Best Weight Distribution Hitches for Safe RV Towing

By Jake Morris — RV Gear Expert & Contributing Editor· June 11, 2026· 11 min read

Written by Jake Morris Senior RV Gear Writer at ShopRVGear

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Jake has spent 8 years full-timing in a Class A motorhome and has personally tested hundreds of RV products across North America. He is the lead gear reviewer at Shop RV Gear, covering solar setups, backup safety syst…

8 yrs experience·Last updated: Jun 11, 2026

Short answer: the best weight distribution hitches right now

If you tow a travel trailer or toy hauler anywhere near your truck’s limits, a good weight distribution hitch (WDH) with sway control is one of the biggest safety upgrades you can buy. A WDH levels your rig, puts weight back on your steer axle so you can actually steer and brake, and helps keep the trailer from shoving you around in crosswinds or when a semi blows by.[2][9]

For most RVers, the best all‑around weight distribution hitch is the Equal‑i‑zer 4‑Point Sway Control Hitch: it’s proven, relatively simple to set up, and combines strong weight distribution with built‑in 4‑point friction sway control.[9][10] Bigger or heavier rigs may be better served by the Blue Ox SwayPro (quieter, chain‑style, very stable) or the Husky Center Line TS (great value). Below, we’ll break down the best options, who they’re for, and exactly how to size and spec a hitch so you don’t waste money on the wrong hardware.

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How to choose the right weight distribution hitch for your RV

1. Confirm you actually need a WDH

You should strongly consider a WDH if:[2][9][10]

• Your trailer weight exceeds ~50% of your tow vehicle’s weight
• The truck’s rear squats noticeably when hitched
• Steering feels light or vague when towing
• Your owner’s manual recommends or requires WDH above a certain trailer weight (common on half‑tons and SUVs)

Always check your tow vehicle manual; some ¾‑ and 1‑ton trucks explicitly allow towing certain weights without WDH, and some vehicles (especially with certain hitches) may disallow it.[9]

2. Calculate real tongue weight and trailer weight

Brochure weights are marketing. You want loaded, ready‑to‑camp numbers.[9][10]

• Aim for tongue weight (TW) of roughly 10–15% of your loaded trailer weight for travel trailers.[9][10]
• Use a CAT scale or tongue weight scale to get real numbers if possible.

Then choose a hitch where:

• Your actual TW falls roughly in the middle of the hitch’s rated tongue weight range.[9][10]
• The hitch’s GTW rating is equal to or greater than your loaded trailer weight.

3. Decide on sway control style

If you frequently tow in windy states, mountain passes, or high‑speed interstates, lean toward stronger sway control (Equal‑i‑zer, Husky Center Line TS, Curt TruTrack, Blue Ox SwayPro).[7][9][10]

4. Check compatibility with your trailer

• Trailer frame type: Some ultralight or underslung frames need specific brackets.[9]
• Propane trays / battery boxes / tongue jacks: Make sure there’s room for brackets and bar swing.[9][10]
• Coupler position: Top‑mount vs bottom‑mount couplers may change which bars and brackets will work.

If you’re on the fence, many RV dealers and hitch shops have fitment guides for the big brands; use them.

Our top picks at a glance

Always match the hitch’s tongue weight (TW) and gross trailer weight (GTW) ratings to your loaded trailer, not the empty brochure numbers.[9][10]

1. Equal‑i‑zer 4‑Point Sway Control – Best overall for most travel trailers
2. Blue Ox SwayPro – Best for quiet, “set‑it‑and‑forget‑it” towing
3. Husky Center Line TS – Best value WDH with true integrated sway control
4. Curt TruTrack 4‑Point – Best for DIY‑friendly setup and adjustability
5. Fastway e2 – Best budget hitch for lighter and mid‑size trailers
6. Andersen No‑Sway Weight Distribution – Best lightweight option (with caveats)

We’ll also cover what to avoid, when you must use a WDH, and how to dial in your setup so it actually works the way it’s supposed to.

