Can I Use a Weight Distribution Hitch Without the Weight Distribution Bars Installed?

Question

Question:

I am putting my trailer into storage an wonder if I can just tow with just the weight distribution hitch without installing the bars or if I need to use a different trailer hitch for short tow distances. My trailer is light enough that a weight distribution hitch was not required.

asked by: Dan T

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes. If you don't need the weight distribution bars attached to carry the trailer to storage, you can absolutely use just the WD hitch head and ball to tow the trailer. It will work just like a ball mount.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

Greg W.

11/10/2021

I have a Reese weight distribution hitch. One of the pins that holds the bar next to the ball has broken. Will the weight hold it on the ledge on the camper or am I ok to drive with one?

Reply

Les D.

11/12/2021

In order to give you the correct part, can you provide us the Reese part/model number for your WD hitch? I have attached a document that has an exploded view of a Reese hitch. Which part did you break? Number 18, or 3 or 4, or other? This is used for example. We still need the actual model number If you are asking about driving with part number 18 missing - you cannot!

Helpful Links

https://www.reeseprod.com/product-assets/install/n49913.pdf

Reply

Greg W.

11/12/2021

@LesD Thanks. I actually got a replacement locally, so it's all good. Thanks for replying.

Reply

Answer 1

You can tow a trailer with a weight distribution setup that does not have the spring bars connected. As long as the head of the system is attached to the shank properly (there's no reason it wouldn't be) it would work just as well as a…

view full answer...

Answer 2

You can back up a trailer with a weight distribution system installed on as long as you don't end up in too tight of a turn. This is especially true with the Curt Weight Distribution System part #C17422 as it has a friction sway control system as…

view full answer...

Answer 3

A weight distribution system does not increase a hitch's tongue weight capacity. Rather, it takes weight off of the tongue, helping loads stay stable and level. In other words, if you use a trailer without a weight distribution system with a…

view full answer...

Answer 4

You can have a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball on either a 1 inch or 1-1/4 inch shank. The nut on a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank takes a wrench with a 1-7/8 inch socket. A hitch ball with a 1 inch shank will take a wrench with a 1-1/2 inch socket. You…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Since most trailer manufacturers do not make wheel and tire information available to the general public, it is hard for me to tell you what size lug nuts you have on the wheel. I can tell you they do have caps over them. The most common size of lug…

view full answer...

Answer 6

While lithium batteries in general do not like heat it is okay to use a warmer like #KH22401 on them in really cold climates.

view full answer...

Answer 7

What I think you are asking about is replacement parts for a Reese Weight Distribution System. The Reese and Draw-Tite products are manufactured by the same parent company so depending on what site you are looking at you may have part numbers or…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Thank you for the pictures. From them I can tell that you have a Reese trunnion style weight distribution system. Which makes the Replacement Head for Reese Weight Distribution System #RP58167 the correct replacement head for your system.

view full answer...

Answer 9

To install a 7-blade in your 2017 Chevy Express van, presumably for a brake controller, you are going to need to do some hard wiring. For a brake controller the first thing you'll need is to add 4-way #118392 and I've added a link to a video…

view full answer...

Answer 10

It is very likely the fuse if you are not getting the 12 volt auxiliary power at the 7-way of your 2020 Ram 3500, so you'll want to check your owner's manual to see where that fuse is located or your local Ram dealer can tell you. If it's…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The best sewer hose system to store inside a rear bumper is the RhinoEXTREME RV Sewer Hoses w Swivel Fittings part #CAM39867. This system comes with caps to keep the odor contained so when you are done you can compress the hose, cap it off, and slide…

view full answer...

Answer 12

So there isn't a 6 inch hitch extender for a 2 inch hitch that has an 11,000 lb capacity and 1,200 lb tongue weight capacity, and hitch extenders also reduce the capacity of your hitch by 50 percent, so they are generally just used for…

view full answer...

Can I Use a Weight Distribution Hitch Without the Weight Distribution Bars Installed?

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Continue Researching