A weight distributing trailer hitch and associated method are described. The weight distributing trailer hitch can include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. The weight distributing trailer hitch can also include a ball portion to facilitate coupling with a tongue of a trailer. In one embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar vertically pivotal relative to the hitch portion, and an adjustment mechanism actuatable to selectively adjust a tilt angle of the spring bar relative to the hitch portion to vary preload on the spring bar and adjustably distribute weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. In another embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar for distributing weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and a load measurement device to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball.

A weight distributing anti-sway trailer hitch has a pair of spring arms extending rearwardly from the head unit and a pair of hookup brackets for connecting a remote end of each spring arm to a trailer. The hookup brackets have a hookup plate and a hookup strap that sandwich a trailer frame therebetween to secure the bracket to the trailer, and further have a clamp that can be opened and closed to secure the remote end of the spring arm to the trailer frame during towing.

A weight distributing hitch for towing a trailer includes a pair of deflection bars extending rearward from a ball mount head. A distal end of each deflection bar is supported by a deflection bar support connected to the frame by a height adjustable bracket assembly. A first resistance feature on the deflection bar support engages a second resistance feature associated with the deflection bar to restrain the deflection bar from sliding relative to the deflection bar support and thereby preventing swaying of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle. A longitudinal position of the second resistance feature relative to the deflection bar or a longitudinal position of the first resistance feature relative to said deflection bar supported by said deflection bar support is adjustable to position the second resistance feature in engagement with the first resistance feature when the deflection bar is supported on the deflection bar support.

An apparatus for reducing sway between a towing vehicle and a trailer is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise a bracket assembly that attaches to a tongue of a trailer. The bracket assembly may include a surface for supporting a spring arm extending from a weight distribution hitch installed on a tow vehicle. The bracket assembly may include a clamp that is able to apply a frictional force to thereby oppose movement of the spring arm. The clamping force applied by the clamp may be variable to ensure proper operation.

A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar; a moment bar having a modulus of elasticity, the moment bar comprising a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar; wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and wherein the modulus of elasticity is low enough that an adjustment range for the moment bar is greater than 0.5 inches is disclosed.

A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may be attached to a hitch head using a trunnion style connection. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets having a plurality of contact points may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. The rigid brackets may include a spacing member and an attachment member.

A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar, a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar, and wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and wherein the length of the moment bar is less than 28 inches is disclosed.

A weight distributing trailer hitch and associated method are described. The weight distributing trailer hitch can include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. The weight distributing trailer hitch can also include a ball portion to facilitate coupling with a tongue of a trailer. In one embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar vertically pivotal relative to the hitch portion, and an adjustment mechanism actuatable to selectively adjust a tilt angle of the spring bar relative to the hitch portion to vary preload on the spring bar and adjustably distribute weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. In another embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar for distributing weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and a load measurement device to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball.

A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may be attached to a hitch head using a trunnion style connection. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets having a plurality of contact points may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. The rigid brackets may include a spacing member and an attachment member.

A trailer hitch system for improving the speed and safety of attaching the trailer to a tow vehicle. The hitch may include a shank that may be attached to the trailer through a ball hitch. A receiver may be provided on the tow vehicle such that attachment of the trailer to the tow vehicle may be accomplished by introducing the shank into the receiver when the tow vehicle is backed to the trailer. A funnel shaped guide member may be provided to facilitate aligning the shank with the receiver. Also, friction reducing rollers may be used with the shank or the receiver. Moreover, a height adjustment and visual guidance system may be included to facilitate connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle.