Buying Guide
6 Best Weight Distribution Hitch For Travel Trailer in 2026: A Practical RV Guide
A travel trailer weight distribution shortlist with one 13,000 lb and two heavy-rated kits, sized by tongue weight, plus three CURT parts for existing hitches.
By Hardcastle's RV Editors
10 min read6 products evaluated
Travel trailers put a lot of weight on the ball in a short distance, which is why a weight distribution hitch is standard equipment for many of them. This shortlist has three complete kits (Blue Ox, Camco and CURT) and three small parts for CURT hitches, so the first job is deciding whether you are buying a hitch or repairing one.
Size the kit to the trailer's loaded tongue weight, which is commonly 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight, and ask whether the tow vehicle's maker allows weight distribution. The picks are ranked by how clearly their listings state ratings, not by price.
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
- Blue Ox BXW01350 TrackPro Weight Distribution Hitch leads this shortlist for Large travel trailers. 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 13,000 lb, 1,300 lb tongue weight, 1,200 lb TR3 kit, 14,000 lb MV round bar. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- 2-inch receiver only
The Practical Shortlist
A road-tested-thinking look at 6 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Overall
Blue Ox BXW01350 TrackPro Weight Distribution Hitch
Large travel trailers
Our take Check price for Blue Ox BXW01350 TrackPro Weight Distribution Hitch (opens in a new tab)
Best Sway-Switchable
Camco Eaz-Lift TR3 Camper RV Weight Distribution Hitch Kit
Switchable sway control
Our take Check price for Camco Eaz-Lift TR3 Camper RV Weight Distribution Hitch Kit (opens in a new tab)
Best Round Bar Value
CURT 17057 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch
Round bar value
Our take Check price for CURT 17057 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch (opens in a new tab)
Best Trunnion Spare
Curt Manufacturing 17350 Bolt Kit for Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution
Bolt kit
Our take Check price for Curt Manufacturing 17350 Bolt Kit for Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution (opens in a new tab)
Best Chain Spare
CURT 17111 Replacement Weight Distribution Hitch Chain Kit
Chain kit
Our take Check price for CURT 17111 Replacement Weight Distribution Hitch Chain Kit (opens in a new tab)
Best Retainer Spare
Replacement Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch for CURT 17109 Retainer Package for RVs
Retainer package
Our take Check price for Replacement Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch for CURT 17109 Retainer Package for RVs (opens in a new tab)
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Overall1 of 6
Blue Ox BXW01350 TrackPro Weight Distribution Hitch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Blue Ox BXW01350 TrackPro Weight Distribution Hitch is the better fit when large travel trailers.
Best for
- Large travel trailers
Why it made the shortlist
The intended use case is Large travel trailers. The documented setup centers on 13,000 lb, 1,300 lb tongue weight, trackPro, 2-inch receiver, 7-hole shank, 2-5/16 ball.
What separates it on paper is bars rated 1,300 lb tongue weight. Its 13,000 lb, 1,300 lb tongue weight specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 3-product comparison. Confirm whether that figure refers to tool weight or working capacity before comparing it directly.
Before committing, account for 2-inch receiver only. 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
- 13,000 lb, 1,300 lb tongue weight
- TrackPro, 2-inch receiver
- 7-hole shank, 2-5/16 ball
Pros
- Bars rated 1,300 lb tongue weight
- Rated 13,000 lb gross towing
- Pre-installed 2-5/16 inch ball
- Manages sway from roads, wind and weather
Cons
- 2-inch receiver only
Best Sway-Switchable2 of 6
Camco Eaz-Lift TR3 Camper RV Weight Distribution Hitch Kit on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Choose Camco Eaz-Lift TR3 Camper RV Weight Distribution Hitch Kit for sway control adjusts by clamp and switches off for backing.
Best for
- Switchable sway control
Why it made the shortlist
Camco Eaz-Lift TR3 Camper RV Weight Distribution Hitch Kit is positioned for Switchable sway control. The documented setup centers on 1,200 lb TR3 kit, 2-5/16 inch ball, 15,000 lb, clamp-adjusted sway control.
The feature doing most of the work here is sway control adjusts by clamp and switches off for backing. Its 1,200 lb TR3 kit specification sits at the upper end of the comparable range in this 3-product comparison. Confirm whether that figure refers to tool weight or working capacity before comparing it directly.
The practical constraint here is title says 1,200 lb but text cites 1,500 lb ball. 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
- 1,200 lb TR3 kit
- 2-5/16 inch ball, 15,000 lb
- Clamp-adjusted sway control
Pros
- Sway control adjusts by clamp and switches off for backing
- Hitch ball rated 15,000 lb
- Built to avoid metal-on-metal wear
- Pre-assembled TR3 kit
Cons
- Title says 1,200 lb but text cites 1,500 lb ball
Best Round Bar Value3 of 6
CURT 17057 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CURT 17057 MV Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch makes the shortlist because rated up to 14,000 lb.
