Answer: Fact
As someone who has been around travel trailers and weight-distributing hitches (aka equalizing hitch, for us older folks) all his life, I initially deemed this statement as fiction. However, after pondering the statement and doing some research, I learned there is much to support the statement as fact in most cases. Read on to learn more.
Weight-distributing hitches, also known as weight distribution hitches, primarily focus on distributing the weight of the trailer tongue more evenly across the towing vehicle and trailer axles. While they do not directly improve fuel efficiency, they can indirectly contribute to better mileage in certain situations. Here’s how:
- Improved stability: Weight-distributing hitches help by redistributing weight between the tow vehicle and the trailer, which can enhance stability during towing. When the trailer is more stable, there is less swaying or fishtailing, leading to smoother and more predictable towing. This increased stability can help the towing vehicle maintain a consistent speed and reduce the need for constant speed adjustments or corrections, which can positively impact fuel efficiency.
- Optimized suspension: By distributing the weight more evenly between the towing vehicle and the trailer axles, weight-distributing hitches can help prevent excessive squatting of the towing vehicle’s rear end. This helps maintain the proper alignment of the vehicle’s suspension system, which in turn can lead to more efficient operation, especially when towing heavy loads.
- Reduced wear and tear: When towing without a weight-distributing hitch, the excess weight on the rear of the towing vehicle can cause premature wear on the rear suspension components, tires, and even the drivetrain. By distributing the weight more evenly, weight-distributing hitches help reduce the strain on these components, potentially extending their lifespan and reducing the likelihood of mechanical issues that could affect fuel efficiency.
- Driver confidence: Drivers may feel more confident and comfortable when using weight-distributing hitches, knowing that their setup is more stable and secure. This confidence can lead to smoother driving behaviors, such as more consistent speeds and smoother acceleration and braking, all of which can contribute to better fuel efficiency.
Here is a compelling field test from the folks at Weigh Safe demonstrating that proper trailer tongue weight leads to improved mileage, which supports that using a weight-distributing hitch can lead to improved mileage.
Conclusion
While weight-distributing hitches themselves do not directly improve fuel efficiency, the factors mentioned above can collectively contribute to more efficient towing, resulting in better mileage compared to towing without such a hitch. However, the actual impact on fuel efficiency may vary depending on various factors such as driving conditions, terrain, vehicle and trailer specifications, and driving habits.
Now, some questions for you:
- Is there a recurring half-truth you keep seeing online that you would like to see addressed?
- Were you taught something by other RVers that turned out to be bad advice?
- Have you recently read something that left you wondering, is that true?
- Do you know something to be true, but none of your RVing friends believe you?
Please share your comments using the comment box below and we will do our best to provide the facts in a future Fact or Fiction entry.
##RVT1149
Per etrailer.com, “weight-distribution hitch is a system that helps create a level, stable ride when towing.” How much mileage are we talking about?
1/100 mpg improvement so apparently the correct answer is TRUE.
I thought pop up ads were absent for paid subscribers on the weekends. If this continues I will not be renewing my subscription.
Lighten up, Woody. Just scroll on by.
Hi, Woodrow. The pop-up ads should not be showing in the members weekend newsletters. However, they still appear in the posts which are linked in the newsletters. We just don’t have the time or “manpower” to produce two sets of everything we publish. But thank you very much for your donation. We appreciate it, and we appreciate YOU! Have a great day. 😀 -Diane at RVtravel.com
“While they do not directly improve fuel efficiency, they can indirectly contribute to better mileage in certain situations.” Trick answer to a straight-forward question! 😀 Your question and its answer show that there’s more than meets the eye, and that is usually the case.
“Drivers may feel more confident and comfortable when using weight-distributing hitches, knowing that their setup is more stable and secure.”
More stable means they will probably drive faster and eliminate any fuel savings.
Yes, I guessed the correct answer and for the same reasons. However, folks should know that a weight distribution system is not always the best practice. For example, our Subaru Ascent is rated for 5,000 pounds towing. And the manual is very specific to not use weight distribution systems or anti-sway devices. It screws with the computerized traction system and the mechanical vs electronic systems will fight with each other. Our small TT is still tracking straight when I see the tail wag the dog on other rigs ahead of us.
Anyone pulling a wiggy wagging travel trailer knows full well a WDH is the way to go. There are however different levels of quality in the WDH… not the cheapy HF ones either.
Thank you, Dave! 🙂 Missed it; said “fiction.” I’ll ponder your request, but nothing comes to mind immediately. I will save anything that does come to mind and send it to you next time. Meanwhile, thank you for this and safe travels! 🙂
Without a weight distribution hitch the rear of the truck squats and the rear tires also deform and have a larger footprint on the ground as well as greater sidewall flexing while driving. I would think that this alone would cause lower gas mileage.