Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.
A load distribution hitch uses tensioned bars or rods to prevent the back of the tow vehicle from sagging and spreads the weight of the trailer across all axles. See our reviews for the 5 best weight distribution hitches and the buyers guide, Choosing the Best Weight Distribution Hitch.
Best Weight Distribution Hitches
Also see: Weight Distribution Hitches Comparison Table
Quick Answer: The Best-Rated Weight Distribution Hitches
- Husky 32218 Center Line TS Weight Distribution Hitch
- EAZ LIFT 48058 Elite Kit – Weight Distribution Hitch
- CURT 17062 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch
- Husky 31986 Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch
- Andersen Hitches 3350 No Sway Weight Distribution Hitch
Weight Distribution Hitches Reviews
#1 – Husky 32218 Center Line TS Weight Distribution Hitch
- Max gross trailer weight: 12,000 pounds
- Max tongue weight: 1,200 pounds
- Features: EZ-adjust L-brackets, Trunnion-style spring bars, superior sway control, quiet design
The cool part is that it isn’t even the most expensive option as you often find with the top product in any category. This load leveling hitch has a large max gross trailer weight of 12,000 pounds. The max tongue weight is 10% of that at 1,200 pounds.
In case you aren’t familiar with these terms – the gross weight is the weight of the entire trailer and everything in it that you are hauling, and the tongue weight refers to the weight that is actually pressing down on the hitch itself.
This would count anything in the very front of your trailer and can also include anything behind the back axle of the vehicle doing the towing.
So, while your entire load can be up to 12,000 pounds, the tongue weight limit is actually much lower. This means that it is very important to distribute the weight of your load properly.
Husky has used the latest technology and very careful designing to create this equalizer hitch. This hitch actually uses special L-brackets to hold up the spring bars rather than using chains as most weight distribution hitches do.
This provides a lot of stability, which helps to not only very efficiently distribute the weight of the load between the axels of the tow vehicle and trailer but also provides superior sway control making this one of the best sway control hitch options as well.
The spring bars of this are the trunnion style and come matched to weight ranges that are most popular for your convenience.
The hitch ball also comes pre-installed and torqued properly to add to your convenience and make installation as easy as possible. Tapering of the spring bars creates a better fit which adds even more to the stability and performance of the hitch.
The tension and stability provided by the spring bars and L-brackets give incredible anti sway hitch properties! The system reacts quickly to sway conditions and corrects any issues before there is an actual problem. All you’ll feel is a nice, smooth ride with full control.
It is even superiorly quiet compared to many anti sway trailer hitch choices. Forged and hardened 1035 and 1045 steel make for an incredibly durable product that will last you many years.
There are also a couple more features added for your convenience. The L-brackets have an EZ adjust frame that makes adjustment super simple for practically anyone.
It also includes a special handle that can be used for putting the spring bars into place on the L-brackets. This means you don’t have to exert as much strength to get the job done.
While this option is fairly pricey, it is highly affordable for what you’re actually getting. The value is fantastic, and this is definitely what you want if you’re looking for the very best trailer hitch with sway bars!
#2 – EAZ LIFT 48058 Elite Kit – Weight Distribution Hitch
- Max gross trailer weight: 10,000 pounds
- Max tongue weight: 1,000 pounds
- Features: Pre-installed U-bolts with chains, easy-to-disable sway control, positive latching action
The gross trailer maximum weight for this stabilizer hitch is 10,000 pounds rather than the 12,000 pounds you get with Husky’s Center Line TS. The maximum tongue weight of this option is also 10% at 1,000 pounds.
So, this option is really fantastic if you are hauling big loads, but you don’t quite need the Husky Center Line TS. This option is also super easy in terms of installation.
Many of the pieces are already put together for your convenience. Just like the Husky Center Line TS, this EAZ LIFT load leveling hitch has the hitch ball pre-installed as well as torqued properly.
This saves you time and effort. The chains that this EAZ LIFT weight distribution hitch uses also come already attached to the spring bars of your setup.
These spring bars are a little different than those from the Husky Center Line TS. They are round-style and bent to help give the tension you need for effective weight distribution.
