Do I need a weight-distribution hitch?

Manufacturer thresholds

Ford and GM towing guides state a trailer weight above which a weight-distribution hitch is required for a given engine, cab, drive and axle combination; the figure differs by row. Where the site has captured it, it appears in the row's widget verdict and the towing calculator applies it automatically. Stellantis, Toyota and Honda give the rule in the owner's manual, often as a fixed figure per model.

What it does

Spring bars transfer part of the tongue weight from the rear axle back to the front axle and to the trailer axles. That restores front-axle load (steering and braking), levels the combination and reduces rear sag. It does not raise the vehicle's trailer rating, tongue rating, payload or GCWR, and many manufacturers state that a WDH must not be used above the ratings in the guide.

Sway control

Most WDH systems include or accept sway control. Sway is mostly a tongue-weight problem: keep tongue weight at 10–15% of the loaded trailer (calculator) before adding hardware.

Check your setup: towing calculator · glossary entry · brake controller guide