So, you’ve got your truck and your camper and an awesome vacation plan coming up. If you did some weighing of all your summertime gear, you may start to wonder if your car can pull your camper smoothly.
Rest assured that this article will serve as an informative guide to give you some options on what the best weight distributing hitches will be for you to make sure you’ll be good to hit the road. The ten hitches listed below are some of the best on the market.
- Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control – 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control – 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control – Trunnion Bar – 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control – Trunnion – 12K GTW, 1.2K TW
- Husky Center Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control – Trunnion – 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control – Round – 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control – Trunnion – 10K GTW, 1K TW
- Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control – Round – 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Husky Center Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control – Trunnion – 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Curt MV Weight Distribution System – Round Bar – 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
In this article, we will be looking at these ten different highly-rated weight distributing hitches for towing your camper. They come in a range of prices and features, so you will be able to find from this small sampling of some great options for your next adventure.
We will be looking at some great models, so I will also be highlighting some important details and qualities about these hitches that you can use when you start narrowing down your search.
We will be going over the generalities of weight distributing hitches, so you can have a solid foundation before we start talking shop.
Components of Weight Distributing Hitches
In this section, we will be highlighting some basics about these hitches so that you can get familiar with some of the terminology and functionality of this type of product. These are just some small and simple things that you might not be told when you first purchase a camper to tow.
First, you will need to have a class III, IV, or V trailer hitch receiver rated for use with weight distribution capabilities. Without this, you won’t get very far in setting up your vehicle to match up with the camper. Your camper will already come with this type of gear on its end, so make sure you are aware of what specs you have in order to make the right purchases.
The next feature you will need is a weight distribution shank (slides into trailer hitch). This is what allows the camper and your car to connect, so it is the first step of securely attaching your camper to your car. You can buy this shank in a kit or separately if your camper requires a different size or spec that may not be included in the kit.
Third, a weight distribution head assembly. These attach to the weight distribution shank. Each head assembly looks a little different, so you have a little bit of wiggle room when you are choosing the right kind for you. These devices allow a connection to friction sway control bars which is a big plus in stabilizing your camper and car.
Spring bars are another essential component of towing your camper. It helps apply leverage to your towing rig helping your car and the trailer stay balanced so there is no tipping in the middle.
They do come in a few different shapes, so just make sure they are compatible with the towing system that you are putting together. That is one reason why kits are beneficial as they are already all compatible with each other if you just get the right one for your car and camper.
Frame brackets: these mount to the frame of your trailer and help hold the spring bars in place. Depending on how much you want to spend on a frame bracket you can get different features that allow additional sway control through the brackets. However, the standard system is pretty decent as well.
Now that we have the main components have been looked at there are a few terms that will help in the general understanding of your towing capacities.
- GTW: This is the Gross Trailer Weight. This is just the overall weight that the rig can take to safely pull your camper. Pay close attention to this number as it will determine what kinds of hitches you can use.
- TW: Tongue weight. “It’s the downward force that the tongue of the trailer applies to the hitch of the tow vehicle. Most experts agree that an acceptable tongue weight for any trailer is somewhere between 9 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight (GTW)” (howstuffworks.com)
These two components are really helpful to know. You may have to do a little math to figure out if they will fit for your needs. If you exceed the capacities on these two recommendations on your camper or your car or both, you could have some serious safety issues.
Best Hitches For The Job
Now to the good stuff, what are some of the best hitches out there? When looking at hitches, just remember that not all the hitches you will look at will be made for weight distribution.
The great thing about this section is that all the hitches listed are made for weight distribution, so if in the description, you don’t see “level ride for both the trailer and tow vehicle” that’s ok.
It is something to look out for when you are looking at hitches. You don’t have to purchase the ten listed models below, but you for sure want to be extra careful when selecting a hitch.
Without further ado, check out these popular weight distribution systems. They come from a variety of brands, so you will get a good selection of what’s available.
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
From the below table we can see that this model can take 12,000 pounds of weight total on the hitch, just make sure that you account for the 1,200 pounds of tongue weight that the camper will put on the rig itself when calculating.
If the tongue weight is not calculated for it will create extra bouncing or on the other hand, it will make the hitch you purchased totally useless. So keep a careful eye on the added tongue weight.
