Weight-distributing hitch - can it be used by one person?

I asked this question on a forum but didn't get a lot of answers, so I thought maybe someone here could help.

I'm looking for a vehicle that can tow a small (RV) trailer. In checking the tow ratings on Camping Life's page for various vehicles I see "Weight-distributing hitch required" mentioned a lot. I really don't know much about hitches so I asked a mechanic about these and he told me they take two people to hitch (or maybe unhitch). Since I'm going to be traveling alone this is a definite issue.

The few people on the forum who answered my question said I probably wouldn't need one of these hitches. But I'm concerned about insurance issues if the owner's manual says it's required and I don't have one and get in an accident. I want to tow safely, for myself and the other drivers I share the road with. But if I can't manage one of these hitches alone then I'll have to find a tow vehicle that doesn't need one. (They seem to be mostly required for FWD or 4WD vehicles.)

These hitches CAN be a little difficult to get squared away, even for ME, and I am 6'2" tall, weighing 265#

A lady may have considerable difficulty pulling up the bar that secures these levelers.

A lot depends on what your tow vehicle is....

For instance, I had a 2500 Suburban that towed perfectly without one, but my 1/2 ton Tundra absolutely needed the wd hitch setup.

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Hauling Horses a Long Distance – How to Keep the Trailer Level

When you're hauling horses a long distance, sometimes having to stop overnight, the stress of the trip can take a big toll on their health, especially traveling in an unlevel gooseneck trailer. Below are some ideas on how to level your gooseneck horse trailer to relieve their stress so that you and your horses will arrive safely at your destination.

You may not realize this, but moving horses in an unlevel trailer increases their discomfort and can cause them a great deal of stress during the drive. Unfortunately, as pick-up trucks get taller, the trailers stay the same, so this creates an unlevel surface between the hitch and the back of the gooseneck trailer. Veterinarians are increasingly stressing how critical it is to provide a level surface for your horses, as they end up seeing the damaging results of staying in an unlevel trailer for too long.

Some adverse effects of rough traveling can include:

 

• elevations in heart rate
• decreased fluid intake
• loss of appetite
• hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia
• weight loss
• dust inhalation and coughing
• increased levels of plasma cortisol (a hormone that is an indicator of stress)
• diarrhea
• rhabdomyolysis (tying up)
• respiratory infections commonly known as "shipping fever" (pneumonia or pleuropneumonia)

 

Many horse experts and vets are now recommending a new device on the market: the Automated Safety Hitch. It is a drop axle device that attaches to the back of your truck and holds your gooseneck hitch securely. In addition to ensuring your trailer is level no matter the height of your truck bed, it comes with an extra set of heavy duty brakes further ensuring the safety and security of you and your horses.

The inventor, Joe Jamieson, is an engineer and also a horse owner, having hauled his own horses thousands of miles around the country. Dissatisfied with the traditional gooseneck hitches and the less-than-ideal traveling environment for his horses, he spent five years designing the revolutionary Safety Hitch. For more information, you can visit the official website here.

About the Author

Melaine McKenzie is an RV and horse enthusiast. She is currently living in Texas and writing on RV and horse safety.

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2006 Winniebego Vista Cruiser 24h

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