Weight distribution hitch

***merc123*** · #1 (**permalink**) 02-18-2012, 04:59 PM

Just bought an older 24' Pace American Shadow enclosed trailer with gross weight of 10k. According to their website the newer models weigh in at about 4k pounds. I'm towing with a 2000 SRW LWB. My estimated "race" weight would be about 9k.

I pulled it about a hundred miles home at interstate speed and I could tell there was some wind blowing around but not to the point where the trailer swayed. Some semi trucks did "suck" me into them a little though but it wasn't swaying the trailer.

I was curious at this weight is it necessary for me to get a weight distribution hitch setup or just if I notice some swaying issues at highway speed? The trailer really didn't squat the truck down as much as I thought and my open race car trailer with race car on it (about 5k) squatted it a whole lot more.

bucko89 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2012, 01:40 PM

I believe to tow that legally you need to have a distribution hitch anyway to stop you from getting your *** handed to you in a crash

***merc123*** · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2012, 06:43 PM

Don't see any laws in GA about it. Is this a federal law?

***merc123*** · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2012, 06:47 PM

Nevermind... I think I found the answer. Anything over 5,000 pounds by Ford recommendation requires it.

bucko89 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 10:46 AM

Yes unless you replace the hitch I don't think it's something the police will get you for just the leagal team will say you where towing out of the manufactures recamendations if you are in a crash and it could be considerd you are a failt, there was a good article on here about it but I can't find it now. I have to get one for my trailer I bielive it makes a dig difference in handling. That's only what I have been told but I guess I will see when my née trailer gets here

***merc123*** · #6 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 10:56 AM

Well it's cheap insurance so I might as well get one.

**Term3** · #7 (**permalink**) 02-22-2012, 12:36 PM

It makes towing so much nicer.

***merc123*** · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2012, 06:22 PM

Found out this past weekend I need one. On the interstate I pulled out and was right next to a semi truck... At 70 MPH it was swaying pretty good, enough to wag the truck a little. Had to slow down to 55.

Coach73 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-18-2012, 09:13 PM

A weight distribution hitch is not designed to reduce trailer sway, it is designed to do as it's name implies, distribute hitch weight. Sway bars are designed to reduce sway, remember to disconnect it when backing up! Coach

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