1. Equal‑i‑zer 4‑Point Sway Control Hitch — Best overall

The Equal‑i‑zer is the hitch I recommend first for most conventional travel trailers. It’s been around for decades, is widely used in the RV community, and combines weight distribution with 4 points of integrated friction sway control (at the ball and at both L‑brackets).[9][10]

Why it’s my top pick

• Available in multiple ratings (commonly 600/6,000, 800/8,000, 1,000/10,000, 1,200/12,000, and 1,400/14,000 TW/GTW).[10]
• Sway control is built into the design; no extra add‑on sway bar.
• Very stable in crosswinds and when being passed by trucks, according to many owner reviews.[9][10]
• Huge support community; easy to find setup advice, parts, and service.

Ideal use case

• Best for: Bumper‑pull travel trailers up to ~10,000–12,000 lb with tongue weight in the 600–1,200 lb range.
• Tow vehicles: ½‑ton and ¾‑ton trucks and full‑size SUVs where you want strong sway control.

Pros

• Excellent sway control from true 4‑point friction design[9][10]
• Proven long‑term reliability; parts and service are easy to find[9]
• Works with many trailer frames without major modifications
• No separate sway bar to remove when backing up

Cons

• Louder than chain‑style hitches (you’ll hear pops and groans when turning)
• Heavier head and bars than some competitors
• Setup can be a bit more involved on the first install

If you just want one hitch you can trust on most mid‑size to larger travel trailers, this is it.

2. Blue Ox SwayPro — Best for quiet, easy towing

The Blue Ox SwayPro is a chain‑style WDH with built‑in sway control at the head, known for being quieter and smoother than friction‑style systems.[2][7][10]

What makes it different

• Uses a rotating latching head and tensioned chains rather than metal‑on‑metal L‑brackets for sway control.[7][9]
• Available in several capacities (commonly 550, 750, 1,000, 1,500 lb tongue weight ratings).[7]
• Many owners like its predictable, “calm” towing manners and lack of squeaks and pops.

Best for

• RVers who hate noise and want a smoother feel
• Heavier trailers where a robust but refined WDH is needed

Pros

• Noticeably quieter than friction‑style hitches[7][9]
• Very stable at highway speeds and in crosswinds[7]
• Quick latching/unlatching once installed

Cons

• Typically more expensive than entry‑level WDHs[7]
• Chains hang down; can clang if not secured
• Still a fairly heavy system

If noise drives you nuts or you’re towing a heavier rig regularly, the SwayPro is a strong contender.

3. Husky Center Line TS — Best value with integrated sway control

The Husky Center Line TS combines trunnion‑style spring bars with integrated friction sway control, similar in concept to the Equal‑i‑zer but often at a lower price point.[2][7][10]

Why it stands out

• Integrated sway control without add‑on bars
• Various tongue weight ratings (often in the 600–1,200 lb range).[7][10]
• Many reviewers report it feels very secure and confidence‑inspiring at highway speeds and in gusty conditions.[7]

Best for

• RVers who want top‑tier sway control but are watching budget
• Mid‑size to larger travel trailers

Pros

• Strong sway control comparable to higher‑end competitors[7][10]
• Good value relative to feature set[7]
• No separate friction sway bar to remove before backing

Cons

• Not as widely supported at small dealers as Equal‑i‑zer or Blue Ox
• Setup requires attention to the manual; less “plug and play” than some budget options

If you want performance close to the Equal‑i‑zer but at a friendlier price, this is the one I’d look at first.

