Weight-distributing hitch – can it be used by one person?
I asked this question on a forum but didn’t get a lot of answers, so I thought maybe someone here could help.
I’m looking for a vehicle that can tow a small (RV) trailer. In checking the tow ratings on Camping Life’s page for various vehicles I see “Weight-distributing hitch required” mentioned a lot. I really don’t know much about hitches so I asked a mechanic about these and he told me they take two people to hitch (or maybe unhitch). Since I’m going to be traveling alone this is a definite issue.
The few people on the forum who answered my question said I probably wouldn’t need one of these hitches. But I’m concerned about insurance issues if the owner’s manual says it’s required and I don’t have one and get in an accident. I want to tow safely, for myself and the other drivers I share the road with. But if I can’t manage one of these hitches alone then I’ll have to find a tow vehicle that doesn’t need one. (They seem to be mostly required for FWD or 4WD vehicles.)
Weight distribution systems are needed, typically, when you’re towing a trailer that’s pushing the towing capacity limits of the tow vehicle. There is no hard rule as to when a weight distribution system is needed. As a general guideline, if the loaded trailer weighs 50% or more of the vehicle weight, a weight distribution system should be used. If you hook up your loaded trailer to your vehicle and it sags in the rear, but you are within towing capacity limits, then a weight distribution system may be the answer.
Weight distribution systems help transfer some of the weight of the trailer tongue forward up the vehicle frame. This keeps the vehicle level and helps prevent it from becoming so light in the front that braking and steering are compromised.
They can be used by one person, two people are not needed to operate a WD system. Check out this article that goes over the basics of WD.
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-weightdistribution.aspx
These hitches CAN be a little difficult to get squared away, even for ME, and I am 6’2″ tall, weighing 265#
A lady may have considerable difficulty pulling up the bar that secures these levelers.
A lot depends on what your tow vehicle is….
For instance, I had a 2500 Suburban that towed perfectly without one, but my 1/2 ton Tundra absolutely needed the wd hitch setup.