Weight Distribution Hitch

allan davey · Member

Weight Distribution Hitch

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Hi Allen go to the "tech" sub forum, think there is a lot of discussion there re hitches, etc.

DMaxer · Guru

Hi Allan. I have a 2014 Isuzu D Max and when I contacted their technical section I was informed that they do not recommend fitting a WDH as they have not been tested with their tow bar et al. I spoke with the service section of the dealer where I purchased my Isuzu and he informed me that most people used them and they had no issue. When I informed him of my conversation with Isuzu he told me that is the response everyone is given as you are fitting a product not supplied by Isuzu.

I use one and most others I have encountered in my travels do likewise, without any issues I might add.

Alla · Member

Hi Allan

I have a 2013 Dmax dual cab and always tow with a WDH. Done 20,000kms towing my van which weighs 2.8T when packed (ATM 3.2T) and I would not tow without one and have a dealer fitted towbar.
Like DMaxer, I spoke to Isuzu H/O and got the same response. I think they are just trying to cover their rear end.

Alan

Desert Dweller · Guru

If your van is correctly loaded you don/t need a WDH. WAITING FOR THE AVALANCHE OF WDH ADHERANTS SCREAMING THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE OR YOU'LL DIE! WDH's are well known for twisting floor pans & chassis as well as drawbars. They basically disguise a ball weight problem. IT"S AN AUSSIE TRADITION TO USE ONE. Safely travelled 40,000kms over the past 4 years without one.

Desert Dweller · Guru

If your van is correctly loaded you don't need a WDH. WAITING FOR THE AVALANCHE OF WDH ADHERANTS SCREAMING THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE OR YOU'LL DIE! WDH's are well known for twisting floor pans & chassis as well as bending drawbars. They basically disguise a ball weight problem. IT"S AN AUSSIE TRADITION TO USE ONE. Safely travelled 40,000kms plus over the past 4 years without one.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Desert Dweller wrote:
If your van is correctly loaded you don't need a WDH.

The use of a WDH has nothing to do with being correctly loaded, or not.

It is about redistributing some of the weight back to the front wheels that was removed due to the overhung hitch.

That in turn restores some of the lost braking and steering traction.

If you tow a 5th wheeler or semi trailer, you don't need one.

Cheers,

Peter

chooknphil · Veteran Member

Hi Allan. I am with desert dweller on WDH issues. Collyn Rivers strongly suggests that you are masking a more serious problem if you require a WDH . Weight distribution of your van loading has a huge effect on how your tug sits with the van on. We run a dmax with a 3 ton van with 180 kg ball weight and no WDH. But we take careful note of loading of van or moving things around too much. Have a good think about your setup, many people fit WDH because it's the find thing and an easy way out to mask a problem but we are all entitled to our own opinion. Regards Chooknphil

chooknphil · Veteran Member

Last post should have read It's the done thing pre emotive texting ..........sorry guys. Chooknphil

iana · Guru

Hi allan davey, this is an issue that I have been pondering over for some time. I have several threads on the subject, and one on the go at the moment, in that thread (techies section) I have posted an attached word document from an article off the web, and its worth reading. The question of wether you need a WDH is answered if you take a walk around a caravan park and look at how those vaners have loaded their vehicles. In particular the tool box and fuel tanks mounted on the "A" frame of the van, also assuming the front boot is also full, then I think they would need a WDH.
However the story may change if the ball weight of the van is reduced from 15% plus back to 8% or less, and with careful loading, then the question of wether that rig needs a WDH becomes debateable. I am counting every kilo in order to stay legal, and at the moment am willing to forgo the added 35kgs of a WDH, as I have ESC in both vehicles, and the ball weight I will endeavour to keep at 8%. I am putting all heavy items behind the cab of the ute, making the ute heavier than the van.

Cupie · Guru

chooknphil wrote:
Hi Allan. I am with desert dweller on WDH issues. Collyn Rivers strongly suggests that you are masking a more serious problem if you require a WDH . Weight distribution of your van loading has a huge effect on how your tug sits with the van on. We run a dmax with a 3 ton van with 180 kg ball weight and no WDH. But we take careful note of loading of van or moving things around too much. Have a good think about your setup, many people fit WDH because it's the find thing and an easy way out to mask a problem but we are all entitled to our own opinion. Regards Chooknphil

Perhaps we should look at this extract from the Collyn Rivers article ..

