Setting Up a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH)
A Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) helps your towing vehicle manage your caravan’s ball weight by redistributing some of the load from the rear axle to the front axle of the vehicle and the axle(s) of the trailer.
It’s important to note:
⚠️ A WDH does not reduce the actual ball weight — it simply redistributes that load across multiple axles for improved stability, ride height, and handling.
Use with Caution
WDHs exert significant force across the chassis of your vehicle. Improper use — such as installing against manufacturer guidance or using off-road where not approved — can cause:
- Frame warping
- Subframe damage
- Cracking or bending of unitised body components
✅ Always consult your vehicle and hitch manufacturer's recommendations before using a WDH. Proper setup is critical to maintaining safety and protecting your vehicle.
Entering Your WDH Details in LoadMate
Once you’ve confirmed your setup is suitable, head to the WDH section and enter the following details:
WDH Unit Weight
Enter the weight of the WDH system itself (excluding your caravan’s ball weight). This figure is factored into your tow ball mass.
🛑 Do not add this weight to your caravan’s load list — LoadMate handles this separately to prevent double counting.
Ball Weight Limits (Min / Max)
Your WDH will have a recommended range for supported ball weight, usually expressed as a kit class (e.g., "800lb WDH for 275–365kg").
Enter:
- Minimum supported ball weight
- Maximum supported ball weight
You’ll find these values in the manufacturer’s specs.
Spring Bar Length
Input the length of your WDH’s spring bars. This is typically between 28–31 inches. Refer to the WDH manual or specification sheet.
📏 Make sure this is entered in inches (in).
Spring Tension Setting
Use the slider to estimate the tension applied to your WDH. This might relate to:
- Chain link position
- Cam bracket level
- Fastener slot used
Estimate this as a percentage from 0% (minimum) to 100% (maximum).
Understanding the Effects of Your WDH
Once your WDH setup is entered, LoadMate will show the load redistribution effects, including:
- Load removed from your vehicle’s rear axle
- Load added to the front axle
- Load transferred to your caravan axle(s)
These adjustments are recorded in LoadMate as contra entries, offsetting part of your trailer’s ball weight — giving you a more accurate picture of your live axle loads.
🔁 To remove your WDH setup, simply tap the ‘Remove’ button in the WDH screen.