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000 | 1,200 | $650-$670 | 4.9/5 (420+ reviewed) |
This model has a lot of really great aspects that make it one of the best tow hitches out there. With a great price and a reliable brand, you’ll be happy to get started with this one. Most travel trailers weight about 5,000- 7,000 pounds in it even with gear inside it, so this one will cover you quite well. Some of the best highlightable features of this rig are the following:
- Evenly distributes weight over axles of tow vehicle and trailer for stability and control which creates a more level ride for both tow vehicle and trailer
- No-drill, clamp-on brackets can be adjusted along the trailer frame accommodates frame-mounted items such as gas tanks, battery boxes, toolboxes, or generators
- Snap-up lever eases installation by reducing lifting required by trailer jack
- Desired tilt is achieved with traditional washer design
- Add or remove washers from spacer rivet to tilt head up or down
- Dipped steel construction is durable and corrosion-resistant
- Made in the USA
Many of the commented reviews on this item were overwhelmingly positive. A large majority of the comments said that they had their hitches for several years, experienced excellent performance on the highway as well as in town traveling and is extremely easy to set up.
If you’re like me, have very little background in engineering you’ll be good to handle the set up on this one.
The next model we have listed is also by Equal-i-zer. This is honestly one of the best selling brands that you can find on the market. With very similar specs to the 10k hitch above, this one packs a little more of an oof if you need the extra weight.
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control- 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14,000 | 1,400 | $690 – $900 | 4.9/5 (420+ reviewed) |
With affordable pricing on this one as well, you’ll be all set. The range is there to give you an idea of what to expect. If you buy directly from Equal-i-zer the pricing may be different if you bought it from a different retailer. Down below are some highlighted features of this hitch.
- Integrated 4-Point Sway Control limits the side-to-side movement of the trailer
- Brackets keep spring bars in place for a rigid system that holds the trailer inline
- No lift chains – spring bars can’t move freely
- steel-on-steel friction helps to minimize sway caused by winds, curvy roads or sudden maneuvers
- Unique design makes the system compatible with surge-type brake actuators
- Spring bars flex appropriately over uneven terrain for a controlled, even ride without the bounce. It is constructed of Chromoly steel for superior dexterity and spring
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control – Trunnion Bar – 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000 | 1,200 | $510 – $700 | 4.8/5 (210+ reviewed) |
Something you will notice with this rig is that it can carry quite a bit of load as well. The range for tongue weight is actually 600 – 1,200 lbs.
Besides being a great price, it also fits a few different sizes of hitch receivers. So it gives you some flexibility when choosing the proper receiver for your tow vehicle.
- Automatically self-adjusting, self-centering sway control works in a variety of situations
- Straight-line movement – cams lock in position to hold trailer steady despite crosswinds
- Cornering – cams automatically unlock and slide to allow full-radius turns
- Sudden swerving – cams seek a straight-line angle to help stabilize the trailer
- Sway control bolts onto A-frame trailer tongue and attaches to lift brackets via chains
- No U-bolts or platforms to interfere with frame-mounted items such as gas tanks, toolboxes or generators
- Trunnion spring bars are hot rolled and tapered for superior strength and flexibility
- Bars flex appropriately over uneven terrain for a controlled, even ride
- Sway-control cams provide an attachment point for spring bars
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control – Trunnion – 12K GTW, 1.2K TW
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000 | 1,200 | $530 – $750 | 4.8/5 (120+reviewed) |
The Steadi- Flex system is a super easy perk to this particular weight distribution hitch. Easily adjustable to fit most angles that your trailer will be prone to tip towards.
While preventing sway, it also allows for a smooth backing up job and is electric brake compatible. If you use surge brakes, those work great as well.
With lots of reviews and long-time RV owners bringing their thoughts and insights to the table the comments are overwhelming with positive comments. A few users talked about how they experience very little sway.
While some commented that it took them a little more time to set up than they expected, it was worth the energy as it is a great fit for them and their towing needs.
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control – Round – 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
To add a bit of a human element to the Fastway hitch, this YouTube video adds insights about this particular brand and style that I found very helpful.
Below is a bit of the stats of this hitch that are hard to beat. With lots of positive reviews and a great GTW, you’ll be easily satisfied with.