"Right now, a WDH is necessary with end-heavy caravans over (say) 5.5 metres (18 ft), and a laden weight of 1800 kg. A saner approach is to design, scale and load caravans so that no WDH is required."

Bruce and Bev · Guru

I'm not going to get into the usual bun fight about the rights and wrongs of WDH's.

Have a 2014 DMax SX (which has stiffer rear springing than the other DMax range. I didn't use WDH's for the 1st couple of 1000km of towing my 3T van with no problems as I have ESC on my van for sway, but the ute wasn't quite at its correct level, so I fitted WDH's to lift the rear the 1-2 inches to take it back to normal balance. Got told by a large Isuzu dealer that WDH's are ok for their fitted towbars and its just Isuzu covering their arse (as DMaxer had been told).

I will fit a floating spring to the rear springs once the warranty on the vehicle has expired. The Dealer made it very clear that by modifying any part of the vehicle - that part would probably not be covered by warranty

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

We use an MU-X as our tug for a 22 ft van and to be quite honest with the MU-X having coil springs, and with the ball weight of the van close to the maximum allowed, plus a bit of essential equipment in the back of the vehicle I have found that a WDH is an absolute must have.

Have tried it without the WDH, and while the whole setup wasn't sitting too badly without it, the improvement in stability with the WDH, particularly when being passed by decent size trucks, was quite noticeable.

Also seriously considered having airbags fitted in the coil spring in an attempt to not have to bother with the nuisance of fitting the hitch every time we hook up, and while it would level the tug it would do nothing to distribute the weight being carried over all four wheels, and therefore do nothing to improve the towing stability.

Desert Dweller · Guru

greyhoundtom

Have tried it without the WDH, and while the whole setup wasn't sitting too badly without it, the improvement in stability with the WDH, particularly when being passed by decent size trucks, was quite noticeable.

WDH's do nothing to stop the sway (lateral movement) caused by trucks overtaking. It must be your imagination or you still believe in the out-dated ''sway bar theory''.

migra · Senior Member

Allan

Visit the www.ozizuzu.com.au web site, there is a letter showing confirmation of Izuzu,s position on this matter.

I know many people are using a WDH against what Izuzu state, I would expect you would not get insurance if you disclose to your insurance company that you were using equipment against what the manufacturer endorses.

Many people put their head in the sand and hope they do not have a problem BUT ????

It is your decision.

Cupie · Guru

Desert Dweller wrote:
greyhoundtom

Have tried it without the WDH, and while the whole setup wasn't sitting too badly without it, the improvement in stability with the WDH, particularly when being passed by decent size trucks, was quite noticeable.

WDH's do nothing to stop the sway (lateral movement) caused by trucks overtaking. It must be your imagination or you still believe in the out-dated ''sway bar theory''.

Keith ... Would you please care to expand on "the outdated Sway Bar Theory"

rockylizard · Guru

migra wrote:
Allan
Visit the www.ozizuzu.com.au web site, there is a letter showing confirmation of Izuzu,s position on this matter.
I know many people are using a WDH against what Izuzu state, I would expect you would not get insurance if you disclose to your insurance company that you were using equipment against what the manufacturer endorses.
Many people put their head in the sand and hope they do not have a problem BUT ????
It is your decision.

Gday...

You have mis-quoted the Isuzu website again cry I believe it is http://www.ozisuzu.com.au/

And .... could you please point to where on that site the letter from Isuzu you refer to that "confirms Isuzu's position on the matter'.

I have had a hunt around on the topics and cannot find it - perhaps I am looking in the wrong spot.

Cheers - John

rockylizard · Guru

Desert Dweller wrote:
WDH's do nothing to stop the sway (lateral movement) caused by trucks overtaking. It must be your imagination or you still believe in the out-dated ''sway bar theory''.

Gday...

From my experience and from what I have been told and read, a WDH is not an "anti-sway device'.

However, the use of a WDH in circumstances when the vehicle and van are in need of better apportioning of the weight placed on the rear suspension by the tow ball of the caravan, a WDH does enhance the 'stability' of the van and vehicle through the returning of some of the ball weight to the front wheels of the vehicle.

