is weight distribution a problem?

[HABBERDABBER]

Searched the term, no luck. Amazon didn't show one either. Must have another name.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

Searched the term, no luck. Amazon didn't show one either. Must have another name.

Yep - another name, Hitch Grip.

https://www.amazon.com/HitchGrip-HG7...423871&sr=8-31

[Dmmsix]

Do you use a WD hitch /antisway bar? I have a 2020 VW Crossport Atlas - that says "never" use a weight distributing hitch? ( 17B ).

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Dmmsix

Do you use a WD hitch /antisway bar? I have a 2020 VW Crossport Atlas - that says "never" use a weight distributing hitch? ( 17B ).

The Atlas is built on what is essentially a larger Golf unibody chassis, and is a FWD platform. a WDH applies upwards pressure to the hitch to transfer trailer tongue weight to the front axle, this puts quite a bit of torque on the rear half the vehicle 'frame' (unibodies don't actually have a complete frame, rather they have the body shell with subframes attached to the front and rear)

I'd hazard to guess that VW did not design this chassis to support such torque, and is worried it could cause premature frame/body failure..

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Dmmsix

Do you use a WD hitch /antisway bar? I have a 2020 VW Crossport Atlas - that says "never" use a weight distributing hitch? ( 17B ).

Can you copy and paste that section of the owner manual, since VW requires a VIN to access the manual online?

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

The Atlas is built on what is essentially a larger Golf unibody chassis, and is a FWD platform. a WDH applies upwards pressure to the hitch to transfer trailer tongue weight to the front axle, this puts quite a bit of torque on the rear half the vehicle 'frame' (unibodies don't actually have a complete frame

The same type of build as most SUVs these days. My Toyota Highlander and RAV4 had no issues with WDH. I'd like to read exactly what the manual says since people have posted that Honda Pilot says not to use WDH, but what it actually does is caution against using an improperly adjusted WDH.

Toyota says they don't recommend a WDH. I got response from Toyota Canada that they don't have a relationship with a manufacturer of WD, so they don't have a recommendation.
Not everybody wants to tow with a full size truck.

[Dmmsix]

Actually - I bought it set up for towing. Has a VW preinstalled hitch and trailer light/brake receptale It is AWD . States can tow 5000 lbs .

I am not sure how to paste but it states:
Never install "weight distributing" or " load equalizing "trailer hitches. The vehicle was not designed for these types of trailer hitches . The trailer hitch could malfunction and the trailer could disconnect from the vehicle.

But I am unsure if this means I can use anti sway bars or not ?
I will be pursuing this

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Dmmsix

Actually - I bought it set up for towing. Has a VW preinstalled hitch and trailer light/brake receptale It is AWD . States can tow 5000 lbs .

I am not sure how to paste but it states:
Never install "weight distributing" or " load equalizing "trailer hitches. The vehicle was not designed for these types of trailer hitches . The trailer hitch could malfunction and the trailer could disconnect from the vehicle.

But I am unsure if this means I can use anti sway bars or not ?
I will be pursuing this

yes, antisway bar is something completely different, basically a friction brake to dampen side to side motion.

[Rossue]

Maybe just Super CYA after Dieselgate. See Atlas Forums on this topic:

https://www.vwatlasforum.com/threads...eriences.1425/

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

The Atlas is built on what is essentially a larger Golf unibody chassis, and is a FWD platform. a WDH applies upwards pressure to the hitch to transfer trailer tongue weight to the front axle, this puts quite a bit of torque on the rear half the vehicle 'frame' (unibodies don't actually have a complete frame, rather they have the body shell with subframes attached to the front and rear)

I'd hazard to guess that VW did not design this chassis to support such torque, and is worried it could cause premature frame/body failure..

Since many unibody vehicles have no issue with WD systems - or even require them for higher hitch loads - I doubt this is the issue.

At Honda the issue is definitely that owners improperly adjust WD systems, causing unsafe handling; simply not using WD and keeping hitch load within the stated limit is the solution.

The VW statement reads more like "don't use stuff that we have no control over".