The chains hold up the bars into a position that creates tension. The tension is what helps keep everything level and therefore distributes the weight of the trailer.
The sway control is not built into the hitch the same way that it is with the Husky Center Line TS. Instead, you do have to actually add it onto the setup.
However, it is very simple and everything you need is included with your purchase. One cool benefit about anti-sway feature of this hitch is that it can easily be disabled and then enabled again.
This can be important since in some cases, you wouldn’t want the anti-sway enabled since under certain circumstances it could actually become dangerous.
One good example of this would be icy conditions. All in all, this is a very efficient and beneficial weight distribution hitch at a decent price.
#3 – CURT 17062 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch
- Maximum gross trailer weight: 10,000 pounds
- Maximum tongue weight: 1,000 pounds
- Features: Forged steel construction, sway control kit included and easy to disable
They are very similar in the basics of their design. Just like the EAZ LIFT option, this hitch has a gross trailer weight maximum of 10,000 pounds and a tongue weight maximum of 1,000 pounds.
It installs in pretty much the exact same way as the EAZ LIFT hitch. It also uses chains alongside round-style bent spring bars.
The chains are pre-installed onto the spring bars via strong U-bolts and the hitch ball is also pre-installed as well as torqued properly for use. This all lends to your convenience when installing the hitch stabilizer.
Also similar to the EAZ LIFT hitch, this CURT hitch does include anti-sway technology, but it isn’t integrated into the actual spring bars like the Husky Center Line TS.
Instead, it comes with an anti-sway kit that you simply install into your setup. This installation is very easy, though.
The sway bar makes a huge difference in your towing experience and greatly increases your control and safety. It is also super easy to switch on and off as the conditions warrant.
Another super convenient and more unique feature to this CURT weight distribution hitch is the continuous lubrication system.
This integrated lubrication system works to keep everything properly lubricated as you ride. It helps guarantee the smoothest and quietest ride possible. Fabricated head and forged steel spring bars help increase durability and strength.
To add even more durability, and therefore longevity, CURT has also included a special carbide black powder coat on the hitch.
This even makes it resistant to corrosion so that it is ready to take on the elements and any conditions. This hitch comes in right in-between the Husky Center Line TS and the EAZ LIFT hitch in terms of price.
#4 – Husky 31986 Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch
- Maximum gross trailer weight: 6,000 pounds
- Maximum tongue weight: 600 pounds
- Features: Pre-installed U-bolts with chains, round-style bent spring bars, sway bar kit included
The biggest difference with this Husky hitch is the lower weight limits. This hitch features a maximum gross trailer weight limit of 6,000 pounds. At 10%, that makes the maximum tongue weight of this distribution hitch 600 pounds.
This is considerably less than our other picks. However, it is definitely the best weight distribution anti sway hitch for anyone that won’t be hauling loads over 6,000 pounds.
There is no reason to buy a weight distribution with a maximum weight of 14,000 pounds if the most you’ll ever haul is 5,000 pounds.
This option is great for heavier loads that still aren’t quite that heavy. It also certainly has the bonus of saving you a good chunk of money.
This Husky weight distribution hitch comes in at under $200 as the most affordable option of all of our recommendations. This is another option that comes mostly pre-assembled.
The U-bolts and chains are already attached to the spring bars and the hitch ball is already attached and torqued.
This, again, reduces the amount of work you have to put into installation. One more thing you will have to install, though, is the anti-sway bar.
It comes with everything needed to install it in your kit and is a pretty simple job. This anti-sway bar is easily adjustable. It lets you increase or decrease the amount of sway control as needed or you can just turn it all the way off whenever necessary.
Easy height adjustment also helps you get the 2-5/16” hitch ball right at the perfect level for proper hook-up between the tow vehicle and the trailer. It also ends up being much more lightweight than other options, which can add to the ease of the install.
#5 – Andersen Hitches 3350 No Sway Weight Distribution Hitch
- Maximum gross trailer weight: 14,000 pounds
- Maximum tongue weight: 1,400 pounds
- Features: Integrated self-adjusting sway control, simple lightweight design, super quiet system
This option does not use spring bars. This is highly unusual when it comes to these systems, but it is actually a very clever design.
