Why Weight Equalization Hitches Don’t Belong on a Bowlus

The hitch is arguably the most crucial consideration of all the factors contributing to the safe towing of your RV. Someone may try to convince you to have a weight distribution hitch installed, but that’s completely unnecessary if you’re towing Bowlus. Why? We’re so glad you asked. Read on to learn more.

Let’s start with the basics. With a standard hitch, the trailer’s tongue or hitch weight is transferred to the rear axle of your tow vehicle. In the case of both the Volterra and Terra Firma, approximately 300 pounds is transferred from your Bowlus to your tow vehicle. That’s well within the towing capacity of most luxury SUV makers and about as much weight as you might carry in your trunk after a major grocery store stock up.

Suppose you’re towing a heavier RV, on the other hand. In that case, you will need to invest in what’s called a weight distribution hitch, also known as a load distributing or weight equalization hitch, and here’s why: if the tongue weight exceeds what your tow vehicle can handle, the back of your truck will sink, lifting the front steering wheels compromising your ability to control your vehicle.

A weight distribution hitch uses spring bars to distribute the trailer’s tongue weight evenly towards the front wheels when towing a heavy trailer. The downside is that weight equalization hitches are expensive and considerably more difficult to work with than standard hitches. The big downside is that they take a lot of time and effort to hitch up and unhitch when a weight distribution hitch is involved. This is of particular concern if you are unhitching frequently at EV charging stations.

Our design allows us to ensure the Bowlus is properly weighted so that towing is safer and easier. The jockey wheel even has a weight scale to confirm you have approximately 300 pounds of hitch weight. And it means that a Bowlus can be easily towed by a wide range of vehicles, ensuring your adventures are always fun.