4. Curt TruTrack 4‑Point — Best for DIY adjustability

Curt’s TruTrack 4‑point WDH is a solid choice if you like to dial in your own setup and appreciate detailed adjustability.[2][8]

Key features

• 4‑point integrated sway control with friction at the head and brackets[2][8]
• Multiple capacity options, including models for higher tongue weights commonly found on toy haulers
• Curt has strong distribution through auto parts and RV chains, making parts easy to find

Pros

• Good balance of price, performance, and availability[2][8]
• Fine‑tunable for different trailer heights and loads
• Solid build quality for the price

Cons

• Can be noisy like other friction‑style hitches
• Setup requires careful measurement to get the most out of it

For the hands‑on RVer who doesn’t mind wrenching, the TruTrack is a very capable mid‑price hitch.

5. Fastway e2 — Best budget weight distribution hitch

The Fastway e2 is a budget‑friendly WDH with built‑in 2‑point sway control (at the L‑brackets), often recommended for lighter to mid‑weight trailers.[2][7][10]

Why it’s popular

• Uses the same basic bar‑on‑bracket friction concept as higher‑end systems, but with 2 sway control points instead of 4.[10]
• Available in round‑bar and trunnion‑bar versions and ratings like 600/6,000, 800/8,000, 1,000/10,000 lb.[10]
• Often significantly cheaper than Equal‑i‑zer or Blue Ox.

Best for

• Lightweight to mid‑weight travel trailers
• RVers who want better stability than a basic bar‑style WDH, but are on a budget

Pros

• Very good performance for the price[2][7][10]
• Simple design; not many extra parts to lose
• Widely available

Cons

• Less sway control than true 4‑point systems[10]
• Noisier than chain‑style hitches
• Not ideal for heavier, longer trailers where you’re routinely at the limits

If you’re stepping up from a basic bar‑only WDH or a ball mount and want real improvement without going top‑shelf, the e2 is a smart pick.

6. Andersen No‑Sway — Best lightweight option (with caveats)

The Andersen No‑Sway Weight Distribution Hitch is very different from traditional steel‑bar systems. It uses chains and cone‑shaped friction material at the ball housing to provide both weight distribution and sway damping.[7][9][10]

Why people like it

• Much lighter than bar‑style WDHs, making it easier to remove and store[9][10]
• Typically quieter in operation than friction L‑bracket systems[9]
• Many users report a noticeably smoother ride and easier hookup

Things to know

• Some experienced towers and testers feel it provides less aggressive weight transfer and sway control than heavy bar‑style systems, especially on very heavy trailers.[9]
• Works best when paired with a tow vehicle that already has decent stability and payload.

Pros

• Lightest system in this list; easier on your back[9][10]
• Very quiet and smooth; minimal clunks or squeaks[9]
• Simple, clean look on the trailer

Cons

• Not the best choice for max‑weight or marginal tow setups[9]
• Sizing and setup are more sensitive; you need to follow the instructions closely
• Some testers and reviewers rank it below heavy bar systems for ultimate stability[9][10]

If you tow a moderate‑weight trailer with a capable truck and value ease of handling the hardware, the Andersen can be a very pleasant system to live with.

What to skip (or at least think twice about)

Based on multi‑hitch comparison tests and long‑term owner experience, there are a few types of setups I recommend skipping for most RVers:[4][5][6][9]

1. Basic weight‑distribution only hitches with no sway control

   • They level the rig but do little to keep the trailer from pushing you around in crosswinds or when trucks pass.
   • For travel trailers, integrated sway control is non‑negotiable in my book.[9][10]

2. Old‑school add‑on friction sway bars (especially single‑bar setups)

   • Better than nothing, but they’re easy to mis‑adjust and often have to be removed before backing.[9]
   • Modern integrated systems are safer and more convenient.

3. Using the wrong rating “because it was on sale”

   • A hitch that’s too light is dangerous.
   • A hitch that’s massively overrated for your tongue weight often rides harshly and doesn’t transfer weight correctly.[9][10]

If a hitch doesn’t clearly spell out its TW and GTW ratings and how to match them to your trailer, move on.

