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Buying guide · 10 min read · Updated October 2, 2026

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.

Bowen HigginsBy Bowen HigginsRV Editor at RV Gear Lab2 products comparedSpec-sheet researched

At a glance

Our top picks

At a glance · 2 picks

  1. ANDERSEN HITCHES
    Chain DesignANDERSEN HITCHES↓ See why we picked it
    Check price
  2. Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301
    Trunnion DesignHusky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301↓ See why we picked it
    Check price

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.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Rig Fit Check

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

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose a Lightweight Weight Distribution Hitch

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. 01

    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.

  2. 02

    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.

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    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.

  5. 05

    Maintenance

    Andersen's listing says no grease is needed. Husky's trunnions are hardened. Check each maker's care advice.

Our standards

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

At RV Gear Lab, we compare products based on rig fit and power or hookup compatibility, verified specifications, usability, setup requirements, weight, durability, and real-world trade-offs. We do not rank products purely on marketing claims or commission rates.

We have not personally tested every product listed. Where hands-on testing is not available, recommendations are based on verified manufacturer specifications, product documentation, use-case fit, and comparative research.

How we review RV gear →

Detailed reviews

The 2 best lightweight weight distribution hitch, explained

01

Chain Design · 1 of 2

ANDERSEN HITCHES

ANDERSEN HITCHES
  • 10K GTWR, 1,400 lb TW
  • 4 inch drop or rise, 2 inch ball
  • Grease-free chain system
Check price on Amazon for ANDERSEN HITCHES (opens in a new tab)
Best for: Chain system

Our take

ANDERSEN HITCHES makes the shortlist because friction cone and tension chain design needs no grease.

Why it made the shortlist

Andersen's weight distribution hitch uses a friction cone and tension chains instead of spring bars and is rated 10,000 lb GTWR and 1,400 lb tongue weight. Andersen's weight distribution hitch uses a friction cone and tension chain design in place of spring bars and is listed at 10,000 lb GTWR and 1,400 lb tongue weight with a 4-inch drop and 2-inch ball. The listing says the system requires no grease.

What works

  • Friction cone and tension chain design needs no grease
  • Chains attach and adjust faster than spring bars
  • Stated 4 inch drop or rise

Watch out for

  • Fixed 4 inch drop or rise
The catch
It states more tongue weight than Husky 33301 and a grease-free design, but costs more.
Check price on Amazon for ANDERSEN HITCHES (opens in a new tab)
02

Trunnion Design · 2 of 2

Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301

Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301
  • 8,000 lb GTW, 400 to 800 lb TW
  • Trunnion bar with sway control
  • Factory pre-installed ball
Check price on Amazon for Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301 (opens in a new tab)
Best for: Trunnion with sway

Our take

Best for a trailer under 8,000 lb that wants built-in sway control.

Why it made the shortlist

Husky's 33301 is a trunnion hitch rated 8,000 lb GTW and 400 to 800 lb tongue weight with a cast head and hardened trunnions. Husky's 33301 is a trunnion bar weight distribution hitch rated 400 to 800 lb tongue weight and 8,000 lb gross trailer weight, with a 2 inch shank and factory-installed ball. It combines weight distribution and sway control in one unit.

It states a lower rating than Andersen 10K 2in and costs less. Its listing gives no weight.

What works

  • 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

Watch out for

  • Listing mentions specific trailer frame limits
Check price on Amazon for Husky Towing Weight Distribution Hitch 33301 (opens in a new tab)

Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

01

Weight claims

Neither listing states a hitch weight, so none is claimed.

02

Stated ratings

Gross trailer weight and tongue weight figures were compared.

03

Build

Chain and trunnion designs were described as listed.

04

Sway features

Built-in sway control was noted where listed.

05

Price

The premium for the chain design was noted.

Decision guide

Match a Lightweight Weight Distribution Hitch to Your RV

By Tongue Weight

Your situationRecommended pickWhy
400 to 800 lbHusky 33301States 400 to 800 lb.
Up to 1,400 lbAndersen 10K 2in1,400 lb tongue weight.
Trailer up to 8,000 lbHusky 333018,000 lb.
Trailer up to 10,000 lbAndersen 10K 2in10,000 lb GTWR.

By Budget

BudgetRecommended pick
$520 to $530Husky 33301
$780 to $790Andersen 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

BudgetRecommended pick
About $525Husky 33301
About $790Andersen 10K 2in
Premium chainAndersen 10K 2in
Mid-price trunnionHusky 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.

FAQ

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

The short version

Browse more lightweight weight distribution hitch on Amazon →
Bowen Higgins, RV Editor at RV Gear Lab

About the author

Bowen Higgins

RV Editor at RV Gear Lab

Bowen covers RV power, water systems, towing and leveling, upkeep and interior comfort, with a focus on matching gear to the rig, the hookups and the way you actually travel.

More from Bowen →Editorial standards

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