evenly send weight to all four axles on the trailer and the front wheel wells of the tow vehicle as well.
There is also nothing to remove in order to make sharp turns or back up, which make for easier operation.
- Made in the United States
- Can handle long trailers
- Maneuverability in traffic
- Easy to install
- Steady in heavy winds
- May have to “customize” hitch
- Noisy on sharps turns at low-speed
- Needs constant readjustments
- Hitch ball not included
03. EAZ LIFT Elite Bent Bar Hitch 48059 – Solid Control for Heavier Tows
- Materials: various types of steel
- Tongue weight: up to 1,200 lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 12,000 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 79.5 lbs.
- Weight-distributing hitch (bent bar)
- Ball mount is adjustable
- Shank included for 2” receiver
- Instructions Included
The EAZ LIFT Elite Bent Bar Hitch 48059 works to distribute weight evenly for towing heavier trailers.
It keeps the front of the tow vehicle at the same height while keeping the back of the tow vehicle from sagging down, even with the heavier loads.
Meanwhile, this bent bar hitch is also effective for sway, even without the sway bar – which is not included.
Because it is heavy-duty, you have to have the tools required to install it or have it professionally installed.”
This hitch is easy to install if you know what you are doing, follow the directions, and have the right tools like a torque wrench.
Once installed, this bent bar hitch delivers a safe-feeling, secure tow and a ride that is smooth and stable even in heavy highway crosswinds and traffic.
- Sturdy, heavy-duty construction
- Added safety for towing heavy trailers
- Keeps tow vehicle level
- Good for long distances
- Excellent maneuverability
- Sway bar is sold separately
- Hitch ball not included
- Heavy to manage (80lbs.)
- Requires special tools to install
04. Pro Series Round Bar Weight Distribution Kit 49903 – Affordable & Secure Towing
- Gross tongue weight: up to 1,000 lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 10,000 lbs.
- Weight-distributing hitch: round bar
- Hitch Ball: 2-5/16”
- Hitch weight: 102 lbs.
- Torqued & installed sway control ball
- Chains & U-bolts included
- Friction sway control included
- Installation hardware included
The Pro Series round bar weight distribution kit includes everything needed to hook up a trailer for towing up to 10,000 gross weight pounds maximum while towing it safely and securely.
It is easy to install with included directions – and by watching a YouTube video. This hitch provides stability for travel trailers and campers up to 35-37.’
The anti-sway control does not always work and needs to be removed for sharp turns or backing up or it may break off.”
This hitch will also help you pass tractor-trailers with no sway, even while towing longer trailers – and even without engaging the sway bar.
There are no major tools needed to install this hitch, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete the job.
No major issues for long hauls on major highways and this hitch is usually a lower-price – as compared to the weight it can safely tow.
- Well-built, sturdy
- Heavily-duty welding
- Quick to install
- Trailer sway is minimized
- Arrives poorly packaged
- Anti-sway bar not recommended
- Noisy without the extra grease
05. Fastway e2 2-Point Sway Control Hitch 94-00-1000 – Less Swaying with Less Effort
- Tongue weight: up to 1,000 lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 10,000 lbs.
- Hitch weight: 81.5 lbs.
- Weight-distributing hitch (round bar)
- Sway control is built in
- No chains needed
- Directions included
The Fastway e2 round bar hitch distributes weight and controls sway – without the need for sway bars that have to be installed or the chains that are required with other hitches.
Because there is no sway bar, there are also no issues with sharp turns at low speeds or backing up in parking lots. Even weight distribution takes the weight off the rear axle of the tow vehicle and distributes it so you will have a level connection.
“The hitch head tends to be welded in a crooked fashion and may need to be returned before installing. Installation may require additional tools and once installed, it is heavy to hook up and remove. It can also be noisy on the road.”
Its built-in sway control allows for a much safer haul. This hitch will stabilize your trailer with the built-in sway control that lets you handle fast maneuvers on the highway as well as keep your trailer stable during high crosswinds and steep downhill grades.
