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True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch

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  • True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch

    Moderator Note: IMPORTANT further information on this weight distribution hitch -- see https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...ch-mine-failed

    I just came across this video of a new weight distributing hitch, made by Weigh Safe, and I am very intrigued by it. If anyone has any experience with it, I would like to know your thoughts. Is it as good as it sounds?

    Bob

    Last edited by howson; 09-20-2023, 07:15 PM.
    Bob & Lynne

    2020 Imagine 2970RL
    2019 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali HD 4x4 Duramax

  • #2
    This is the first I've heard of this product. The concept really makes sense. I see that they have a version for both 2" and 2-1/2" shanks. For $900 - $1,000, it will be interesting to see if there is any interest.

    Jim
    Jim and Ginnie
    2024 Solitude 310GK
    GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
    GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

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    • #3
      That looks very interesting. I wonder how close it comes to putting all of the weight back on the front axle when you use their calculations.

      Rob
      Rob & Barb
      2022 RAM 3500 Big Horn, 6.7 Cummins HO/Aisin
      2022 Solitude 378MBS

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      • #4
        To me that looks like a modified Equalizer hitch. they made the shank a bit longer to account for the weigh technology stuff and incorporated a fine tune screw into the head.
        Joseph
        Tow
        Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
        Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
        South of Houston Texas

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        • #5
          Nice feature to be able to monitor tongue weight and the ability to transfer in real time. Looks like the nut on top adjusts the pitch which loads or unloads to the trunnion bars.

          Jim

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          • #6
            Intrigued for sure..
            2019 Reflection 297RSTS Vin # 573TR3424K3319511
            2020 Sierra HD AT-4

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            • #7
              RJAPCOK
              Definitely interesting. Lots of good features in that WDH. Thanks for posting.
              Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

              2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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              • #8
                Hmmmm, this does sound interesting however I think I missed something on the video. I think I heard that the trailer weight was around 9,000 lbs. They go on to show the tongue weight originally at about 900 lbs. (10%) then raise that weight to 2,500 plus, (nearly 28%) that seems really high. Am I imagining things or was there an error in my viewing or their calcs.
                flyfshrockies, 2021 imagine 2600RB, Ford F-150, XLT supper crew 3.5 eco boost with max tow. Dave and Toni (and the awesome Aussie Bayley, he's the social one)

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by flyfshrockies View Post
                  Hmmmm, this does sound interesting however I think I missed something on the video. I think I heard that the trailer weight was around 9,000 lbs. They go on to show the tongue weight originally at about 900 lbs. (10%) then raise that weight to 2,500 plus, (nearly 28%) that seems really high. Am I imagining things or was there an error in my viewing or their calcs.
                  I'm not sure I can explain this very well in a forum post but here goes.

                  What the built in scale essentially measures is the compressive force between the hitch and the ball. With the trailer connected and no weight distribution applied, that measurement will be equal to the hitch weight. Once you apply weight distribution, the compression between the hitch and ball will increase due to the original hitch weight, plus the added downforce of the spring bars pushing down, plus the force of the spring bars pushing the ball upward. The more that weight distribution is applied, (i.e. the more the spring bars are loaded) the higher the compressive force will be. The design of this hitch permits you to increase or decrease the tension on the spring bars by turning the adjustment bolt. What you are seeing on the gauge is the effect of that increased compression. Think of it as putting a scale between the jaws of a vice and tightening the screw on the vise. As you squeeze the jaws together, the reading on the scale will increase. In a WDH setup, the hitch socket and ball are like the jaws of the vice.

                  So in the example you cited above, the tongue weight is 900 lbs and will always be 900 lbs. The 2500 lbs is the compressive force that results from the WDH squeezing the hitch and ball together.

                  I hope this is somewhat clear.

                  Bob
                  Bob & Lynne

                  2020 Imagine 2970RL
                  2019 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali HD 4x4 Duramax

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                  • #10
                    RJAPCOK Thanks! I will let that marinate a bit, make a drawing, I like to visualize, and see if I come to an understanding in that space between my ears. Dave
                    flyfshrockies, 2021 imagine 2600RB, Ford F-150, XLT supper crew 3.5 eco boost with max tow. Dave and Toni (and the awesome Aussie Bayley, he's the social one)

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by RJAPCOK View Post

                      I'm not sure I can explain this very well in a forum post but here goes.

                      What the built in scale essentially measures is the compressive force between the hitch and the ball. With the trailer connected and no weight distribution applied, that measurement will be equal to the hitch weight. Once you apply weight distribution, the compression between the hitch and ball will increase due to the original hitch weight, plus the added downforce of the spring bars pushing down, plus the force of the spring bars pushing the ball upward. The more that weight distribution is applied, (i.e. the more the spring bars are loaded) the higher the compressive force will be. The design of this hitch permits you to increase or decrease the tension on the spring bars by turning the adjustment bolt. What you are seeing on the gauge is the effect of that increased compression. Think of it as putting a scale between the jaws of a vice and tightening the screw on the vise. As you squeeze the jaws together, the reading on the scale will increase. In a WDH setup, the hitch socket and ball are like the jaws of the vice.

                      So in the example you cited above, the tongue weight is 900 lbs and will always be 900 lbs. The 2500 lbs is the compressive force that results from the WDH squeezing the hitch aAnother nd ball together.

                      I hope this is somewhat clear.

                      Bob
                      Another way to visualize this is to imagine the use of infinitely strong bars. With this analogy, imagine the rear tires/wheels removed from the truck where the bars would support the entire weight of the rear of the truck and the tongue of the trailer. This is a bit of a mind bender where the pressure on the ball is increased but the mass on the back of the truck is decreased. This could be treated as a torque within the hitch head.

                      This method is referred to as the use of limits and helps to visualize how a component functions.

                      Jim
                      Last edited by Guest; 03-20-2021, 08:55 AM.

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                      • #12
                        Think of the arms of the WDH as the handles of a wheelbarrow. The load in your wheelbarrow is the tongue weight of the trailer on the hitch ball. You are going to help carry this load by lifting the handles of the wheelbarrow. The more you lift (tension on the handles) the more weight is transferred to your feet (the trailer wheels) and the front wheel of the wheelbarrow (front wheels of the truck). If you lift enough, there will be no weight on the rear wheels of the truck (toGuest Jim's analogy in post 11) The important point is that the load in the wheelbarrow (the tongue weight of the trailer on the hitch ball) never changes . . . it is just carried (or partially carried) by the trailer tires and the front truck tires rather than just the rear truck tires.

                        Rob
                        Cate & Rob
                        (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                        2015 Reflection 303RLS
                        2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                        Bayham, Ontario, Canada

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                        • #13
                          Forum readers -- don't miss TucsonJim 's thread regarding his experience with this weight distribution hitch -- see https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...ch-mine-failed
                          Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

                          2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by howson View Post
                            Forum readers -- don't miss TucsonJim 's thread regarding his experience with this weight distribution hitch -- see https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...ch-mine-failed
                            I had seen this online as well and was curious about it.

                            TucsonJim's post here: https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...ch-mine-failed was eye opening to say the least. Sticking with the equalizer for now!
                            2020 Imagine 2400BH
                            2017 Ford F350 Platinum FX4/4x4 SuperCrew 6.7L V8 Diesel 9' Bed SRW, Leveled + Airbags

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