Not sure if you need a WD Hitch?
- If your tow vehicle is attached to a trailer and it is NOT squatting or sagging, but is level and handing the load of the trailer then You Don’t Need a WD Hitch. If you have sway issues, see our guide on fixing trailer sway problems.
- If your tow vehicle is attached to a trailer and is squatting, then you have a few options for a the solution to level the load.
Options for Leveling Your Load
Install a Weight-Distribution Hitch: Installing a WD Hitch will allow you to level your load and use the trailer frame to put more weight onto the front tires of the vehicle. However if gives you are vehicle rigid ride, can be tricky to install and properly hook up. The other drawbacks are that if can generally be used on one trailer, because there are brackets that need to be installed on the trailer a-frame. This can also be tricking if you have an aluminum trailer because most wd hitches are all steel, so you are attaching steel brackets into an aluminum frame. When hooking up and leveling your load, the load bars can be hard to set and adjust because they are ultimately lifting the rear of your truck and distributing the weight to the front tire. This solution does level your load making the towing better than if you didn’t have a wd hitch, but it does make for a very rigid ride but you do have improved control. This isn’t a great option if you have more than one trailer as you may need to get a WD hitch for each trailer. A solution for the rigid ride, is to install an Air Equalizer for a weight distribution hitch. The air ride equalizer for a wd hitch will give you more adjustability and a much more comfortable ride. However it is an additional expense. Again the drawback if you can only use the wd hitch on 1 trailer and the air equalizer only works with a wd hitch.
Install Helper Springs: Aftermarket leaf spring and coil over springs can be installed for the rear of the pickup to handle more weight. The drawback of this is your suspension will be more rigid all the time whether you are towing or not. Their are aftermarket leaf springs you can give than install on top of your factory leaf springs, that only engage, when you have a sufficient enough load for them to engage. This option can be nice for giving you increase suspension and load capacity, preventing swag and do not effect your factory ride when you are not towing. Vehicles with coil over springs, installing heavier duty springs with help increase suspension and load capacity, but you will have a stiffer suspension when not towing. Both options don’t allow for any adjustability. If you have leaf springs, the helper spring kits are simply to install, give you more suspension and don’t wreck your factory ride when you are not towing. This option isn’t the best if you tow more than one trailer as there is not much adjustability.
Install an Air Suspension Kit: Installing an air suspension gives you more suspension capacity and allows you to level your load. It also allows you to fine-tune your suspension for best ride and load control by adding or reducing air pressure both when you are towing or when you are just everyday driving without a load. They are not as simple to install as load helper leaf springs, similar to install as coil over springs. However they do require an air compressor control system for you to be able to adjust the air pressure with the push of a button or through a mobile app. This options gives you the most control, best ride and best adjustability. The draw back is if an air line is leaking or gets broken under the vehicle, you will have to fix it. This is the best option all-around. If you tow various trailers with different tongue weights, you can easily adjust for it.
Install Load Leveling Shocks: Aftermarket air and hydraulic shocks are available. Fairly easy to install. Some options have air bladders and coils integrated. Adjustment can be tricky and time consuming. They do help with ride and load control, but are not the best at leveling the load as much as absorbing it. Shocks control how fast weight is transferred. They are often very expensive and not commonly used for load-leveling.
In summary, the best option for fixing squat and leveling your load when towing is an air suspension kit for your pickup truck, van or suv. You get to fine tune your ride feel and load control.
Air Suspension Kit Benefits
Here are 10 great reasons to consider getting air suspension for a pickup truck, van or sport utility vehicle:
- Improved Ride Quality
Air ride suspension systems by Air Lift offer a smoother and more comfortable ride compared to traditional leaf or coil spring suspensions. They can absorb bumps and uneven terrain more effectively, especially when driving on rough roads. - Load-Leveling Capabilities
If you are hauling or towing, and the rear of your vehicle is swatting, sagging or not level, an air ride suspension allows you to adjust the height of the vehicle depending on the load you’re carrying. This helps keep the truck level, preventing sagging when hauling heavy loads and give you way better handling and load control. - Better Towing Performance
With adjustable air suspension, you can raise or lower the rear end of your truck, suv or van to achieve a more balanced, level and ultimately more stable trailer towing experience. Having a level tow rig and trailer also reduces sway, making towing safer and easier. - Improved Vehicle Handling
By providing better load distribution, air suspension can improve the handling and stability of your tow vehicle, especially when hauling heavy loads or when towing a trailer. Giving you a safer and more controlled driving and towing experience. - Pays for Itself by Saving Money on Damage & Fuel
With improved load leveling, customers report better handling which helps a little with fuel mileage, and the shock absorbing properties reduce wear and tear saving you additional money in the long run. - Dial in a Customized Ride for Your Preference
Air suspension systems allow you to adjust and fine-tune the firmness or softness of the ride, by adding or reducing you air pressure, giving you more control over the feel of the suspension. Whether you want a firmer ride for towing all over the place or a softer ride for everyday driving around town, an air suspension kit can be fine tuned for all situations. - Get You Adjustable Ride Height
With a push of a button, an air suspension lets you to adjust the ride height for different trailer towing and driving situations. You can raise or lower it to level your load when hauling. Plus you can lower it for easy access or raise it for off-road driving, improving clearance over obstacles. - Reduced Wear & Tear on Your Vehicle
With an air suspension kit, you get better support for the truck’s weight and load, which gives a better customized ride and also is easier on you vehicle reducing the forces & stress your vehicle along with other components like springs, frame, shock absorbers, struts, tires and more. - Saves Factory Suspension with Increased Durability
Unlike traditional suspension systems, air suspension uses air spring bags, which are the best cushioning device on the planet. They make it easier on you and your equipment. They are more durable and resistant to wear and tear. This can extend the life of your factory suspension system and reduce the need for frequent repairs. - Improved All-Around Performance
Since the air bag suspension system can be fine-tuned by adding or reducing air pressure, and the cushioning effect on with the air springs, you get better performance and handling all around.