Best for
- Round bar value
Why it made the shortlist
This model is aimed at Round bar value. The documented setup centers on 14,000 lb MV round bar, 2-inch shank, grease zerk fitting.
The most useful documented advantage is rated up to 14,000 lb. Its 14,000 lb MV round bar specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 3-product comparison. Confirm whether that figure refers to tool weight or working capacity before comparing it directly.
The main limitation to plan around is grease must be applied at the zerk. 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
- 14,000 lb MV round bar
- 2-inch shank
- Grease zerk fitting
Pros
- Rated up to 14,000 lb
- Round bar design with grease zerk
- Redistributes part of the tongue weight
Cons
- Grease must be applied at the zerk
- No sway control included
Best Trunnion Spare4 of 6
Curt Manufacturing 17350 Bolt Kit for Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The strongest case for Curt Manufacturing 17350 Bolt Kit for Trunnion Bar Weight Distribution is compatible with CURT trunnion hitches.
Best for
- Bolt kit
Why it made the shortlist
For Bolt kit, this is one of the more relevant configurations in the shortlist. The documented setup centers on trunnion bar bolt kit, for CURT trunnion hitches, zinc finish.
Its case starts with compatible with CURT trunnion hitches. Against the other 5 picks, the useful comparison starts with trunnion bar bolt kit and for CURT trunnion hitches. Those details show whether its configuration suits the job better than a neighboring recommendation.
The trade-off worth checking first is not a hitch, just bolts. Confirm the exact model number and included components before ordering. Check dimensions, compatibility and maintenance needs against the way you plan to use and store it.
Key dimensions & specs
- Trunnion bar bolt kit
- For CURT trunnion hitches
- Zinc finish
Pros
- Compatible with CURT trunnion hitches
- Strong steel
- Corrosion-resistant zinc finish
Cons
- Not a hitch, just bolts
- Fits only CURT trunnion models
Best Chain Spare5 of 6
CURT 17111 Replacement Weight Distribution Hitch Chain Kit on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CURT 17111 Replacement Weight Distribution Hitch Chain Kit is the better fit when chain kit.
Best for
- Chain kit
Why it made the shortlist
The intended use case is Chain kit. The documented setup centers on replacement chain kit, all CURT WD except TruTrack, u-bolts included.
What separates it on paper is compatible with most CURT weight distribution hitches. Against the other 5 picks, the useful comparison starts with replacement chain kit and all CURT WD except TruTrack. Those details show whether its configuration suits the job better than a neighboring recommendation.
Before committing, account for not a hitch, just chains. Confirm the exact model number and included components before ordering. Check dimensions, compatibility and maintenance needs against the way you plan to use and store it.
Key dimensions & specs
- Replacement chain kit
- All CURT WD except TruTrack
- U-bolts included
Pros
- Compatible with most CURT weight distribution hitches
- Attaches with included U-bolts
- Multiple links for tension
Cons
- Not a hitch, just chains
- Not for TruTrack
Best Retainer Spare6 of 6
Replacement Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch for CURT 17109 Retainer Package for RVs on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Choose Replacement Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch for CURT 17109 Retainer Package for RVs for includes two clips, two locking pins and two rivets.
Best for
- Retainer package
Why it made the shortlist
Replacement Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch for CURT 17109 Retainer Package for RVs is positioned for Retainer package. The documented setup centers on round bar retainer package, 2 clips, 2 pins, 2 rivets, for CURT 17600 or 17601.
The feature doing most of the work here is includes two clips, two locking pins and two rivets. Against the other 5 picks, the useful comparison starts with round bar retainer package and 2 clips, 2 pins, 2 rivets. Those details show whether its configuration suits the job better than a neighboring recommendation.
The practical constraint here is not a hitch, just retainers. Confirm the exact model number and included components before ordering. Check dimensions, compatibility and maintenance needs against the way you plan to use and store it.
Key dimensions & specs
- Round bar retainer package
- 2 clips, 2 pins, 2 rivets
- For CURT 17600 or 17601
Pros
- Includes two clips, two locking pins and two rivets
- Keeps the spring bar locked to the bracket
- Fits CURT 17600 or 17601
Cons
- Not a hitch, just retainers
- Third-party part
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Rating clarity
- Listings that state both gross trailer weight and tongue weight were placed above those that give only one.
- Travel trailer loads
- Stated ratings were compared with the 10 to 15 percent tongue weight guide for loaded travel trailers.
- Sway features
- Sway control wording was noted, including switchable and bolt-on types.
- Hitch versus part
- Parts were separated from complete kits so a bolt kit does not look like a hitch.
- Maintenance
- Grease zerks and replaceable parts were weighed as long-term costs.
