Weight distributing hitch

[Paul Gagnon]

I know what they are and what they do but can someone explain to me how they actually work?

[Tusker]

A weight distributing hitch allows the connection between your trailer and tow vehicle to resist bending. A standard ball-to-hitch connection operates like a simple ball and socket and cannot transmit bending (like the pinned connections in a truss). As a result, the ball and hitch mount can only transmit vertical forces. This means the stress, strain, and vertical oscillations of your hitch are at a maximum. The weight distributing hitch forms a bridge across this otherwise flexible connection and allows the hitch to transmit bending forces between the trailer and tow vehicle. By utilizing both bending and shear at the hitch to carry the tongue weight, the stress, strain, and vertical movement on your trailer tongue and hitch are reduced.

[Paul Gagnon]

Thanks it all makes sense now. :)

[thereverend]

Tusker hit it the proverbial nail on the head.