Best Weight Distribution Hitches

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

You have a heavy load or camper to tow and want to add a weight distribution hitch to help with trailer sway. What is the best weight distribution hitch?

The best weight distribution hitches are:

  • Camco Eaz-Lift Elite Weight Distribution Hitch
  • Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control & Weight Distribution Hitch
  • Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch
  • Weigh Safe TrueTow Weight Distribution
  • Husky 32218 Center Line TS Weight Distribution

For most trailer owners, safe towing comes down to a single connection point between the trailer’s coupler and the ball hitch. Since a heavy load can often add strain and wear on a towing vehicle’s rear end, an excellent way to help balance things. The WD system uses spring arms or chains extending from the hitch head to the trailer tongue to provide a level towing experience. The hitch spreads the tongue weight over all the axles of the trailer and tow vehicle, easing the burden on the rear bumper. If you have ever seen the back of a truck or SUV sagging due to the weight of a trailer, then you know how dangerous this situation can be. The weight-distributing hitch helps keep the trailer in line, gives control, and assists in countering trailer sway. While the weight distribution hitch won’t let you tow more than the maximum gross trailer weight your truck is rated for, it will let you tow up to that number. So, what are the best weight distribution systems on the market? What makes one better than the other? In my experience as an automotive/RV worker, I’ve put together a list that will help eliminate the confusion so you can have confidence the next time you tow.

Table of Contents

table-of-contents-icon

What Are The Best Weight Distribution Hitches?

Several manufacturers have developed significant WD hitches, and we have reviewed them below.

Camco Eaz-Lift Elite Weight Distribution Hitch

Camco Eaz-Lift Elite Weight Distribution Hitch
Camco Eaz-Lift Elite Weight Distribution Hitch

Let’s start with the granddaddy of weight-distributing hitches and the most popular hitch on Amazon’s website, the Camco Eaz-Lift. Camco was the first patented weight distribution hitch on the market, and the dual chain and round bar design have been effectively helping RV haulers for almost two decades. The sway control hitch has a 4.7 rating on Amazon with over 3k reviews.

Installation

The Eaz-Lift weight-distributing hitch is easy to install, using an enhanced hitch ball mount that fits quickly into a 2” receiver tube. The round spring arms fit into the plate on the ball mount without much fuss, and since they are universal, they can be used on either side. Chains are attached to the far end with mounting brackets bolted to the trailer tongue frame. The owner counts the chain links to the desired tension, hooks the chain link onto the mounting peg, and lifts a lever bar to lock the chain. The sway bar is attached to the hitch head as a separate unit allowing the owner to adjust the amount of friction control.

Features and Operation

The round bar has preinstalled chains, which makes the setup easy. Camco makes this hitch to handle various loads, from 6000 lbs to 14,000 lbs of Gross trailer weight. Made from durable composite steel, the hitch is finished with a black powder coat to help resist corrosion and rust formation. The kit comes with all the necessary parts, including the shank, ball mount, 2 5/16” ball, spring arms, and chains,

While the round bars don’t offer as much ground clearance as other systems, the bars don’t seem to complicate maneuvering over dips or tricky driveways. While some creaking from the hitch occurs, it does not have to be removed for reverse, so backing up with the system is quite comfortable.

Company

Camco is one of the world's leading trailer hitches and weight distribution systems manufacturers. Based in Greensboro, NC., they make over 5,600 products and have North Carolina, Indiana, and overseas facilities. The company had humble beginnings as they started selling TPA (Trailer Plumbing Antifreeze), and since that time, they have developed many other enhancements to the RV lifestyle.

Pros

  • Best-loved hitch
  • Simple installation
  • Reasonably priced
  • USA Company (although hitch may be made overseas).
  • No removal for reverse applications

Cons

  • Some noise while operating.

Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control & Weight Distribution Hitch

The Equal-i-zer hitch trumpets itself as America’s “best-loved-hitch” because it had the endorsement of RV Life magazine for ten straight years. The Gold Award winner relies on a 4-point system to keep the trailer behind the tow vehicle. The increased connection provides excellent trailer sway control and improves braking and steering functions. The ball mount is more significant than other WD hitches due to the adjustable bracket included (which we like). The hitch has a 4.5 rating on Amazon.

Installation

The adjustable ball mount makes it easier for the owner to find the right drop or rise for their specific situation. The shank is sturdy and feels solid as it slides into the receiver tube. The mounting brackets bolt easily to the trailer tongue, and the L-shape arm ledge bolts to the bracket. The spring arms fit into receiver slots on either side of the hitch ball, then are maneuvered to lay on the L bracket and locked into place. The sway control is easily adjusted. Made of durable steel and finished with a powder coat, the hitch resists corrosion. The spring bars lock onto an L-shaped bracket bolted to a mounting brace for the trailer tongue.

Features and Operation

The spring arms extend straight from just below the ball mount and provide excellent ground clearance. The spring bars are easy to adjust, don’t weigh much, and ride comfortably locked on the L-brackets. While there is some noise and creaking from the metal-on-metal contact, the hitch holds the trailer behind very well. (Most trailer owners have resigned themselves to having some noise in their weight distribution system, although we wish that weren’t the case). The 4-point sway control works well, and the Equal-i-zer does not need to be adjusted or the arms removed to handle things when backing up.

