Receiver reducers
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,081
Likes: 636
From: NH
I'm not an engineer, but I have a theory.
Up through 2016, the hitch bolted to the rear frame of every Super Duty had two ratings: with W/D system and then a lower rating for weight-carrying.
A W/D system can indeed help make the trailer behave better behind a truck, but it also helps to transfer weight and stress off the hitch assembly itself.
The new 2017 hitches are much, much heavier duty than the 2016 style hitch. The frame is beefier throughout, and really this new hitch can take the weight whereas the old one could be fatigued and stressed over time if it carried full weight.
So basically, W/D is not "required" but still would probably improve trailering manners. Personally, a weight-balanced trailer should not require W/D in my opinion...I'm glad to be rid of this requirement.
Up through 2016, the hitch bolted to the rear frame of every Super Duty had two ratings: with W/D system and then a lower rating for weight-carrying.
A W/D system can indeed help make the trailer behave better behind a truck, but it also helps to transfer weight and stress off the hitch assembly itself.
The new 2017 hitches are much, much heavier duty than the 2016 style hitch. The frame is beefier throughout, and really this new hitch can take the weight whereas the old one could be fatigued and stressed over time if it carried full weight.
So basically, W/D is not "required" but still would probably improve trailering manners. Personally, a weight-balanced trailer should not require W/D in my opinion...I'm glad to be rid of this requirement.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
From: McDonough ha
This was discussed a couple of different times in prior threads. A somewhat abbreviated conscientious of the forum members resulted in two theories. One is the truck and hitch is built strong enough to not need a weight distributing hitch in most cases. If your trailer is below the conventional towing weight and tongue load the truck will handle it fine. The built in trailer sway control will help stop the sway in the event it becomes and issue. The second, most agreed, is that although not required, heavy and large trailers prone to sway are still better with the WD hitch and moving some of the load to the front axle, as always. The WD sway control will go a long way to ensuring the truck electronic sway control never comes into play: certainly it is better to prevent sway than to correct it after it starts.
So in summary, although not required on paper it would be an operator's choice or prerogative to use the WD hitch and sway bars, one that I would recommend with a heavy, large volume trailer which has characteristics prone to annoying or dangerous sway. It would certainly go a long ways toward driver comfort and security. And better weight distribution has never been a bad thing.
So in summary, although not required on paper it would be an operator's choice or prerogative to use the WD hitch and sway bars, one that I would recommend with a heavy, large volume trailer which has characteristics prone to annoying or dangerous sway. It would certainly go a long ways toward driver comfort and security. And better weight distribution has never been a bad thing.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
Good luck Joe, but you won't have to rely on luck but nice to have on your side anyway. You're welcome.
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