What Matters Before You Choose a Weight Distribution Hitch For Travel Trailer
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Travel trailer tongue weight
A loaded travel trailer often puts 10 to 15 percent of its weight on the ball, so a 7,500 lb trailer lands between 750 and 1,125 lb. Spring bars rated for a figure at or somewhat above that restore weight to the front axle without being too stiff. Weigh the trailer loaded for a trip, because cargo and full tanks change the number.
Gross rating versus tow vehicle
Blue Ox BXW01350 states 13,000 lb, but the tow vehicle's tow rating, gross combined rating and receiver rating still apply. The weakest rating limits the whole rig, regardless of what the hitch states. Read the door-jamb and owner's manual figures before choosing.
Sway control you can switch off
Clamp-adjusted sway control such as Camco TR3 1,200 can be turned off for backing and slippery roads. Some owners prefer that, while others prefer a system that stays engaged. Check the manual for when to release it.
Grease and maintenance
CURT 17057 has a grease zerk, and its listing says grease must be applied. Neglected round bar contact points can wear and make noise. Plan a regular greasing routine before choosing a round bar hitch.
Spare parts compatibility
CURT 17350 Bolt Kit and CURT 17111 Chains fit named CURT models, and Perfect Pairz Retainers list CURT 17600 and 17601. A part that does not match the model stamped on your hitch is useless. Compare the part number before ordering.
Match a Weight Distribution Hitch For Travel Trailer to Your RV
By Tongue Weight
| Your situation | Recommended pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Up to about 1,300 lb | Blue Ox BXW01350 | States 1,300 lb tongue weight. |
| Up to about 1,200 lb with switchable sway | Camco TR3 1,200 | 1,200 lb title with clamp-adjusted sway. |
| Around 1,000 lb, round bar, no sway included | CURT 17057 | 14,000 lb round bar with no stated tongue weight. |
| Repairing a CURT trunnion | CURT 17350 Bolt Kit | Bolt kit for trunnion hitches. |
| Replacing chains on a CURT hitch | CURT 17111 Chains | Chain kit except TruTrack. |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| $0 to $20 | Perfect Pairz Retainers or CURT 17111 Chains |
| $40 to $330 | CURT 17350 Bolt Kit or CURT 17057 |
| $520 to $760 | Camco TR3 1,200 or Blue Ox BXW01350 |
Round Bar vs Switchable Sway Kit
- Round bar
- Round bar kits are simple and usually cheaper but need greasing. CURT 17057 is the round bar pick here.
- Switchable sway kit
- Switchable sway kits add an on and off control for backing. Camco TR3 1,200 is the example.
Most travel trailer owners should start with Blue Ox BXW01350 if the tongue weight is high, and Camco TR3 1,200 if switchable sway control matters.
By Maintenance Preference
| Preference | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Low maintenance, no grease | Blue Ox BXW01350 |
| Clamp-adjusted sway control | Camco TR3 1,200 |
| Willing to grease for a lower price | CURT 17057 |
| Replacing worn retainers | Perfect Pairz Retainers |
For a Loaded Weekend Trailer Specifically
- Look for
- Look for stated tongue weight, gross trailer weight and an included shank and ball.
- In this comparison
- Blue Ox BXW01350 states both ratings and includes a pre-installed ball, while CURT 17057 states only the gross rating.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- Spend more for stated ratings and a pre-installed ball, where Blue Ox BXW01350 beats CURT 17057.
- Save if
- Save with CURT 17057 if you will grease it and add sway control separately.
Before You Bring One Home
How much tongue weight does a travel trailer have?
A loaded travel trailer typically puts 10 to 15 percent of its weight on the ball. A 7,500 lb loaded trailer is therefore roughly 750 to 1,125 lb. Measure it with a tongue scale for a reliable number.
Do I need a weight distribution hitch for every travel trailer?
Not every one, but many travel trailer and tow vehicle makers recommend or require one above a stated trailer weight. Check the tow vehicle's manual for its rule. If the rear sags or the front steering feels light, a weight distribution hitch is the usual fix.
Is Blue Ox BXW01350 worth more than Camco TR3 1,200?
It states a higher tongue weight and gross trailer rating, so it suits heavier trailers. Camco TR3 1,200 adds switchable sway control. Choose by your trailer's loaded tongue weight first.
How do I adjust the bars on a travel trailer?
Level the trailer first, then tension the bars until the front wheel well recovers about half of the height lost. Measure again after loading. Keep the bars close to parallel with the A-frame.
What should I check on a used travel trailer hitch?
Look for worn washers, damaged chains or missing retainers. Parts such as CURT 17350 Bolt Kit and CURT 17111 Chains replace those pieces on CURT models.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Blue Ox BXW01350 TrackPro Weight Distribution Hitch — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all weight distribution hitch for travel trailer on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.