- A weight distributing hitch actually applies less weight on the tow vehicle mounting points than a standard hitch does (I have the calculations, if anyone is interested).
- All tow vehicles carry a tongue load better with a WDH than without. The WDH makes better use of available axle capacities.
- Almost everyone needs a Weight Distributing Hitch. A 400# trailer tongue weight without a WDH easily becomes a 700# rear axle weight and a 300# unloading of your front wheels. Many of us would exceed gross weight limits with 700 extra pounds on the rear axle in addition to other loads.
- Load up and go to the truck scale, get the real numbers, look at the gross axle weight ratings on your drivers' side door post and then you'll know exactly how you're doing. My own numbers on the truck scale are here:
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?t=10652
- Everyone should calculate their tow capacity in accordance with their owners' manuals, drivers' side doorpost labels, and tire ratings.
- People can be careless about towing opinions without having applicable towing experience.
- Both unibodies and truck frames have rated hitch capacities, which depend upon on proper mounting points, not the kind of frame a vehicle has. Trailer hitches today are always bolted to manufacturer supplied hitch mounting points. Nobody should be drilling new holes in frames to mount trailer hitches anymore.
- The WDH bar ratings are based on what might be needed for maximum tongue weight distributions. Bigger numbers probably provide a little stiffer ride in the TV, but the worst loads on the hitch mounting points are substantially higher than loads applied by the bars.