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Weight Distributing Hitches:
A weight distributing hitch uses spring bars of spring steel
to compensate for lack of adequate rear suspension of the tow
vehicle. This type of hitch is generally used for towing heavier
loads as tongue weight and gross tow weight increases. The
spring bars attach to the hitch head assembly and the trailer
frame.
Hitch Ball:
The hitch ball is what the trailer attaches to. A hitch ball is
available in three common diameters, 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16".
The larger the diameter of the hitch ball, the higher the weight
rating. The diameter of the hitch ball shank also factors into weight rating. Match shank diameter with the hole in
the ball mount or weight distributing head. Shank clearance should not exceed 1/16". There should be at least two
additional threads extending past the nut when the hitch ball is secure.
Safety Chains:
Safety chains are required by law when towing any load. The chains and any fasteners used to attach the chains
to the hitch receiver must be rated for the load being towed. Attach chains so they crisscross under the towing
equipment. Allow just enough slack in the chains to make sharp corners. Too much slack will allow the chains
to drag on the road surface. If towed load should become uncoupled from the hitch ball, the towing equipment
will be cradled by the safety chains. If the towed load does uncouple,
DO NOT
attempt to make a sudden stop
and exacerbate the situation. Apply the brakes with gentle, steady pressure. Pull over to the side of road at a safe
location.
Tow Capacity and Class Ratings:
Several components may comprise a tow hitch system. The weight rating of individual components that
are part of the towing system must be greater than the gross weight of the load being towed. Components are
classified into weight groups to help define weight capacity of towing equipment. Maximum tow capacity is
limited to the component with the lowest weight rating in the tow hitch system.
Example: a ball mount may have a weight rating of 5,000 lbs., but the hitch ball is rated 3,500 lbs. Maximum
tow capacity is reduced to 3,500 lbs. Many times a component will have a Class weight rating. These groups
are shown in chart:
CLASS I
CLASS II
CLASS III
CLASS IV
CLASS V
Weight
Carrying
Hitch
TW - Up to
200 lbs.
WC TW
- Up to 350
lbs.
TW - Up to
500 lbs.
TW - Up to
750 lbs.
TW - Up to
1,200 lbs.
GTW - Up to
2,000 lbs.
WC GTW
- Up to
3,500 lbs.
GTW - Up to
5,000 lbs.
GTW - Up to
7,500 lbs.
GTW - Up to
12,000 lbs.
Weight
Distributing
Hitch
---
---
---
TW - Up to
1,200 lbs.
TW - Up to
1,400 lbs.
---
---
---
GTW - Up to
12,000 lbs.
GTW - Up to
14,000 lbs.
gTW
= Gross Trailer Weight. Weight of trailer fully loaded.
TW
= Tongue Weight. Weight pushing down on Tow Ball.
WC
= Weight Carrying. Weight carrying capacity of the Ball Mount.
WD
= Weight Distributing. Weight carrying capacity of a weight distributing hitch.
Spring Bars
020097
Typical Weight
Distributing Hitch
