Weight distribution hitches
It can spread the weight more evenly and level the drawbar.
It is worth asking about when the car still sits nose-up with the van packed well.
It must not be used to fix too much ball weight or an overloaded rear axle.
Check that the car, van, towbar and hitch makers allow one before you fit it.
Published . 6 min read • Technical Guide
- A correctly fitted one can spread the weight more evenly across the car and level the drawbar.
- Pack the van well first, so the car and van sit fairly level without one.
- It must not be used to fix too much ball weight or an overloaded rear axle.
- Check that the car, van, towbar and hitch makers allow one.
- Fitting one does not change the limits in your owner's manual.
This is general information from published transport guides. Your car's owner's manual and your towing gear makers' figures come first.
It can spread the weight more evenly and level the drawbar
A weight distribution hitch uses spring bars between the car and the van's drawbar. The WA transport guide says a van's weight can, in some cases, be more than the car's rear suspension can hold level. The rear sits down and the front rises.
That can affect steering, front braking and where the headlights point. A correctly engineered hitch can spread the weight more evenly across the car and level the drawbar.
Ball weight is how much of the van's weight presses on the towball. Our caravan weights guide explains it with the other numbers.
Pack the van well first
The WA transport guide says to start by spreading the car and van loads so both sit fairly level, without a levelling device. Heavy items go low and close to the van's axles.
A hitch is worth asking about when the car still sits nose-up with the van packed well.
When we mention one
On our towing checks we mention a weight distribution hitch when the ball weight passes 80% of the car's towball limit, or passes 250kg. This is our own rule of thumb, with no official source.
Your towbar and towball can set a lower limit than the car, and the lowest limit applies.
It must not be used to fix too much ball weight
The WA and Queensland transport guides say a weight distribution hitch must not be used:
- •to correct too much ball weight
- •to correct an overloaded rear axle
- •where the car, van, towbar or hitch maker advises against it
Fitting one does not change the limits in your car's owner's manual. Use those figures. If a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) or towing upgrade is fitted, use its label and certificate. Ball weight still counts towards the car's GVM.
Check with the makers first
Your car maker may advise against one or set conditions for using one. Check the towing section of the owner's manual, and the towbar's label. Ask the van, towbar and hitch makers too.
Choosing and fitting
The WA transport guide says to match the hitch's weight category to your towing and your ball weight. Too low a category gives too little levelling. One that greatly exceeds your needs moves too much load.
Fit and use it to the hitch maker's instructions. The WA guide also says a high articulation coupling used with a weight distribution hitch should only be used for highway driving. It should not be used for articulated off-road driving.
Release it before you weigh
Release the weight distribution hitch, then weigh in three passes.
- Car and van hitched, all wheels on the scale. Compare with the GCM (Gross Combination Mass).
- The car with the van still hitched, the van's wheels off the scale. Compare with the GVM.
- The van alone, with its jockey wheel on the scale. Compare with the ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) and the lowest of the car's tow rating and your towbar and towball ratings.
Common questions
Do I need a weight distribution hitch?
It is worth asking about if your car still sits nose-up after you pack the van well. Pack the van well first, then check your car's owner's manual and ask the van, towbar and hitch makers. The WA transport guide describes one as helping when the van's weight pushes the car's rear down and lifts the front.
Does a weight distribution hitch increase towing capacity?
Fitting one does not change the limits in your car's owner's manual. Use those figures. Ball weight still counts towards the car's GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass).
Can a weight distribution hitch fix too much ball weight?
No. The WA and Queensland transport guides say one must not be used to correct too much ball weight or an overloaded rear axle. Repack the van, or weigh it to find the real figures.
Does my car maker allow a weight distribution hitch?
Check the towing section of your owner's manual. Your car maker may advise against one or set conditions for using one. Ask the van, towbar and hitch makers too.
Do I take the weight distribution hitch off to weigh the van?
Release it before you weigh. Then weigh the car and van hitched, the car with the van's wheels off the scale, and the van alone.
Related guides
Electric brake controllers
When a van needs one, and which type to get.
Caravan weights explained
ATM, tare, GTM (Gross Trailer Mass), GCM and ball weight, and how they fit together.
Weighbridge ticket explained
Read the three passes and check each figure.
Essential caravan accessories
The rest of the towing and camping kit.