Weight distributing hitch - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Paul Gagnon · 07-22-2002, 01:30 AM

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

Tusker · 07-22-2002, 12:49 PM

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 · 07-22-2002, 02:19 PM

Thanks it all makes sense now.

thereverend · 07-24-2002, 11:20 AM

Tusker hit it the proverbial nail on the head.

07-22-2002, 01:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
Paul Gagnon Poseur SUV Join Date: Apr 2000 Member # 610 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta eh? Posts: 9,934 Blog Entries: 6	Weight distributing hitch I know what they are and what they do but can someone explain to me how they actually work? __________________ Paul Gagnon Sherwood Park, Alberta eh? "No Brain, No Pain"

07-22-2002, 12:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tusker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Member # 2752 Location: Fairfield, CA Posts: 2,043	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. __________________ 86 Samurai w/gun rack, 92" WB, VW 1.9 TD, Toyota 5-speed and dual cases with 4.7 gearset, Toyota axles with Longfields, 5.29's, ARB's f&r, YJ's, 35's, FJ-60 power steering, high steer, ............. <>< <>< <>< Hey, if this rig is for wheelin', what are all these animal parts doin' in here?

07-22-2002, 02:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Paul Gagnon Poseur SUV Join Date: Apr 2000 Member # 610 Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta eh? Posts: 9,934 Blog Entries: 6	Thanks it all makes sense now. __________________ Paul Gagnon Sherwood Park, Alberta eh? "No Brain, No Pain"

07-24-2002, 11:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
thereverend Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Member # 4924 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 166	Tusker hit it the proverbial nail on the head. __________________ infamous crimes against nature

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