What Makes It A Weight Distributing Hitch?

satori · September 28, 2008

My build sheet says it has a weight distributing hitch, but I thought that meant it has some sort of moveable parts? Or is that some other type of hitch?

stadt11 · September 28, 2008

I think the Weight Distribution Hitch is more about the components that come with it (http://www.etrailer.com/faq_weightdistribution.aspx):

"Weight Distribution Components: In addition to the class III, IV, or V trailer hitch on the vehicle, the weight distribution system is made up of the ballmount, spring bars (a.k.a. load bars or equalizing bars), and trailer mounted brackets. The ballmount is made up of two pieces. The shank, which slides into the trailer hitch and the ball platform which is referred to as the weight distribution head. The shank is available in different lengths with different drops and rises to allow for different trailer heights."

Zembonez · September 28, 2008

The hitch in the pic is a standard class 3 hitch. You can make it weight distributing by using the insert and bars like the previous post mentions.

satori · September 28, 2008

Ah, so a weight distributing hitch is really a system with multiple components that don't come with the vehicle. So really, the build sheet should not say that it is, specifically "VR4 - WEIGHT DISTRIB. PLATFORM HITCH "

Zembonez · September 28, 2008

Ah, so a weight distributing hitch is really a system with multiple components that don't come with the vehicle. So really, the build sheet should not say that it is, specifically "VR4 - WEIGHT DISTRIB. PLATFORM HITCH "

True... but I guess that means it is capable of being used as a weight distributing hitch. Maybe it's rated for more weight.

satori · September 28, 2008

Ah, so a weight distributing hitch is really a system with multiple components that don't come with the vehicle. So really, the build sheet should not say that it is, specifically "VR4 - WEIGHT DISTRIB. PLATFORM HITCH "

True... but I guess that means it is capable of being used as a weight distributing hitch. Maybe it's rated for more weight.

Good point. Maybe that's where the "platform" part of the description comes in.

satori · September 28, 2008

So it's much clearer to me now. With the build sheet description, plus the sticker on the hitch I was confused. The sticker lists (on a chart) weights for both weight bearing and weight distributing hitches. After the above posts, it's now clear to me that if your TRAILER doesn't have a weight distributing hitch, it's limited to 5,000 pounds but if it does have a weight distributing hitch, it can weigh 12,000 pounds. Of course, that second number is irrelevant since the Tahoe can only pull a max of 7,900 pounds, but at least now I understand that if I buy a trailer that weighs more than 5,000 pounds it must have the weight distributing hitch.

Thanks for the explanations.

One other question - it has the 7 pin plug that lists a pin for electric brakes. Does that mean that I wouldn't need to install a brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes?

iscsidude · September 28, 2008

One other question - it has the 7 pin plug that lists a pin for electric brakes. Does that mean that I wouldn't need to install a brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes?

No. You still need the brake controller.

It's what allows you to control the brakes (via that pin).

satori · September 28, 2008

One other question - it has the 7 pin plug that lists a pin for electric brakes. Does that mean that I wouldn't need to install a brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes?

No. You still need the brake controller.

It's what allows you to control the brakes (via that pin).

Ah. Ok, thanks.

THE BIGPUNN · September 28, 2008

the weight distributing hitch with the parts will help your truck equal out the tongue weight of your trailer by lifting the rear of the truck back to normal riding and putting more weight on the front suspension so you dont go down the road looking like a V. it also will have a little ball to connect sway control to help keep your trailer from swaying so much with winds.

satori · September 28, 2008

Thanks.

Another question regarding the brake controller. This part of the owners manual is confusing:

If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes...

If your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak®, your trailer

cannot tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.

This Tahoe does have StabiliTrak. Does this mean that I can't use a brake controller and need to keep a trailer under 2,000 lbs even though it's equipped with the heavy duty trailering option?

Zembonez · September 28, 2008

Thanks.

Another question regarding the brake controller. This part of the owners manual is confusing:

If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes...

If your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak®, your trailer

cannot tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.

This Tahoe does have StabiliTrak. Does this mean that I can't use a brake controller and need to keep a trailer under 2,000 lbs even though it's equipped with the heavy duty trailering option?

Nope. It just means that you have to use one of the modern digital type electronic brake controllers (which is all I've seen for sale). I believe some of the old controllers tapped a brake line to read pressure, but that was probably way back in time. Maybe some wylie old veteran trailer tower will chime in.