Towing a heavy caravan can be a real pain, especially if you don’t have the right caravan towing equipment. The constant swinging of the caravan can make you go slower than you’d like, which is why many caravanners opt to get a weight distribution hitch. A weight distribution hitch makes hauling your heavy caravan much more efficient.
In case you’re unfamiliar with weight distribution hitches, they’re basically pieces of caravan towing equipment that allow you to perfectly balance the caravan by evenly distributing its weight. Furthermore, it allows you to smoothly turn and brake, which I’m not saying you can’t do without a hitch, but you’ll have a much easier time doing so with one. Driving with an unevenly distributed caravan can be very dangerous, especially at high speeds.
With that said, not every weight distribution hitch is made the same. There are a couple of important factors to consider when shopping for one. Things like weight capacity, sway control, ease of installation and price can all play an important part of your decision-making process.
The weight capacity of the hitch is arguably the most important consideration when picking the best weight distribution hitch. You should look for hitches that offer at least 50% higher gross caravan weight compared to its towing capacity. This rating ensures that your driving controls are proper and that weight distribution is enhanced for both the caravan and your vehicle.
The hitch should also be capable of minimizing endangering and unpredicted swaying of the caravan and the towing vehicle. The system should prevent your caravan from falling over during hard turns and brakes. Further, it should be easy to install. You should be able to install it in about 30 minutes, anything more than that becomes an inconvenience. Most models come with all the necessary parts so you won’t have to buy extra hardware for installation, but there are also some that need an extra part or two.
And lastly, you want to consider the price. As much as we like to think it doesn’t, price actually impacts a lot of our buying decisions. You want to invest in something that’s going to last a long time and is reliable and sturdy enough to give you peace of mind when towing your caravan. Generally, quality weight distributing hitches come with a warranty on their parts, which is one thing to remember when shopping around. If the manufacturer is standing behind their product, it’s probably decent at the very least.