There may be some aid to controlling sway - but that is NOT the purpose of a WDH ... but sometimes it is simply a fortunate side-benefit.

Perhaps those who do experience a reduction in sway when a WDH is fitted have a van that is not well balanced to begin with and the WDH is 'masking' a poor load distribution within (or on the front or rear of) the van.

Cheers- John

Jaahn · Guru

rockylizard wrote:
Desert Dweller wrote:
WDH's do nothing to stop the sway (lateral movement) caused by trucks overtaking. It must be your imagination or you still believe in the out-dated ''sway bar theory''.
Gday...
From my experience and from what I have been told and read, a WDH is not an "anti-sway device'.
However, the use of a WDH in circumstances when the vehicle and van are in need of better apportioning of the weight placed on the rear suspension by the tow ball of the caravan, a WDH does enhance the 'stability' of the van and vehicle through the returning of some of the ball weight to the front wheels of the vehicle.
There may be some aid to controlling sway - but that is NOT the purpose of a WDH ... but sometimes it is simply a fortunate side-benefit.
Perhaps those who do experience a reduction in sway when a WDH is fitted have a van that is not well balanced to begin with and the WDH is 'masking' a poor load distribution within (or on the front or rear of) the van.
Cheers- John

Hi smile

I certainly agree with the statement "There may be some aid to controlling sway - but that is NOT the purpose of a WDH ... but sometimes it is simply a fortunate side-benefit." It has been my experience. WDH are worth having as an extra tool in the towing toolbox.

However if you wish to disbelieve then just drive on. hmm

Jaahn

Cupie · Guru

Jaahn wrote:
rockylizard wrote:
Desert Dweller wrote:
WDH's do nothing to stop the sway (lateral movement) caused by trucks overtaking. It must be your imagination or you still believe in the out-dated ''sway bar theory''.
Gday...
From my experience and from what I have been told and read, a WDH is not an "anti-sway device'.
However, the use of a WDH in circumstances when the vehicle and van are in need of better apportioning of the weight placed on the rear suspension by the tow ball of the caravan, a WDH does enhance the 'stability' of the van and vehicle through the returning of some of the ball weight to the front wheels of the vehicle.
There may be some aid to controlling sway - but that is NOT the purpose of a WDH ... but sometimes it is simply a fortunate side-benefit.
Perhaps those who do experience a reduction in sway when a WDH is fitted have a van that is not well balanced to begin with and the WDH is 'masking' a poor load distribution within (or on the front or rear of) the van.
Cheers- John
Hi
I certainly agree with the statement "There may be some aid to controlling sway - but that is NOT the purpose of a WDH ... but sometimes it is simply a fortunate side-benefit." It has been my experience. WDH are worth having as an extra tool in the towing toolbox.
However if you wish to disbelieve then just drive on.
Jaahn

My thoughts exactly.

Delta18 · Guru

I use a WDH and am one of the 'wouldn't tow my van without it' brigade.

I use it not only for the obvious static weight transfer but also the dynamic weight transfer.

My van weighing 3tonne loaded has a ball weight of 260kg which I am happy with. Having this weight on the ball naturally takes considerable weight off the front wheels.

The benefits of WDH have been explained ad nauseum and if people don't want to believe the safety benefit that is up to them.

The comfort issue is rarely mentioned though. Imagine (hypothetically) a 260gk person jumping up & down on your towball while you are in the front seat. Wouldn't be very comfortable would it? Almost neck snapping and very tiring over a long trip.

Now (again hypothetically) have that 260kg person jumping up & down centrally on the roof of your car, their weight is spread over 4 shock absorbers and in the car you would barely notice the bouncing.

Cheers Neil

wauri · Veteran Member

I think you should get your passenger to diet and to sit inside and not go jumping all over the duco.
Doesnt seem safe to me

:D :D :D

aussie_paul · Guru

Delta18 wrote:
I use a WDH and am one of the 'wouldn't tow my van without it' brigade.
I use it not only for the obvious static weight transfer but also the dynamic weight transfer.
My van weighing 3tonne loaded has a ball weight of 260kg which I am happy with. Having this weight on the ball naturally takes considerable weight off the front wheels.
The benefits of WDH have been explained ad nauseum and if people don't want to believe the safety benefit that is up to them.
The comfort issue is rarely mentioned though. Imagine (hypothetically) a 260gk person jumping up & down on your towball while you are in the front seat. Wouldn't be very comfortable would it? Almost neck snapping and very tiring over a long trip.
Now (again hypothetically) have that 260kg person jumping up & down centrally on the roof of your car, their weight is spread over 4 shock absorbers and in the car you would barely notice the bouncing.
Cheers Neil

A simple explanation.

