A weight distribution hitch (WDH) levels out your vehicle and trailer, so the car steers, brakes and sits the way it should while you tow. We supply and fit Hayman Reese weight distribution systems, and we’ve been fitting the WDH since 1995.
Why you need one
The ball weight of a caravan or trailer sits behind your vehicle’s rear axle, so it works like a seesaw: the back of the vehicle drops and the front lifts. With less weight on the front wheels you get less grip for steering and braking, your headlights aim up, and the trailer is more likely to sway.
How it works
Spring bars run from the hitch head back to the trailer’s A-frame. Once they’re tensioned, they lever weight forward through the towbar onto the vehicle’s front axle, and back onto the trailer’s axles. It’s like lifting the handles of a wheelbarrow: the load moves onto the wheel instead of your arms. The vehicle sits level again and the weight is shared across every axle.
Pick by ball weight
Hayman Reese sizes its kits by laden ball weight: the weight on the towball with the trailer packed for the trip.
| Hayman Reese kit | Laden ball weight | What we carry |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 0 to 80 kg | Mini lift kit, rated 82 kg (180lb) |
| Intermediate | 80 to 135 kg | Intermediate kit, 4 bars, rated to 130 kg |
| Medium | 135 to 275 kg | 600lb Standard series, round bars |
| Heavy Duty | 275 to 365 kg | 800lb Standard series |
| Super Heavy Duty | 365 to 545 kg | Ask us |
Hayman Reese’s rule of thumb is that ball weight is often around 10% of the trailer’s laden weight, and laden weight is easy to underestimate. Treat that as general guidance only. We have a set of accurate ball scales, so bring the trailer in loaded and we’ll weigh it with you.
Image: Hayman Reese
Two styles: Classic and Standard
Hayman Reese makes its weight distribution hitches in two styles:
- Classic series: trunnion spring bars and a welded head. Made in Medium, Heavy Duty and Super Heavy Duty.
- Standard series: round spring bars with integrated cams and a cast head. Made in Medium and Heavy Duty, for 5 to 6 inch A-frames.
Which one suits depends on how deep your trailer’s A-frame is (4, 5 or 6 inch) and where the coupling sits on it, because the spring bars have to clear the A-frame. We check both before we fit.
Images: Hayman Reese
What we need from you
- Laden ball weight (or bring the trailer in loaded and we’ll weigh it)
- A-frame depth: 4, 5 or 6 inch
- Where the coupling sits on the A-frame: top, middle or bottom
- Your vehicle (make, model and year) and its towbar
Image: Hayman Reese
Sway control add-ons
A weight distribution hitch can be paired with sway control: friction sway control, Dual Cam HP or electric sway control (Tuson). See sway controls. Sway control helps, but it won’t fix a trailer that’s badly loaded or set up, so get the loading and the hitch right first.
Parts and accessories
- Hitch park
- Safety chain kits
- Boat drawbar adaptor
- Spare WDH parts
Ask the counter for the part you need.
Will it work with my factory towbar?
Not always. Some factory towbars aren’t compatible with a weight distribution hitch and need checking first. Bring the vehicle in and we’ll check yours.