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | 1,000 | $450 – $550 | 4.8/5 (260+ reviewed |
- Integrated 2-Point Sway Control limits side-to-side movement
- Brackets keep spring bars in place for a rigid system that holds trailer inline
- steel-on-steel friction helps to minimize sway caused by winds or sudden maneuvers
- No lift chains – eliminate unwanted movement
- Unique design makes the system compatible with surge-type brake actuators
- Round spring bars flex for a controlled, even ride
- No-drill, clamp-on brackets can be adjusted along the trailer frame
- Accommodates frame-mounted items such as gas tanks, battery boxes, toolboxes, or generators
Husky Center Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control – Trunnion – 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000 | 1,200 | $350 – $450 | 4.6/5 (79+ reviewed) |
A unique feature of this product is that its special design allows for quieter travel.
- Built-in sway control limits side-to-side movement
- Tension in the system head and a rigid connection to the frame keep the trailer inline
- steel-on-steel friction in brackets further prevents any sway that may occur
- No lift chains – eliminate unwanted movement
- Tapered spring bars transfer tongue weight evenly to the tow vehicle
- Heat-treated steel construction ensures durability and flexibility
- Interchangeable with other Center Line spring bars (sold separately) to raise or lower weight capacity
- Noticeably quieter than similar systems
- No-drill, clamp-on brackets can be adjusted along the trailer frame to accommodate frame-mounted items
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control – Trunnion – 10K GTW, 1K TW
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | 1,000 | $515 – $915 | 4.8/5 (125+ reviewed) |
Even though I have listed quite a few hitches that have the same load-bearing capacity, but between brands, they focus on different qualities and systems to make their hitch a little bit better or more unique than the next brand.
You’ll see with this Reese system that you will be able to skip the drill and go straight to the clamp on brackets. They can adjust to fit frame-mounted items like gas tanks, toolboxes or generators.
This hitch also has a protective coating so you can ensure the lifetime and quality of your hitch. The Trunnion spring bars are also hot rolled and tapered for superior strength and flexibility. This is definitely a heavy-duty, well-made hitch you can rely on.
If you’re going for a rough ride or driving through a campground with dirt roads, this hitch has bars flex appropriately over uneven terrain for a controlled, even ride. Below are even more perks and features with this hitch.
- Integrated sway control limits side-to-side movement of the trailer
- Brackets keep spring bars in place for a rigid system that holds your trailer inline
- No lift chains – eliminates unwanted movement of spring bars
- Automotive-grade friction material lines bracket to help correct any sway that may occur due to winds, curvy roads, or sudden maneuvers
- System head provides frictional resistance to limit movement of spring bars
- Brackets keep spring bars in place for a rigid system that holds your trailer inline
- Desired tilt is easily achieved using preset positions on system head – no more piling on washer after washer
- Included lift handle eases installation by reducing lifting required by trailer jack
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control – Round – 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | 800 | $360 – $420 | 4.8/5 (260+reviewed) |
Just for a minute, we will talk about Surge breaks. Not all hitch is compatible with that type of break. A key to this whole thing is knowing all the specs to your trailer and tow vehicle before you scout out hitches. It just makes life a lot easier.
The great thing about this hitch is that is surge compatible. These types of breaks used to be illegal for interstate travel but luckily they amended that rule so you can take them for a spin if you meet weight requirements–that this hitch does meet.
- Integrated 2-Point Sway Control limits side-to-side movement
- Brackets keep spring bars in place for a rigid system that holds the trailer inline
- steel-on-steel friction helps to minimize sway caused by winds or sudden maneuvers
- No lift chains – eliminate unwanted movement
- Unique design makes the system compatible with surge-type brake actuators
- Round spring bars flex for a controlled, even ride
- No-drill, clamp-on brackets can be adjusted along the trailer frame
- Accommodates frame-mounted items such as gas tanks, battery boxes, toolboxes, or generators
Husky Center Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control – Trunnion – 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | 800 | $380 – $460 | 4.6/5 (80+ reviewed) |
This hitch is a great option as one of its specialties is a tightly torqued system and chainless brackets for a secure connection to keep the sway away.
If you are wondering why you should do a weight distributing hitch, consider that most of these hitches have a lifetime guarantee. So if you start having issues or concerns, most carriers will be happy to assist you in replacements or advice to increase the life of your hitch. its a win-win for everyone.
