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Weight Distribution Bar Calculator

Find the right WD hitch bar size for safe towing

Recommended Bar Rating
600 lbs
Medium Duty (3,500-6,000 lbs GTW)
Tongue Weight
10.0%
Ideal Range
Front Axle Restoration
390 lbs
~65% restored to front
Estimated Cost
$350
System + installation

Trailer Details

Gross Trailer Weight (loaded)
Measured at hitch ball
Maximum rated weight

Tow Vehicle Details

From vehicle door sticker
Weigh at scales if possible
Ground to hitch ball center

Hitch Setup

Distance from ball to spring bars

Usage & Conditions

Tongue Weight Analysis

600 lbs (10.0%)
Ideal Range
Tongue Weight Percentage Target: 10-15%
5% 10% 15% 20%
Current Tongue Weight
600 lbs
Ideal Range
600 - 900 lbs

Recommended Weight Distribution System

Recommended Bar Rating
600 lbs
Medium Duty (3,500-6,000 lbs GTW)
Bar Type Trunnion bars (standard)
Trunnion bars offer good performance for most applications
Shank Length 10 inches
Standard length is adequate
Weight Distribution Front: +390 lbs
Restores ~65% of tongue weight to front axle for better steering and braking
Rear Axle Relief -300 lbs
Reduces rear axle load by ~50% of tongue weight

Sway Control Recommendation

optional
Built-in WD hitch sway control sufficient
Trailer Length 25 ft (Low risk)
Wind Exposure moderate
Terrain Type highway

Safety Checks

Vehicle Capacity
Within safe limits
Tongue weight: 600 lbs / Capacity: 7,000 lbs (9% utilized)
Hitch Capacity
Within safe limits
Trailer weight: 6,000 lbs / Hitch rating: 10,000 lbs

Installation Overview

Difficulty
beginner
Time Required
1-2 hours
Total Cost
$350
Installation Note
Can be done solo with proper tools
1

Mount the Hitch Head

Install the weight distribution head onto your receiver hitch. Ensure proper height for level towing.

2

Attach Spring Bars

Connect the spring bars to the hitch head using the provided brackets. Adjust chain length as needed.

3

Connect to Trailer

Hook the spring bar ends to the trailer A-frame brackets. Use a jack to assist with tension.

4

Adjust and Test

Measure front and rear axle heights loaded vs unloaded. Adjust spring bar tension to restore proper weight distribution.

Cost Breakdown

WD Hitch System (600 lbs) $350
Total Estimated Cost $350
Price Range Note
Actual prices vary by brand and features. Budget brands: 60-70% of estimate. Premium brands: 120-150% of estimate.

Understanding Weight Distribution Hitches

How Weight Distribution Works

A weight distribution hitch uses spring bars to transfer tongue weight from the tow vehicle's rear axle to both the trailer's axles and the tow vehicle's front axle. This restores proper weight distribution across all axles, improving steering control, braking performance, and overall towing stability.

Why It Matters

Without weight distribution, excessive tongue weight causes the rear of the tow vehicle to sag while the front lifts. This reduces steering response, headlight aim, and front brake effectiveness. A properly adjusted WD hitch can improve fuel economy by 5-10% and dramatically increase towing safety.

Choosing the Right Bar Size

Weight distribution bars are rated by the gross trailer weight (GTW) they can handle, not tongue weight. Always choose bars rated for your loaded trailer weight, with a safety margin. Under-rated bars can bend or break, while over-rated bars may be unnecessarily expensive and difficult to work with.

Common Mistakes

  • • Buying based on tongue weight instead of trailer weight
  • • Over-tightening spring bars (causes poor ride quality)
  • • Skipping the adjustment process (defeats the purpose)
  • • Not using sway control in windy or mountain conditions

Important Safety Note

This calculator provides estimates based on typical configurations. Always weigh your loaded vehicle and trailer at a certified scale, and consult your vehicle's owner manual for exact towing capacities. When in doubt, err on the side of a higher-rated system for increased safety margin.