- Zero problems turning or backing up
- No additional sway bar needed
- No chains to fool with
- Allows for quick braking
- Better overall handling
- Hitch ball not included
- Need special tools to install
- Heavy to maneuver
- Heavy to ship, missing parts
06. Husky Center Line TS 32218 – Singular Unit Sway Control & Weight Distribution
- Materials: hardened 1045 steel
- Tongue weight: up to 1,200 lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 12,000 lbs.
- Hitch weight: 116 lbs.
- Singular unit sway control & weight distributing
- Factory installed hitch ball (2-5/16”)
- Spring bars and handle included
- Fairly lightweight for heavy GTW
Husky Center Line TS 32218 with spring bars was been in development at Husky for almost three years. Weight distribution and sway control have now been successfully combined!
The spring bars, combined with the head and the lift brackets work as a team for a ride that is responsive, and as a result – smoother. The 1045 forged steel also prevents metal fatigue and provides for longer-lasting wear and a much sleeker-looking appearance.
The shank on this hitch may not work for all towing vehicles. The powder coat rubs off quickly which helps the hitch to rust where this happens.”
Husky Center Line TS 32218 drives well on the highway because it keeps the tow vehicle level with the trailer and improves handling for quick maneuvers. It is also easy to install because the hitch ball (2 5/16”) is already mounted.
- Compact design
- Installs easily
- More ground clearance
- Practically noise-free
- Streamlined appearance
- Problems with shipping
- Powder coat rubs off easily
- Rusts easily then make noise
- Metal parts can break or bend
07. Anderson Weight Distribution Hitch 3350 – A Lightweight Heavy-Duty Towing Solution
- Tongue weight: up to 1,400 lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 14,000 lbs.
- Hitch Ball included: 2-5/16”
- Hitch weight: 52.5 lbs.
- Patented “True Motion-Dampening”
- Self-adjusting sway control
- 4” rise/drop
- 3”, 4”, 5” universal frame brackets
The Anderson weight distribution hitch is an innovative piece of engineering which makes it easier to handle, install, hook-up, remove, and store better than traditionally made weight distribution hitches.
One of the reasons for this is that it weighs just over 50 lbs. and yet it handles the gross tow weight of hitches twice it’s bulk.
This hitch does not work with all couplers. Check the warnings to see if your coupler is included before you buy it.”
The way these hitch works is revolutionary. There are no heavy spring bars. Instead, it’s two chains that control both the sway and the weight distribution in the same effort.
This hitch can also be used as a standard ball mount for lighter towing where no weight distribution is needed. As well, you can remove your trailer from the tow vehicle with one-pin removal.
- Motion-dampening system
- Nothing else to buy
- No grease needed
- Easy to hook up
- Doesn’t work with all couplers
- Friction liner wears out
- Doesn’t stop high-wind rocking
08. Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distributing Hitch BXW1000 – Peace of Mind for Long-Distance Travel
- Tongue weight: up to 1,000 lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 10,000 lbs.
- Hitch weight: 87.8 lbs.
- Hitch head is pre-adjusted
- Spring steel assembly
- Fits standard coupler
- Clamp-on latches included
The Blue Ox SwayPro weight distributing hitch has a preset hitch ball and other stress-free features which give peace of mind to people on vacation. It is easy to install and functions properly, and quick to transfer to another trailer as needed.
This Blue Ox hitch also provides even weight distribution and sway control at higher speeds, even in heavy traffic with semis and inclement weather with high crosswinds.
There is also a problem with the torsion bars not functioning properly or perhaps even coming loose and falling off. This hitch does also not handle sharp turns well.”
It is a functional hitch for long distances and does well in the mountains with travel trailers. They are also perfectly noiseless and there is no need to disconnect it when backing up in a parking lot.
- Noiseless
- Backs up easily
- Adequate ground clearance
- No head adjusting
- Easy to install
- Sway control needs constant attention
- Some parts wear out faster
- Heavy (87.8 lbs.)
