Buying Guide
2 Best Lightweight Weight Distribution Hitch in 2026: A Practical RV Guide
A two-hitch shortlist for buyers who want a lighter weight distribution setup: Andersen's chain hitch and Husky's trunnion hitch, with what each listing states.
By Hardcastle's RV Editors
10 min read2 products evaluated
Neither listing here states the hitch's weight, so no pick can be called lightweight on its own numbers. What the listings do say is how each is built: Andersen uses tension chains instead of spring bars and Husky uses trunnion bars with a cast head.
This is a shortlist of two, written honestly. Compare the stated ratings with your trailer's loaded tongue weight, and ask the seller for the shipping weight if weight is the deciding factor.
Hardcastle’s RV field notes
The Rig Fit Check
A quick way to connect the shortlist to the space, workload and ownership details that matter after the box arrives.
- Start with the job
- ANDERSEN HITCHES leads this shortlist for Chain system. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
- Specs that separate the picks
- The first details to compare are 10K GTWR, 1,400 lb TW, 8,000 lb GTW, 400 to 800 lb TW. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- Fixed 4 inch drop or rise
The Practical Shortlist
A road-tested-thinking look at 2 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Chain Design
ANDERSEN HITCHES
Chain system
Our take Check price for ANDERSEN HITCHES (opens in a new tab)
Trunnion Design
Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301
Trunnion with sway
Our take Check price for Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain system | 10K GTWR, 1,400 lb TW | Check price for ANDERSEN HITCHES (opens in a new tab) |
| Trunnion with sway | 8,000 lb GTW, 400 to 800 lb TW | Check price for Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301 (opens in a new tab) |
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Chain Design1 of 2
ANDERSEN HITCHES on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ANDERSEN HITCHES makes the shortlist because friction cone and tension chain design needs no grease.
Best for
- Chain system
Why it made the shortlist
This model is aimed at Chain system. The documented setup centers on 10K GTWR, 1,400 lb TW, 4 inch drop or rise, 2 inch ball, grease-free chain system.
The most useful documented advantage is friction cone and tension chain design needs no grease. Its 10K GTWR, 1,400 lb TW specification sits at the upper end of the comparable range in this 2-product comparison. Confirm whether that figure refers to tool weight or working capacity before comparing it directly.
The main limitation to plan around is fixed 4 inch drop or rise. Confirm whether the stated figure refers to product weight or rated working capacity. Compare it with your lifting, transport and support requirements before deciding.
Key dimensions & specs
- 10K GTWR, 1,400 lb TW
- 4 inch drop or rise, 2 inch ball
- Grease-free chain system
Pros
- Friction cone and tension chain design needs no grease
- Chains attach and adjust faster than spring bars
- Stated 4 inch drop or rise
Cons
- Fixed 4 inch drop or rise
Trunnion Design2 of 2
Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The strongest case for Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301 is combines weight distribution and sway control.
Best for
- Trunnion with sway
Why it made the shortlist
For Trunnion with sway, this is one of the more relevant configurations in the shortlist. The documented setup centers on 8,000 lb GTW, 400 to 800 lb TW, trunnion bar with sway control, factory pre-installed ball.
Its case starts with combines weight distribution and sway control. Its 8,000 lb GTW, 400 to 800 lb TW specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 2-product comparison. Confirm whether that figure refers to tool weight or working capacity before comparing it directly.
The trade-off worth checking first is listing mentions specific trailer frame limits. Confirm whether the stated figure refers to product weight or rated working capacity. Compare it with your lifting, transport and support requirements before deciding.
Key dimensions & specs
- 8,000 lb GTW, 400 to 800 lb TW
- Trunnion bar with sway control
- Factory pre-installed ball
Pros
- Combines weight distribution and sway control
- Cast head with hardened trunnions
- Hitch ball pre-installed and torqued
- Stated 400 to 800 lb tongue weight range
Cons
- Listing mentions specific trailer frame limits
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Weight claims
- Neither listing states a hitch weight, so none is claimed.
- Stated ratings
- Gross trailer weight and tongue weight figures were compared.
- Build
- Chain and trunnion designs were described as listed.
- Sway features
- Built-in sway control was noted where listed.
- Price
- The premium for the chain design was noted.
What Matters Before You Choose a Lightweight Weight Distribution Hitch
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
No weight stated
Neither Andersen 10K 2in nor Husky 33301 lists the weight of the hitch. A lightweight claim cannot be checked. Ask the seller for the shipping weight.
Chain versus bars
Andersen uses tension chains in place of spring bars, which the listing says attach and adjust faster. Husky uses trunnion spring bars. The weight difference is not stated, so do not assume.
Rating match
Andersen 10K 2in states 10,000 lb and 1,400 lb tongue weight, and Husky 33301 states 8,000 lb and 400 to 800 lb. Match the loaded trailer. A lower rating suits a lighter trailer.
Sway control
Husky 33301 combines weight distribution and sway control, while Andersen's listing mentions a friction cone and chains. Each handles sway differently. Read the manual.
Maintenance
Andersen's listing says no grease is needed. Husky's trunnions are hardened. Check each maker's care advice.
Match a Lightweight Weight Distribution Hitch to Your RV
By Tongue Weight
| Your situation | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 400 to 800 lb | Husky 33301 | States 400 to 800 lb. |
| Up to 1,400 lb | Andersen 10K 2in | 1,400 lb tongue weight. |
| Trailer up to 8,000 lb | Husky 33301 | 8,000 lb. |
| Trailer up to 10,000 lb | Andersen 10K 2in | 10,000 lb GTWR. |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| $520 to $530 | Husky 33301 |
| $780 to $790 | Andersen 10K 2in |
Chain vs Trunnion Bar
- Chain
- Chains attach quickly and need no grease. Andersen 10K 2in is the example.
- Trunnion bar
- Trunnion bars slide in from the side. Husky 33301 is the example.
Choose Husky 33301 for a lighter trailer and Andersen 10K 2in for a chain system.
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| About $525 | Husky 33301 |
| About $790 | Andersen 10K 2in |
| Premium chain | Andersen 10K 2in |
| Mid-price trunnion | Husky 33301 |
For Hand Handling Specifically
- Look for
- Look for the shipping weight, which neither listing states.
- In this comparison
- Neither Husky 33301 nor Andersen 10K 2in states it.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- Spend more for a chain system, where Andersen 10K 2in leads.
- Save if
- Save with Husky 33301.
Before You Bring One Home
Is either of these hitches lightweight?
Neither listing states a weight. Ask the seller for the shipping weight.
Is a chain hitch lighter than spring bars?
Andersen's listing does not say. Chains and spring bars differ, but the weight is not stated.
Is Andersen worth the premium?
It states 1,400 lb tongue weight and a grease-free design. Husky 33301 costs far less.
How do I set up either hitch?
Level the trailer and tension the bars or chains until the front axle recovers about half the height lost. Recheck loaded.
Which suits a smaller trailer?
Husky 33301 states 8,000 lb and 400 to 800 lb. It suits lighter loads.
Bottom Line
Best overall: ANDERSEN HITCHES — chain design pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all lightweight weight distribution hitch on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.