Company

The company started as Mobile Manufacturing in 1945 and introduced an axle-mounted load-leveling hitch. Since then, the company has continued to produce towing tools, shanks, hitch balls, and weight distribution hitches. The company operates out of Utah and is based in Utah.

Pros

  • American-made
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Adjustable ball mount
  • 4-point connection

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Some complaints about noise

Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch

Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch
Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch

The Andersen weight distribution hitch is designed not with metal spring arms, but instead, it has chains connecting the trailer and the tow vehicle. The chains are tightened to the proper resistance and provide some of the best load-carry towing we felt in years. The unit is much lighter than its competitors, which can make a difference if you are towing near the weight limits. The hitch has a 4.5 rating on Amazon.

Installation

The adjustable ball mount comes from the factory already put together (unlike other systems that require you to use adjustment screws and plates onto the hitch ball before you can use it). The chains fix a mounting plate and connect the trailer tongue by mounting brackets. A simple ratchet (provided) tightens a tensioner screw, shortening the chain length until the proper tension is achieved. The full hookup can be done in less than a couple of minutes. (You will spend more time lining up your truck with the trailer tongue).

Features and Operation

The Andersen Hitch has built-in sway control from a friction cone built into the ball hitch. There is no friction bar to install, which speeds up the setup and uncoupling process. The chains offer excellent ground clearance, and the system doesn’t have to be removed when trying to back your RV into a camping spot. The chain system is noiseless while towing over uneven pavement, and your trailer does not have to be parked on a level surface for coupling/uncoupling.

Company

The Andersen Hitches company is based out of Idaho Falls, Idaho. They have been in business for over fifty years and have gained tremendous success in the last few years with their fifth wheel to gooseneck adapter that allows pickup trucks to tow much larger campers. The company offers a limited lifetime warranty and has excellent customer service.

Pros

  • American made
  • Lifetime warranty
  • No noise or metal-on-metal contact
  • No removal for reverse actions

Cons

  • Some concerns about the system’s performance during emergency braking.

Weigh Safe TrueTow Weight Distribution

Weigh Safe TrueTow Weight Distribution
Weigh Safe TrueTow Weight Distribution

Tongue weight can be difficult to calculate at times, but the Weigh-Safe weight distribution hitch makes it easy with the built-in scale. With this hitch, it is easy to see if loads need to be adjusted so that you do not overburden your hitch. The hitch is comprised of aluminum and steel components designed to counter the weight of the built-in scale. It operates like most common weight distribution hitches with spring arms connecting to the trailer tongue with mounting brackets. The hitch has a 4.4 rating on Amazon.

Installation

The spring arms fit into receiver tubes located on the trailer mount’s base and then fixed to the trailer tongue with mounting brackets. The installation is relatively easy but requires some minor adjustments to get the tension right. The weigh scale is a part of the ball mount and is easy to read. The adjustable hitch moves up or down and is held in place by a rubber gasket. The hitch also has a smartphone app to assist with the installation and to help calculate ideal connection points. (We are hoping that other companies will take notice).

Features and Operation

The Weigh Safe is an excellent hitch that tows with the best of them. Most reviews have given rave ratings about the performance, although a couple have indicated that getting the spring arms into position required extra effort. Sway control is excellent. While the hitch is more expensive than other less costly systems, the scale provides a great deal of peace of mind that the tongue weight is right where it should be.

Company

Weigh-Safe hitches are made in the USA, in Lindon, Utah. The company has been around for about ten years and has built an excellent reputation for an effective product. Customer service is top-notch, and the staff is happy to assist if you encounter a problem. The company offers a limited lifetime warranty and free shipping to the continental US for all orders over $48.

Pros:

  • American-made
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Great Customer Service

Cons

  • More expensive than other systems.

Husky 32218 Center Line TS Weight Distribution

Husky 32218 Center Line TS Weight Distribution
Husky 32218 Center Line TS Weight Distribution

The ease of installation sets this sway control hitch apart because it is so simple. The Husky Center Line has spring arms resting on brackets that hook directly to the trailer tongue. The head adjusts and moves the spring arms to help reduce trailer sway. The ball mount moves for a four-inch drop but has limited positions. The black powder coat helps prevent any kind of weather deterioration. The hitch has a 4.7 rating on Amazon.

Installation

The spring arms move simply and are easy to install. Instead, the brackets may need minor adjustments to achieve the correct tension. A 2 5/16” ball is included with the hitch and adequately torqued.

Features and Operation

The Husky 32218 Center Line hitch has effective anti-sway control, and the spring arms do an adequate job of moving with the flow of the trailer. The hitch is moderately priced, weighs 110 lbs, and is rated for 12,000 lbs GTW (gross trailer weight).

Company

Husky Towing is based out of Elkhart, IN, and has various hitches for trailer bumper, gooseneck, or fifth-wheel towing. They offer a lifetime warranty, and the price is definitely budget-friendly. The hitch does not need to be removed when backing up. Husky offers a lifetime warranty, has excellent customer service, and has very positive reviews online. The Centerline helps keeps the trailer under the command of the tow vehicle and is an excellent weight distribution system.

Pros

  • American made
  • Lifetime warranty
  • A moveable ball quiets the noise
  • Can reverse without removing

Cons

  • None