Can you put too much tension on weight distribution bars? Would greater tension damage my weight distribution bars in any way? If you are thinking about these things then it is highly likely that you have never tried doing them. In fact, you worry that putting too much pressure on the distribution bars would damage the bars. But the reality is quite the opposite. In fact, it would not damage the bars at all but impact something else.
The literal job of weight distribution bars is to keep the trailer from moving. The greater the tension, the more rigidly it holds the trailer in place. Hence, the ultimate effect is delivered to the steering wheel in your hands. It goes rigid as well making it harder for you to control the vehicle on the road, especially on rough terrain. However, if you don’t know what I am talking about keep reading, you will start to understand eventually!
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Can You Put Too Much Tension On Weight Distribution Bars?
Before we delve into further details it is imperative that you know exactly what weight distribution bars are and what they do to benefit us.
What is a Weight Distribution Bar?
As the name suggests, a weight distribution bar is a tool that helps to distribute the weight of the trailer and the vehicle. As a result, the weight does not concentrate on a single point but rather spreads evenly through the axles holding the two immovable objects together.
It is also very important to know why a weight distribution tool is necessary. Otherwise, you would be able to fully appreciate the properties of the weight distribution bars. So, what happens is that without the weight distribution bars, all the weight of the trailer, the front vehicle, and the frictional forces accumulate at the hitch thus making it more susceptible to damage.
Furthermore, a weight distribution bar also helps to stabilize the trailer. Thus, if you are experiencing an unstable jittery trailer trailing behind your front car, you must immediately install the weight distribution bars before something bad happens to you, your car, or your trailer.
Apart from that, it is also super important to attach the weight distribution bars to the trailer. This is because if there is not enough tension, the bars will set loose thereby contradicting the point of using a bar in the first place.
Tension on the Weight Distribution Bars
One of the most frequently asked questions is related to the tension you can put on the weight distribution bars. I guess not many people realize what increasing or decreasing the tension would do to your riding experience. So to rectify that, I am about to try explaining things in the simplest words possible.
So, yes, it is possible to put too much tension on the weight distribution bars however, it is not recommended. This is because the ride becomes very harsh and rigid. You wouldn’t be able to enjoy that smoothness of your ride. You will practically feel the resistance from the trailing in your steering wheel. And it will become almost impossible to steer the ride.
On the other hand, you can not let the weight bars hang loose either. Because that would nullify the actual point of using the bars. So, what I would suggest is to base the tension of your weight distribution system on the loaded tongue weight. And adjust the tension accordingly. Just keep in mind that the weight distribution bars should neither be too tight nor too loose.
When To Tighten Weight Distribution Bars?
You must keep your weight distribution bars in check because it is the most integral part of your trailer and determines the overall experience of your ride. Besides, the weight distribution bars tend to get loose over time mainly due to the nature of their work. It literally keeps the trailer from swaying to the forces of the wind and gravity, as a result, it gets loose itself.
So, you should be deeply concerned about the health of your weight distribution bars. As per a rough estimate, the bars should be tested and maintained every thousand miles of runtime. So, that would be an ideal time to check and adjust the tension of your weight distribution bars.
Apart from that, you could also take your trailer and the car for auto service. When you do, make sure to emphasize cleaning and adjusting the weight distribution bars specifically.
Is it safe to put too much pressure on the weight distribution bars?
It may be safe for the weight distribution bars themselves if you put too much pressure on them; however, that is not the case with the front wheel. Too much tension in the weight bars impacts the fluidity of the steering wheel and the brakes of the front car.
Final Thoughts
So, this was all from my side. I hope you all found this information very helpful. If you did, don’t forget to share it with your friend as well who you think might benefit from it. I tried my best to provide you with an information-dense article that will help you out in every small step. In any case, to sum up the entire discussion, I would like to give you a brief conclusion so that my final words stick with you.
So, in answer to your query, I would say that yes you can definitely put too much tension on your weight distribution bars however, that is not the very best idea. This is because it would put too much tension on the steering wheel making it go rigid. Hence it would be so much harder for you to steer your front wheel. As a result, you would be unable to have a smooth ride to your destination.
