|
A
Weight-Distributing
Hitch System is composed of
four major elements:
1)
the hitch receiver,
2)
the ball mount,
3)
the spring bar assembly and,
4)
the sway control.
They
work in unison to provide complete towing system
compatibility. |
|
Operation of Weight-Distributing Hitches |
Adjustment is simple because of the easy-to-operate
snap-up brackets that allow spring bar tension to be
adjusted by changing links in the support chains. This
lets you adjust for various trailer tongue weights
within the spring bar weight range by applying tension
on the spring
bars until the car or tow vehicle is level. Rather
than merely supporting the trailer tongue
weight (TW), weight distributing hitches apply
leverage between the towing vehicle and trailer
causing the TW to be carried by all axles of the tow
vehicle and trailer. When
TW is distributed in this way, trailers with greater
TWs can be towed, resulting in a more
level ride which reduces stress on the rear of the tow
vehicle and provides greater steering and brake
control.
|
|
Trailer Sway |
This
must always be considered in trailer towing. Unwanted
sway turns a pleasant
towing situation sour. Many factors can contribute to
trailer sway the design
of the trailer, the suspension, tire inflation
pressures, configuration of
the tow vehicle, towing speeds and hitch weight.
|
|
Sway
Control |
The
Friction Sway Control does exactly what its name
implies, it uses friction to resist pivotal movement
and thereby works against the effects of included
sway. It operates on the principle of
"stiffening" the coupling between
the tow vehicle and trailer. The degree of
"stiffening" or friction is adjusted to suit
various trailer
weights and towing conditions. Its operation is simple
and uncomplicated. It doesn’t prevent the generation
of sway; it simply works to resist the forces once
they have started.
|