09. Curt Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch 17007 – Smooth Tows with Tongue Weight Relief
- Materials: forged steel
- Tongue weight: up to 1k-1.4k lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 10k -14k lbs.
- Hitch weight: 85.6 lbs.
- Weight-distributing hitch (round bar)
- 2” shank
- Carbide black powder coat finish
- Sway bar mounting points
- Forged steel spring bars
Curt round bar weight distribution hitch is versatile in the fact that it is adaptable to fit different tow vehicles as well as trailers.
The 2” shank is adjustable and fits almost any 2” trailer hitch receiver as long as it is a standard. It also works with class 3, 4, or 5 trailer hitches.
Its setup is difficult to figure out and may need professional installation. Some modification may also be required.”
The Curt round bar weight distribution hitch is finished in a hard-wearing black carbide powder coat that resists rusting and corrosion.
- Gets the weight off the truck tongue
- Sturdy for heavier towing
- Snap-up brackets for mounting
- Lift handle increases leverage
- Trailer ball not included
- Does not adjust low enough for all vehicles
- Shipping problems – missing parts
10. Reese Straight-Line Trunnion Style Weight Distribution Kit 66074 – More Stability for Larger RVs
- Tongue weight: up to 1,200 lbs.
- Gross trailer weight: up to 12,000 lbs.
- Hitch weight: 72.1 lbs.
- Trunnion Bars
- Sway control
- Towing head
The Reese straight-line trunnion style weight distribution hitch which provides sway control for heavier trailers and RVs even in heavy crosswinds.
This trunnion style hitch also provides a stable ride with no bouncing. Virtually silent operation when oiled properly.
So you either have to have mechanic experience or have it professionally installed.”
This Reese hitch will allow you to keep the entire hitch engaged when you are backing up in a parking lot or cutting a hard angle in a parking lot. It also works well when heavy braking is required.
- Self-centering
- Allows for backing up
- Virtually removes sway
- Hitch ball not included
- Shank not included
- May need modification for level installation
Buying Guide: Factors You Need to Consider to Find the Best Weight Distribution Hitch for You
Weight distribution hitches are mainly used to tow travel trailers and RVs, but they can tow much more. These are trailers that hold cars or motorcycles or utility trailers used for moving.
The weight and length of what you are towing is a main concern, as well as the length and how often you are going to use the hitch. Remember to never go over the weight limits for your vehicle, trailer, or towing equipment.
Let’s look at some other factors that matter as well when you are looking for the right weight distribution hitch:
The Weight of the Hitch Itself
When you go to use a weight-distribution hitch and install it yourself, you will have to be able to lift it.
Even if you have a professional install it, you will still have to lift it in order to hook it up to your trailer and tow vehicle and then remove it for storage.
As well, you will have to keep in mind that you will be on the road when you are using the trailer hitch.
At home, you can always wait for someone, but on the road, you may not be able to find someone to help you lift the hitch or help you make minor repairs.
Making sure that you have a hitch that you can lift and manage by yourself if needed is very important.
Installing the Hitch
The number one complaint of most people about weight distribution hitches is that they can’t be installed properly onto their tow vehicle. Sometimes it can be the vehicle itself, but most of these people have done their research.
Often times, the reason a person can’t install the hitch is that they don’t have the right tools and mechanical skills.
Many of the hitches require advanced power tools to install and some skill with welding and torqueing.
Of course, you can always have a professional install your weight distribution hitch, but then we are back to what happens when you are on the side of the road and can’t repair it yourself? This can ruin a vacation, and if you read some reviews, it has.
Having the Right Tow Vehicle
Which brings us to the tow vehicle for your weight distribution hitch. Just because a truck or SUV has a tow hitch on it doesn’t mean it was meant to tow more than just jets skis or a small camper.
Even when the specs say your vehicle can tow 10,000 lbs. gross weight, it doesn’t mean you should.
The best thing to do is go online and ask others who own your same vehicle what its real tow capacity is.
Then you can decide if you need to buy a different tow vehicle before you start towing around a mobile home.
