Weight Distributing Hitch On Dump or Equipment Trailer?

[wolfpack2]

I always use one if I am loaded. Like was posted earlier, it is a flexible system that can be adjusted for the load. It makes for much safer trailering and is the only way to do it if you read the ratings on most hitches and trucks.

 

[ahlkey]

I have two weight distribution units and use them on my 7K & 14K equipment trailers. I also have a 10K Load Trail dump trailer but it has a large box on the tongue and with the battery & hydraulic pump it makes it impossible to use the weight distribution unit. I have loaded this trailer to its maximum with gravel or wood 100's of times and never had a problem with tongue weight or swaying. The trailer weighs around 4,000 lbs itself so with my truck I am close to the 5,000 load limit without a WD unit even without much of a load. With the weight distribution unit my limit is 12,500 lbs. However, I would like to use the WD unit to be legally ok. I talked with the dealer where I bought the trailer and he agrees a WD unit would not work without moving the box. If anyone uses a dump trailer with a weight distribution unit it would be nice to see a picture. All I see so far are WD units on equipment trailers but not sure it is that easy to hook up on many dump trailers with the box on the front tongue.

 

[CurlyDave]

I wonder about a dump trailer because the weight is not always the same. One day you might haul your tractor the next a load of gravel or yard-waste etc...

If you have one, there is no law that says you have to use it.

I have both a WD hitch and air bags, which help to maintain level even better than the WD hitch alone.

With my dump trailer, if it is empty or if I have a light load like brush, I don't hook up the WD arms. If I have dirt, gravel or rocks I used the WD all the time.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have two weight distribution units and use them on my 7K & 14K equipment trailers. I also have a 10K Load Trail dump trailer but it has a large box on the tongue and with the battery & hydraulic pump it makes it impossible to use the weight distribution unit. I have loaded this trailer to its maximum with gravel or wood 100's of times and never had a problem with tongue weight or swaying. The trailer weighs around 4,000 lbs itself so with my truck I am close to the 5,000 load limit without a WD unit even without much of a load. With the weight distribution unit my limit is 12,500 lbs. However, I would like to use the WD unit to be legally ok. I talked with the dealer where I bought the trailer and he agrees a WD unit would not work without moving the box. If anyone uses a dump trailer with a weight distribution unit it would be nice to see a picture. All I see so far are WD units on equipment trailers but not sure it is that easy to hook up on many dump trailers with the box on the front tongue.

They make weld on brackets. You can also drill them and bolt them through the trailers A-Frame.

Chris

 

[ahlkey]

Thanks for the information. A weld on bracket version makes sense and I assume it goes on the side of the tongue frame since it cannot go over it. I will contact my local dealer where I bought the trailer and see if I can order a pair to go with my weight distribution unit. If you know anywhere that I can buy these online that would be helpful as well. Attached is a picture of my trailer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Check with Paul and Robin. Any bracket will also work with a little cutting.

http://www.randpcarriages.com/

Chris

 

[hrcarver]

Is the stock hitch that comes on trucks(w/ tow pkgs) weight distributing? Do I need to toss it and get a new one? How can you tell?

Example, The manual says 10k, I assume that was the equipment on the stock truck. Then again, you do not get a brake controller on half tons...

 

[Dmace]

Thanks for the information. A weld on bracket version makes sense and I assume it goes on the side of the tongue frame since it cannot go over it. I will contact my local dealer where I bought the trailer and see if I can order a pair to go with my weight distribution unit. If you know anywhere that I can buy these online that would be helpful as well. Attached is a picture of my trailer.

I use eTrailer.com for all my trailer needs and they have great prices and fast shipping. Here are the bolt-on brackets that you could easily weld on if you do not want to drill and bolt it to your frame. Chain Hangers for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On Reese Accessories and Parts RP58305

Is the stock hitch that comes on trucks(w/ tow pkgs) weight distributing? Do I need to toss it and get a new one? How can you tell?
Example, The manual says 10k, I assume that was the equipment on the stock truck. Then again, you do not get a brake controller on half tons...

I assume by "stock hitch" on the truck you are talking about the receiver since most trucks don't come with the ball hitch itself. The weight distributing hitch has nothing to do with the receiver on the truck.
A weight distribution hitch has the mounts on either side of the ball for the distribution bars that clip onto the hitch mount and chain or mount to the trailer's frame. They are also typically solid shank and have a mount for a sway bar. I guarantee that for that 10k tow limit, you are required to use a weight distributing hitch. For example, my 1/2 ton truck came with a factory hitch but it was only rated for 7k towing/700 tongue weight without a WD hitch but has a 8,550lb tow rating and with a WD setup the hitch is rated at 10k/1k. I replaced it with a Reese class IV hitch rated at 10k/1k without WD and 12k/1,200 with. That way I don't need the WD hitch for something like my dump trailer that really doesn't need it.
Here's an example of a WD hitch:

 

[hrcarver]

googled it and I had no idea what a weight dis. hitch was. Still do not understand it. It goes on the trailer?

 

[Dmace]

googled it and I had no idea what a weight dis. hitch was. Still do not understand it. It goes on the trailer?

Technically, it's a special type of hitch that fits into your truck's receiver just like regular hitch. The difference is it has these torsion bars that attach to your trailer's frame. Here's a link with a better more detailed explanation: Common Weight Distribution and Sway Control Questions | etrailer.com