Instead of having spring bars the run from the head of the hitch to the chains that are held by the mounting brackets of the system, this hitch has chains that run directly between the two points skipping the bars altogether.
Because of the tension, the chains are held rigidly in place. This has the same effect as spring bars but actually has a few benefits over them. First of all, this weight distribution hitch has fewer parts altogether.
This means easier installation and it also has the benefit of making the entire thing very lightweight. In fact, at a mere 60 pounds, this is the lightest hitch on our list.
Even with being so lightweight, this hitch has a really high weight limit. It has a maximum gross trailer weight limit of 14,000 pounds which is the highest of all of our options.
This puts the maximum tongue weight at 1,400 pounds. Even more impressive is the fact that if you’re using 2.5-inch rack, that the maximum gross trailer weight goes all the way to 16,000 pounds!
This is definitely an amazing option for anyone hauling a lot of weight! You also don’t need to install an additional anti-sway piece because the anti-sway technology is built right into this simple setup.
It is even self-adjusting, so you don’t need to worry about disabling it or adjusting it up or down. Anderson still takes it a step further, though.
This hitch also features anti-bounce technology to really give you the smoothest ride possible. Everything about this unique and clever weight distribution hitch is incredible and impressive – except the price that is.
This is a very expensive option at more than $100 above our next most expensive option. However, if you really consider the benefit you gain from this hitch, it is definitely worth the cost if you need to haul especially heavy loads. It really is unlike anything else out there.
Weight Distribution Hitches Comparison Table
Weight Distribution Hitches | Max gross trailer weight | Max tongue weight | Features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Husky 32218 Center Line TS Weight Distribution Hitch | 12,000 pounds | 1,200 pounds | EZ-adjust L-brackets, Trunnion-style spring bars, superior sway control, quiet design | |
EAZ LIFT 48058 Elite Kit – Weight Distribution Hitch | 10,000 pounds | 1,000 pounds | Pre-installed U-bolts with chains, easy-to-disable sway control, positive latching action | |
CURT 17062 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch | 10,000 pounds | 1,000 pounds | Forged steel construction, sway control kit included and easy to disable | |
Husky 31986 Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch | 6,000 pounds | 600 pounds | Pre-installed U-bolts with chains, round-style bent spring bars, sway bar kit included | |
Andersen Hitches 3350 No Sway Weight Distribution Hitch | 14,000 pounds | 1,400 pounds | Integrated self-adjusting sway control, simple lightweight design, super quiet system |
Choosing the Best Weight Distribution Hitch
- Weight Limits
- Sway Control
- Spring Bars
- Ease of Installation
- Adjustability
- Noise Level
- Durability
- FAQs On Weight Distribution Hitches
- Buyers Tips
When towing large loads, you can run into many problems. These problems can quickly become dangerous. Specifically, larger loads can cause the back of your tow vehicle to sag and therefore raises the weight off of your front end.
When this happens, you lose steering and stopping power and increase your chances of dangerous swaying and even roll-over events. Fortunately, the best weight distribution hitch can easily take care of all of these issues and more.
A weight distribution hitch works in a relatively simple way. In general, a load distribution hitch uses tensioned bars or rods to prevent the back of the tow vehicle from sagging and spread the weight of the trailer across all axles.
That means that the weight is going onto both the axles of the tow vehicle as well as the trailer itself. This helps to keep everything stable and level and makes for a much more pleasant and safer towing experience.
A weight distribution hitch isn’t necessary for smaller loads, but if you are hauling a heavier load, it is vital to safe and comfortable towing.
The thing is, these hitches tend to vary a good bit and the features are very important for you to get the results you need. So, you have to pay attention to the individual features of different options in order to get the best weight distribution anti sway hitch for you specifically.
Below, we will go over the most important things to look at as you narrow down your choices and choose the best hitch for your needs!
Weight Limits
Undoubtedly, weight limits are the number one thing to consider when making this purchase. If you don’t get a hitch with the right weight limit, you might as well have not bothered at all.
You want to zero in pretty close to the weight of your actual trailer. You don’t need to just get the highest weight limit possible if you won’t be hauling anything anywhere near that high limit.