You do not want to be going down a steep grade on the highway, surrounded by semi-trucks, and realize you are careening towards certain death because your vehicle should not be used to tow anything larger than a small utility trailer.
If you do have a tow vehicle that can tow a travel trailer, then it is time to start looking at weight distribution hitches and reading some reviews.
Matching the Right Weight Distribution Hitch to the Right Size Tow Vehicle
When you look for a weight-distribution hitch, the first thing you will notice is the listing for Tongue Weight and Gross Trailer Weight.
Tongue Weight is the pressure the tongue of a trailer forces down onto your truck’s trailer hitch.
Gross Trailer Weight is the total weight in pounds of your trailer when it is fully loaded down.
These are calculations you must make before you go any further with purchasing a weight distribution trailer hitch.
A manufacturer or dealer can tell you the tongue weight of your tow vehicle.
But you will have to take the manufacturer’s weight of your trailer and then the weight of everything you are going to haul to get the gross weight of what you plan to tow.
This is extremely important, as you do not want to have something go wrong in heavy traffic and cause a major accident because you didn’t take proper weight measurements.
Speaking of measurements, you will also have to take the exact measurements of your vehicle to see what weight distribution hitch will work best for your vehicle.
Matching the Right Weight Distribution Hitch to the Right Make and Model Vehicle
Many manufacturers will have a list of what make and model vehicles they recommend for their weight distribution hitches, but not all.
It is best to look at some reviews and ask some questions online.
This is almost guaranteed that someone else has the same tow vehicle you have. They can tell you about their experience and make some recommendations.
It is much better to talk to a person who owns the same vehicle than it is just to read reviews, although both are an important process to reach the best decision for your towing needs.
And don’t get your heart set on one weight distribution hitch for your particular situation.
If several people make another recommendation they and they have the same vehicle as you, it would be wise to listen to what they have to say.
Taking a Test Run
The second-largest complaint that buyers have is that they ordered their weight distribution hitch right before their vacation and it didn’t fit, with no time to return it and get another one.
In this case, this is the fault of the consumer, not the manufacturer.
If you are going to use a weight-distribution hitch to haul a travel trailer on your family’s yearly vacation, you need to order it months in advance, install it, and then take it on a test run.
Then, if you need to order another hitch, you have plenty of time. As well, if you take a local, overnight trip, you will not be stranded in the middle of anywhere if it doesn’t work.
If it’s the case that you only need to make a few small adjustments, you can rest easy that you have bought the right hitch for your vacation.
If not, you will have plenty of time to return the hitch for a refund and consider it part of the learning process that goes into this kind of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions about Weight Distribution Hitches
What Does a Weight Distribution Hitch Do?
A weight distribution hitch allows you to haul larger trailers and RVs by redistributing the weight to keep your tow vehicle level.
For example, if you have a small trailer that holds two jet skis, your larger pickup truck can just haul this load with just a regular trailer hitch. This is because the jet skis don’t weigh that much.
However, if you attach an 8,000 lb. travel trailer to the same truck, the back end of the truck will sag to the ground while the front end of the truck will rise up in the air, making it not drivable.
The purpose of a weight-distribution hitch is to redistribute the weight of the trailer evenly over the axles of the trailer as well as to the front axles of the tow vehicle, making for a level and smooth ride.
Without a weight-distribution hitch, you would not be able to tow such a large trailer with a regular pickup truck.
Does the Cost of the Hitch Matter?
Many people think that the more money you pay, the better the weight distribution hitch they will get, but this is not the case. Similarly, you may get a higher quality product by paying more, but this will not necessarily be the right hitch for you.
If the hitch does not fit your vehicle correctly, or is too heavy, or does not distribute the weight evenly between your tow vehicle and your trailer, it is not the right hitch for your situation.
Another complaint that people have is that they bought the most expensive hitch thinking that it would work better in any situation, when in fact it will not.
