This Old Trailer: Installation of a Weight Distribution System - etrailer.com

[stewartx5]

Is that particular style of hitch assembly (shank, head, etc) truly strong enough to reliably support a large trailer in all conditions? It would seem one with less joints, angles, bolts, and welds would be a lot safer, especially when the full weight of both vehicles (truck & trailer) are thrown against all that (such as in a crash).

[etrailertv]

@stewartx5 Having a weight distribution system will actually make pulling your trailer safer. The added weight capacity and the even weight distribution you will get from having this, instead of just the trailer hitch, would make your assembly safer if you were in a crash.

[markeyjames22]

I like that setup, besides the obvious 'there's less moving parts, which is better' thing- is there any other major advantages to that weight bar setup vs the ones with chains to the trailer bracket?

[etrailertv]

@markeyjames22 The big difference between the weight bars vs the weight distribution systems that use chains is that with the bars you get more sway control with your trailer. Chains can help to stop a trailer from swaying once it has started, whereas the bars use friction to stop the trailer from swaying in the first place.