Below are some quick bullet-pointed features for this hitch.
- Built-in sway control limits side-to-side movement
- Tension in the system head and a rigid connection to the frame keep the trailer inline
- steel-on-steel friction in brackets further prevents any sway that may occur
- No lift chains – eliminate unwanted movement
- Tapered spring bars transfer tongue weight evenly to the tow vehicle
- Heat-treated steel construction ensures durability and flexibility
- Interchangeable with other Center Line spring bars (sold separately) to raise or lower weight capacity
- Noticeably quieter than similar systems
- No-drill, clamp-on brackets can be adjusted along the trailer frame to a
Curt MV Weight Distribution System – Round Bar – 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
This hitch is definitely one you want to get hitched to! It’s a high load capacity set up that is at an amazingly low cost. Definitely a good bargain for you.
| GTW (lbs) | TW (lbs) | Price | Star Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14,000 | 1,400 | $210 – $370 | 5.0/5 (40+ reviewed) |
- Evenly distributes weight over axles of tow vehicle and trailer for improved stability and control
- Creates a more level ride for both tow vehicle and trailer
- Round spring bars are constructed of solid, forged steel for strength and durability
- Adjustable spring bar tension – just switch links in lift chains to fine-tune
- Desired tilt is achieved with traditional washer design
- Add or remove washers from spacer rivet to tilt head up or down
- Grease zerks in the head assembly make for simple maintenance
- Powder-coated steel resists corrosion
- Snap-up lever eases hookup by reducing lifting required by trailer jack
- The system includes head assembly, adjustable shank, spring bars, lift brackets and chains, snap-up handle, pin and clip, and all necessary hardware
- Hitch ball sold separately – requires 1-1/4″ diameter shank
When Would You Need A Weight Distribution Hitch
You don’t always need to have a weight-distribution hitch to meet your camper towing needs, however, how do you know when you need to or if you should invest in this type of a hitch? If you’re looking to or are towing a smaller load, generally you can get away with a just a simple hitch.
Well, simply stated– safety first. It is always a good idea to have a support system for your camper. Most of them, aren’t very light and are hard to maneuver. If you are a first time RV owner, it’s important that you err on the side of caution. RV’s ain’t cheap!
Always check the trailer hitch’s weight rating label for a weight distribution towing capacity. If there is no such capacity listed, then a weight distribution system cannot be used.
Another really good reason to have a weight distributing hitch, even if you have a high-quality ball hitch, is that at a certain weight, your ball hitch can’t take the weight which causes your car and the camper to tip to the middle.
When you are in “park” you will see tipping, that’s not a great sign! In this case, you will probably need to get a higher GTW hitch even if you had a weight distributing hitch in the first place.
A good rule of thumb to help prevent this is to do a little bit of a math equation to see if your trailer or camper’s weight is more than 50% of your car, then you need a weight distributing hitch.
Here are some tale-tell signs and tips will indicate a need for a weight-bearing hitch.
- Your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50% of your vehicle’s weight (GVWR)
- The rear of your tow vehicle sags when the trailer is hooked up
- You experience trailer sway
- Your tow vehicle’s headlights point upward
- You find it difficult to steer or stop your rig
- You want to tow to the highest capacity allowed by your trailer hitch
- your receiver weight rating will determine what you need. You can use your ball mount unless it exceeds the available capacity then switch to a weight distributing hitch.
Something really important to remember is that weight-distribution hitches don’t increase your tow vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. It is just the maximum overall.
A trick to improve the weight being put on the tongue weight is to keep the cargo away from the front of your trailer and distribute it throughout the trailer. This also helps you get to the maximum capacity mark in a safe way.
You still need to carefully keep the same ratios of tongue weight and gross trailer weight in mind with a weight-distribution hitch, but when you have a heavier load you have to consider how much more tongue weight that actually entails.
A weight distribution system is important because it eases the situation by spreading some of that increased tongue weight of the rear axle of the tow vehicle and onto the front axle, as well as the axle (or axles) of the trailer.
With that leverage, everything balances out and driving performance increases dramatically. Also, don’t forget the tow vehicle’s axles each have a gross axle weight rating — adjusting the weight distribution system can help distribute the weight appropriately.