A weight distribution hitch will only work in the situation for which it is engineered. In fact, many people found that the less expensive models were a perfect match for their vehicle and trailer, while the more expensive hitches were not going to work.
Along the same line, people who go with a less expensive hitch because they want to save money are upset when the hitch breaks because it was not designed to use with their vehicle or trailer length.
So, the cost is not a factor when buying the right weight distribution hitch. Measurements, towing weight, and tow vehicle models are the biggest considerations when buying a trailer hitch.
Do I need to have My Weight Distribution Hitch Professionally Installed?
Not necessarily, even if you are not handy with tools. In fact, you may want to install the hitch yourself so you get to know it inside and out.
Always keep in mind that you will be out on the road, maybe alone in a strange place, when something may go wrong with the hitch.
Ask anyone who hauls a trailer. There is a certain amount of self-reliability when you tow a trailer out on the highway with your family, coworkers, or friends.
You will need to know what to do in an emergency situation, and learning how to install a weight-distribution hitch yourself is a good place to start.
So the first thing you should do (whether you are going to install the hitch yourself or not) is to take everything out of the box when it first arrives.
Another complaint from customers is that not all the parts arrive in the shipment, and often the packaging is damaged. This is because the manufacturer is shipping approximately 100 lbs.
Metal parts in a cheap cardboard box. Moreover, if the box is damaged in shipping, it stands to reason that there may be missing parts.
Once you have taken inventory, you can either call the company to get the parts that are missing, or go ahead and start reading the instructions if they are all there. Never, ever, let the box sit around unopened just because you won’t be installing the hitch for a month or so.
More Information
There may be one or more parts missing you may miss the window of being able to claim that you only received a partial shipment and be able to get a replacement – or ship the whole thing back for a refund.
The worst thing is to open the box a month later and realize all you have is a very expensive useless piece of metal junk sitting in your garage, waiting for someone who will take it off your hands.
Once you have read the instructions, you may be able to install the hitch yourself. The next best thing to do then is to watch a YouTube video for pointers on how to install the hitch.
Every weight distribution hitch will have at least two videos on YouTube about how to install it. Even, if you have the hitch professionally installed at this point, you will still want to watch the video in case you have to make adjustments or repairs on the road.
You may need to buy special tools to install the hitch yourself, but this can be a wise investment. So, think about it this way. If you are hauling an RV to a campground, you are going to be out in the middle of nowhere.
You may need a special tool to make a small repair on your hitch (one that will make the difference between getting home or not) it would be better to have all the tools you need to get the hitch working again if you need to.
A garage in the middle of nowhere may or may not have the special tools you need to make repairs.
If you feel like installing a hitch and buying tools specifically for the job is too much for you, have your hitch professionally installed.
However, make sure you purchase a hitch that has the least amount of working parts and is the easiest to install so that it will be quick to get back on the road if you have any problems.
Go Online and Read Some Reviews, Then Visit a Local Dealer
To find the best weight distribution hitch for your tow vehicle, take the required measurements, and write them down along with the year, make, model, and tow capacity of your truck.
Then go online and start reading the reviews. You will be able to eliminate some hitches right away. Further, you should take the others that seem like a good fit, and write down their manufacturer and model number.
There are many places where you can ask questions, ask them, and see if anyone gets back to you. Usually, they will and this will help narrow down your search.
If a review seems too negative or unrealistic, ignore it. Consequently, the same thing goes with a review of the person who found their miracle product. Either review is not helpful if it is not your exact situation.
It is also a good idea to talk to a local dealer at an RV center. They can tell you what you need to be concerned about and what kind of weight distribution hitch will be the best for you.
Conclusion
Make sure to go online first, though, because you want to be knowledgeable when you talk to a salesperson who will be trying to sell you the brands they have in stock and need to get rid of.
Or they may have a better deal for you that you can take advantage of because you have an idea of what you need at this point.
If you do your research, plan ahead, and take your time with purchasing a weight-distribution hitch, your vacation will be much more enjoyable and you will get many more uses out of your weight distribution hitch in the future.
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