It is also really important to pay attention to both the gross trailer weight limit and the tongue weight limit. The gross trailer weight refers to the total weight of what you are hauling.
That means the trailer itself and everything in it. That is the first number you want to look at. Make sure that your entire load will never exceed this number.
Then, the tongue weight limit – which is usually about 10% of the gross trailer weight limit – refers to the weight pushing down on the actual hitch.
This is going to primarily consist of what is loaded into the front end of your trailer. Consider this before you make your purchase and when you are actually loading your trailer.
Sway Control
Next up, you’ll want to check out your sway control options. Not all weight distribution hitches include sway control and those that do, include it in different ways.
All of our recommendations above do include it because we feel it is important and worthwhile. Without sway control, you are going to be limited on how fast you can go with your trailer hooked up and you have a decreased level of control and safety.
Properly adjusted sway control gives you a much smoother and safer ride without needing to worry about your trailer swaying and causing you to lose control and/or end up in a wreck.
Some hitches have integrated sway control built right into them. Others include separate sway bar kits that you simply add onto your setup.
Some sway control systems let you adjust the strength of the control as needed with the option to disable it entirely when necessary (such as in icy conditions). Other options will adjust themselves automatically with no effort on your part.
You can choose what you feel like is best for your situation. If you don’t feel confident adjusting the sway control as needed, you can certainly just opt for a hitch that has automatically adjusting sway control.
Spring Bars
The weight limits and the sway control are certainly the main things you need to consider to get yourself the right weight distributing hitch, but you also want to take into consideration the inclusion of spring bars when choosing your weight distribution hitch.
When spring bars are included, they preform the weight distribution function by creating a tension between the tow vehicle and the trailer. This keeps the tail-end of the tow vehicle from sagging and allows the weight to evenly distribute across all axles.
When these spring bars are not included, chains will preform the same function of preventing sag and distributing weight. Chains tend to be more lightweight.
However, spring bars tend to be more durable and can often have the sway control built right into the design. When the sway control is built into the design of the spring bars, it will make installation easier for you and is just more convenient all around.
Spring bars are built very solid and have some tension within them before you even add tension during installation simply due to the rigid structure that they feature.
This can give you a better distribution of weight across the front and rear axles of your tow vehicle that is more similar to the way that the weight would naturally distribute itself without a trailer or any extra load.
Ease of Installation
Another factor that can certainly help you make a decision on which weight distribution hitch is right for your needs is the ease of installation.
Some weight distribution set-ups are relatively complicated and will definitely take someone that really knows what they are doing in this department.
If you are more of a novice when it comes to mechanical do-it-yourself projects, you will probably want to look for an option that boasts an easy install.
Options that include sway control built into the system – rather than being a separate system that you add on – are obviously a little less complicated to install. The most important thing is that you are willing and able to follow instructions.
Carefully read and follow all of the instructions that come with your weight distribution hitch to ensure a safe and effective install. Now, if you don’t feel particularly confident in installing on your own, you can always take it to a professional and pay to have it done for you.
Adjustability
There are a couple of different points of adjustability when it comes to weight distribution hitches. Almost all weight distribution hitches have some adjustability.
So, what you will mainly look at is how wide the range of adjustability is for different weight distribution hitches.
The main point of adjustability that we are talking about is how high that the ends of the spring bars, or chains depending on your specific weigh distribution hitch, are held up.
The height of the end of the spring bars directly determines the amount of tension. So, when you adjust the height of these bars, you are actually adjusting the tension.
The amount of tension you want will vary according to vehicle height and load size. Therefore, you’ll have greater versatility in these departments if you chose an option with a wider range of adjustability.
Some weight distribution hitches feature adjustable sway control as well. Typically, you can just turn sway control on or off. However, these options allow you to adjust the amount of sway control to best fit your specific needs under varying conditions.
Noise Level
The noise level of your weight distribution hitch is also worth considering. Due to multiple metal parts moving against each other, some weight distribution hitch systems can actually be pretty noisy.
You obviously won’t be able to hear it as loud inside of your vehicle with the windows closed, but some people do find it bothersome.
It is more of a convenience factor than anything, though. Many systems are now made in a way to help reduce the overall noise level, but some may lack this special designing.
