More than 11% of the households in the United States own an RV or recreational trailer. That’s around 40 million people. Those numbers, while impressive, are pre-COVID numbers. Since the start of the pandemic, RV sales have gone through the roof, with a 33.7% rise in sales this year from 2020’s record year. The number of new individuals and families towing for the first time is at an all-time high.

One common question for first-time RVers is, what is a weight distribution hitch? Followed up by, why do I need it?

What is a Weight Distribution Hitch?

Let’s start at towing ground zero.

Most people are familiar with a ball-mount hitch. They are frequently used for boating, construction, farming, and other work-related tasks. It has a single connection point where the trailer frame is attached and locked onto the ball, like this.

As convenient and easy as this hitch is, it does not provide the most balanced and safe drive. Often you will see trucks with the front angled up and the rear sagging from the tongue weight of the trailer it is pulling. This can lead to accidents and cause mechanical or equipment failure over time.

This is where the weight distribution hitch comes into play.

There are two main types of weight distribution hitches. Chain style and rigid bracket.

Each weight distribution hitch has a hitch head that attaches to an adjustable shank. The hitch ball can be installed to fit whatever size coupler you have. Where weight distribution hitches are different is the trailer frame brackets.

Chain-style hitches feature a chain-linked through the end of the spring arm and connects to the hook bolted onto the trailer frame.

A rigid bracket design showcases solid metal arms pinned into the hitch head and placed onto L-shaped brackets.

The concept for both weight distribution hitches is the same, but the execution and performance are different. Both hitches achieve weight distribution, restoring balance and equilibrium to the tow vehicle and trailer. However, only the rigid bracket hitch provides the added benefit of sway control with the weight distribution aspect.

Why You Need A Weight Distribution Hitch: Either Chain or Rigid

When you hook a trailer to your tow vehicle, a large portion of the trailer’s weight is transferred to the hitch point. That weight pushes down on the rear of the vehicle, causing it to squat while the front end lifts. When this happens, steering response, braking performance, and overall vehicle control can suffer.

A weight distribution hitch is designed to correct that imbalance. By redistributing a portion of the trailer’s tongue weight back onto the front axle of the tow vehicle and the axles of the trailer, it helps the entire setup work together as a single, stable system rather than two disconnected parts. As the spring arms are tensioned on the brackets or hooks, the trailer is brought back to a level position and lost front-end weight is restored. The result is improved steering, more consistent braking, and better handling on the road.

One key difference between the hitch designs is sway control. Chain-style hitches rely primarily on weight distribution, while rigid bracket systems add built-in resistance to trailer sway for a more controlled towing experience.

Choose the Equal-i-zer Hitch For Your Next Towing Adventure

Towing doesn’t have to be stressful, unpredictable, or unsafe—especially for those just starting out. The right equipment can turn a white-knuckle drive into a confident, controlled experience. A weight distribution hitch isn’t just an accessory; it’s a foundational piece of safety gear that helps protect your vehicle, your trailer, and the people inside both. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or embracing the RV lifestyle full-time, investing in proper weight distribution and sway control ensures every mile is smoother, steadier, and more enjoyable. When your setup is balanced and working as one, you’re free to focus on what matters most: the journey ahead.

An RV is more than just a toy or a way to escape. It is a way of life. Make sure that this new way of life for you is the best and safest it can be. Check out our Equal-i-zer Product Library today!