Setup tips: getting the most from your hitch

A great WDH installed poorly will feel worse than a mediocre one set up correctly. Focus on these basics:[3][9][10]

1. Follow the manufacturer’s setup sequence

   • Level the trailer, measure fender heights before and after, and adjust until you’re transferring an appropriate amount of weight back to the front axle.

2. Don’t over‑ or under‑transfer weight

   • You want the front axle to return close to unhitched height, not lower than unhitched.

3. Torque all bolts to spec

   • Hitch heads, shanks, and bracket bolts need proper torque; re‑torque after the first few trips.

4. Set sway control tension as directed

   • Too loose and it does little; too tight and turning/backing becomes stiff or jerky.

5. Re‑check after loading changes

   • Adding a generator on the tongue or loading the front pass‑through can change tongue weight enough to warrant adjustment.

If you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, a reputable hitch shop can usually set up and demo your WDH in an afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size weight distribution hitch I need?

Match the hitch to your loaded tongue weight and gross trailer weight, not the empty trailer number.[9][10] Aim to have your normal tongue weight fall near the middle of the hitch’s rated TW range (for example, 900 lb tongue weight on a 600–1,200 lb‑rated hitch). Make sure the hitch’s GTW rating meets or exceeds your actual trailer weight.

Can I tow my travel trailer without a weight distribution hitch?

Physically, yes; safely, not always. If your trailer is more than about half the weight of your tow vehicle, if the rear squats noticeably, or if your owner’s manual recommends WDH above a certain weight, you should use one.[2][9][10] Skipping it can reduce steering and braking effectiveness and increase sway.

Do I still need sway control if I have a weight distribution hitch?

If your hitch is weight distribution only, you absolutely should add sway control. For travel trailers, I strongly recommend a system with integrated sway control (Equal‑i‑zer, Blue Ox SwayPro, Husky Center Line TS, Curt TruTrack, Fastway e2, Andersen) rather than a WDH with no sway component.[9][10]

Can I back up with a weight distribution hitch attached?

Most modern systems on this list, including Equal‑i‑zer, Blue Ox SwayPro, Husky Center Line TS, Curt TruTrack, Fastway e2, and Andersen, are designed to allow normal backing without removing anything under typical conditions.[9][10] Always check your manual; some older hitches and add‑on friction sway bars must be loosened or removed before sharp backing maneuvers.

Will a weight distribution hitch fix trailer sway completely?

A good WDH with sway control can dramatically reduce sway, but it can’t fix bad loading, low tongue weight, or an undersized tow vehicle.[9][10] Keep tongue weight in the 10–15% range, load heavy items low and forward of the trailer axles, maintain tire pressures, and stay within all tow ratings.

If you’re buying your first system and want a simple recommendation: start with an Equal‑i‑zer or Husky Center Line TS if you want maximum control, or a Blue Ox SwayPro if you value quiet, smooth towing. Then size it correctly to your loaded trailer, take the time to set it up right, and your truck‑and‑trailer combo will feel like a completely different rig on the road.

All Picks & Comparison

#		Product	Price	Rating
#1		Andersen Hitches Weight Distribution Hitch 2 Inch Shank 4 Inch Drop 2-5/16 Inch Ball 14K GTWR 7/8 Inch Brackets Anti-Sway	$799.98	★★★★★ (788)	View on Amazon
#2		CURT 17063 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control, Up to 14,000 lbs., 2-Inch Shank, 2-5/16-Inch Ball	$359.28	★★★★★ (1,218)	View on Amazon
#3		CURT 17062 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control, Up to 10,000 lbs., 2-Inch Shank, 2-5/16-Inch Ball	$359.28	★★★★★ (1,002)	View on Amazon
#4		CURT 17601 TruTrack 2P Weight Distribution Hitch with 2X Sway Control, Up to 10K, 2-in Shank, 2-5/16-Inch Ball	$382.94	★★★★★ (376)	View on Amazon
#5		Fastway Connect™ Weight Distribution Hitch	$195.00	★★★★★ (189)	View on Amazon