Aussie Paul. smile

Bushie · Veteran Member

Isuzu only state not to use a WDH with "THEIR FACTORY TOWBAR", covering their arse as it hasn't been tested to do so, also the Isuzu bar has a short receiver section and the WDH may not fit without modification

They don't state you can't fit a Hayman Reece bar (or others) and use a WDH, dealers we spoke to when looking at the MU-X also said the same thing. Also stated they fit more Hayman Reece bars than factory.

In my case with the Pajero, Mitsubishi recommend the use of a WDH on anything with a ball weight over 135 kg

and for those that don't quite get what the WDH does.

youtu.be/1a6waoU2T6U

brickies · Guru

Thanks Bushie I am a believer .

Grey fox · Veteran Member

Me too Brickies one thing for sure I know my front wheels have a better chance of staying on the road when the unexpected happens.

Graden · Veteran Member

Hmmmm, lots of opinions and advice here, all of it will be correct for someone, but not all of it will be correct for everyone. Some tow vehicles are not suitable to use a WDH as chassis damage can occur. You must investigate with the vehicle manufacturer before final decision. Not all caravans are able or are suitable to use a WDH with, again you must investigate with the manufacturer. DO NOT take the opinion of a salesman about this, it is too important for yours and other road users safety. Also make sure your caravan is balanced correctly and DO NOT exceed the tow vehicles GVM weight, this includes all passengers and driver plus fuel plus any luggage in the tow vehicle.

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

Only just got back to this subject....... and in regard to my post where I stated that the WDH improved stability quite noticably especially when being buffeted by a trucks slipstream as compared to not having a WDH fitted, I certainly stand by that statement.

And no it's not because it acts specifically as an anti sway device, nor would I expect it to. The improvement in stability purely comes about due to having some of the weight shifted off the rear of the vehicle and transferred to the front wheels.

I'm sorry that the anti WDH can't get their head around the fact that unfortunately Aussie made vans generally are constructed in such a way as to have aproximately 10% of the vans weight as the towball weight. This plus the considerable load most people stick in the back of their tugs will invariably reduce the weight on the front wheels and negatively affect the steering, and therefore the stability of the tug/van combination.

No matter how much you improve the weight carrying capacity of the rear suspension it does nothing to alleviate that specific situation.

This problem is worse with those tow vehicles where the ball weight bearing position on the tow vehicle is a considerable distance behind the centre of the axle as this increases the leverage exerted by the load and therefore increases the lifting effect on the front of the vehicle.

Unfortunately this is also where most of the available load space of these vehicles is located, further increasing the negative effects on the steering and therefore stability when this area is loaded with what most consider essential equipment to keep the beer cold.

Radar · Guru

Been sitting on the side following this subject as I am a great believer in first setting up the tow vehicle to carry the weight as most vehicles when you add the tow ball weight the front comes up by slowing this from happening by stiffening the rear it helps to keep the vehicle at a more natural level maintaining important steering aligment.

As I have always maintained set the vehicle up to tow a caravan first.

Load and balance the caravan second.

Add the weight distribution bars last as added safety fixture.

Delta18 · Guru

Radar wrote:
Been sitting on the side following this subject as I am a great believer in first setting up the tow vehicle to carry the weight as most vehicles when you add the tow ball weight the front comes up by slowing this from happening by stiffening the rear it helps to keep the vehicle at a more natural level maintaining important steering aligment.

Unfortunately it is this incorrect view that will get many people in trouble.

Stiffening the rear suspension will NOT stop weight being transfered from the front to the rear when a caravan is connected.

To prove this take it to extremes, put two appropriate size blocks of wood between the chassis & the axle on both sides of your car above the springs, (hypothetically with coil springs). You now have MAXIMUM stiffened suspension, read NO suspension. Now connect your caravan to your ball. You still have over 100kg removed from the front wheels and added to the rear!

Beefing up the suspension will help the ride but will not prevent unwanted weight transfer to the rear of the car.