How to Tell a Weight Distributing Hitch From a Weight Carrying Hitch

It's important to know which bumper hitch will work best on your vehicle.

If you want your vehicle to tow the maximum load with maximum safety, it's important to understand the difference between two types of bumper hitches. The weight distributing hitch spreads the weight and adds sway control to allow you the maximum control over your load while the weight carrying hitch carries all the trailer weight on the hitch. There are a few easy-to-spot differences between the two types of hitches that allow you to look and see which one is which.

Instructions

1. Hitch the tow vehicle to the trailer as you would if you were going to tow it.

2. Look for two bars running from the hitch on the tow vehicle and connecting to the trailer. These are one indication of a weight distributing hitch.

3. Step back from the rig and look at it from the side. If the rig looks flat, this can be an indication of a weight carrying hitch with a heavy trailer.

4. If the trailer is attached only by a tow ball and the two chains, it is a weight carrying hitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a professional if you have any doubt.

References

• Etrailer - Common Weight Distribution and Sway Control Questions
• Hitches For Less - Trailer Hitch Class FAQ
• Hitches For Less - Weight Distributing FAQ