Keep in mind that oiling your set-up fairly regularly can also help you to avoid annoying sounds from your hitch system.
Durability
Last, but certainly not least, you need to factor in durability when making your decision. You want to be sure you get a system that is going to stand up to what you plan to put it through. You will want a strong steel construction for the base of your system for sure.
You may also want to look into options such as a black powder coating to help your system to easily withstand the elements including things like inclement weather. Sometimes paying a little more for a highly durable option will actually save you money in the long run.
FAQs On Weight Distribution Hitches
Q: How does a weight distribution hitch work?
A: The basic concept behind a weight distribution hitch is to keep the tow vehicle and the trailer level in relation to each other. This distributes the weight of the trailer evenly to all axels, which in turn creates a safer and smoother ride.
Q: Is a weight distribution hitch necessary?
A: For a lighter load, a weight distribution hitch isn’t needed. However, if you are hauling heavier loads, it is vital for safe and effective transportation of your trailer. If you can visibly see the rear end of your tow vehicle sagging or if you feel less control of steering and braking, you definitely are going to want a weight distribution hitch.
Q: Do all weight distribution hitches have sway control?
A: No, not all weight distribution hitches have sway control. However, many options do include it. Even if you end up choosing a hitch that does not include sway control, you can always add a sway control bar separately.
Buyer’s Tips for Weight Distribution Hitches
If you are experiencing issues with hauling your trailer such as tow vehicle sag, lack of steering control, or weakened braking ability, you should strongly consider a weight distribution hitch.
These problems occur when too much weight is going down onto the hitch between the trailer and tow vehicle. Sometimes this can be simply due to improper packing of the trailer, but in most cases, you will need a weight distribution hitch to fix the problem.
When shopping for a trailer weight distribution hitch, the most important thing you want to do is make sure you are choosing an option that matches your needs in regard to the weight limit.
Remember to consider both the gross trailer weight limit and the tongue weight limit as both are vitally important to follow for good results. You also want to consider your sway control options, since sway control can have such a major impact on your towing experience.
Once you find the right weight distribution hitch for you, remember to choose a reputable retailer as well. This is definitely not something you want to purchase from just anywhere.
Amazon is a good example that provides top-notch products paired with unbeatable customer service. They’ve also got great selection and good pricing too. If you go with somewhere else to make your purchase, just make sure that it is a reputable option.
Oh, and if you are having trouble making your final decision, check out review sections for these hitches such as on Amazon! It is one of the best ways to get good information on products and can help you find the perfect hitch for you!
Thanks for reading The 5 Best Weight Distribution Hitches. We hope our review article will help you pick the right product for your needs from among our top picks for best weight distribution hitches. Wherever you’re headed stay safe out on the road and enjoy your travels.
And if you’re shopping for other gear take a look at these related review articles from Outside Pursuits:
4×4 TRUCK & JEEP LED LIGHT BARS | STEERING STABILIZERS | LED OFF-ROAD LIGHTS | ROOFTOP CARGO BAGS | HITCH CARGO CARRIER | ROOFTOP CARGO BOX | JEEP SEAT COVERS | JEEP LED HEADLIGHTS | WINCHES | TRUCK BED COVERS | BED LINERS | TRUCK TOOLBOXES
HOME & AUTO SHOP VACS | PORTABLE JUMP STARTERS | BATTERY CHARGERS | JUMPER CABLES | LED SHOP LIGHTS | INFRARED HEATERS | GARAGE HEATERS | JUMP STARTERS | LED LANDSCAPE LIGHTS | LED SOLAR LIGHTS | LITHIUM-ION JUMP STARTERS | COOLER ICE PACKS | BUG ZAPPERS | PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSORS | CORDLESS IMPACT WRENCHES | PORTABLE TIRE INFLATORS | PORTABLE GARAGES | CAR DIAGNOSTIC CODE READERS
How We Researched
To come up with the top weight distribution hitches, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as 4×4 Magazine and Outside Online Magazine along with our own personal experience.
We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.
With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options were for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in offroading, motorcycling, and auto mechanics. They are eager to share their knowledge with readers.
To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from fellow auto-enthusiasts and industry experts.
After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.