Are Weight Distribution Hitches required.

Should have mentioned it is a 4x4 Hilux 2 door ute

Hi Fatso

The WDH distributes the weight more evenly across your rig, rather than just carrying it on the rear wheels. It keeps you firmly planted on the road and less chance of losing control of your vehicle in unexpected adverse conditions. Beefing up your suspension may be necessary to tow a heavier van, but it will in no way substitute for a WDH.

Read tip 5 on the link:
WDH



Motherhen

Not sure of the name, but my 'hitch' is a series of bars that attach from the trailer into a tow ball fitting. Really easy to set up.

I use it towing a camper trailer with a Commodore sportwagon. The difference bewteen using one or not is very noticeable. The trailer does not bounce around at all and feels much more as one with the car. A significant imporvement in handling, especially as I am able to get along the highway at 100 - 110kph. Although the trailer is not that heavy, the rear of the car visually sags without the hitch and I'm sure saves the suspension.

Hi Fatso,

I have a 2000 Prado with heavy duty springs all round, and up until recently had a Eagle outback camper. I didn't use a WDH with the Eagle, it caused the back of the car to sag about 10 - 15 mm, front end didn't lift at all, and I think the ball weight was around 110 kg. I did feel at times that the front end felt a little light and vauge.

We have just picked up an Expanda poptop, with an empty ball weight of 150 kg (factory weighed). I did buy a WDH for it. (EAZ Lift 600 lb). We towed it home with out the WDH, and it towed OK, but again had that feeling of the front of the car being light.

I spent some time the other day setting up the WDH, taking measurements as I did it.

When I hooked up the van (fully loaded), the height of the towball dropped 40 mm, the rear suspension dropped 20 mm and the front suspension lifted 15 - 20 mm.

After connecting and adjusting the WDH, the rear suspension was now 5-10 mm sag, and the front suspension sag was back to 0 mm sag.

Driving felt alot better, none of the vaugeness or lightness felt in the front end, and very little of the "see-saw" from the back when going over bumps etc.

So in my opinion, I think the WDH has been worth it, I feel much safer driving when towing, and for $550, probably compares in price to the cost of changing the car suspension.

Jason

I have just been looking at the latest issue of the RACQ vehicle towing mass guide. It quotes th requirements from most manufacturers. It quotes Toyota specifying that for a Hilux - "load level hitch required." A load level hitch required is another name for WDH. I suggest you do what the manufacturer suggests.

Thanks all. My questions have certainly been answered.
Fatso