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

6 Best Weight Distribution Hitch For Short Tongue V Nose Trailer in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Weight distribution hitch options for a short-tongue or V-nose trailer, with advice on bar length and bracket clearance, plus three CURT and aftermarket parts.

By Bowen HigginsRV Editor at RV Gear Lab6 products comparedSpec-sheet researched

Short tongues and V-nose frames can leave little room for spring bar brackets, chains and propane tanks, so bar length and bracket position matter as much as ratings. None of the listings here states V-nose or short-tongue fit, so each description sticks to its own specs.

Three entries are complete kits (an Equal-i-zer, a CURT TruTrack 4P and a Camco Elite) and three are parts. Check the clearance against your own trailer before buying.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Rig Fit Check

Start with the job: Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch leads this shortlist for 14,000 lb four-point. 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 14,000 lb, 1,400 lb tongue weight, TruTrack 4P with 4-point sway, 1,000 lb kit with sway control. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for: Title says the kit does not include a hitch shank

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose a Weight Distribution Hitch For Short Tongue V Nose Trailer

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

01
Bar length and bracket position
Spring bars must reach the frame brackets, and a short tongue leaves less room for them. Bracket positions can clash with a propane tank or the V of the frame. Measure the frame and compare it with the hitch's brackets.
02
Propane tank and frame clearance
Many travel trailers mount propane tanks or battery boxes on the tongue. Brackets and U-bolts can interfere. Check that the clamp or bracket location is free.
03
Ratings stated
Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401 states 14,000 lb and 1,400 lb, while CURT 17499 states none. A missing rating prevents a check. Ask the seller.
04
Shank included or not (short tongue v nose trailer)
Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401 does not include a shank per its title. A separate shank needs the right drop. Check the title.
05
Parts versus kits (short tongue v nose trailer)
CURT 17124 Shank, POOWEE Hookup Bracket and Yayapig Retainers are parts. They cannot level a trailer. Match them to your hitch.

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 6 best weight distribution hitch for short tongue v nose trailer, explained

Best Overall · 1 of 6

Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch

14,000 lb, 1,400 lb tongue weight
4-point sway control
Shank not included

Check price on Amazon

Best for: 14,000 lb four-point

Our take

Best for a heavy short-tongue trailer after bracket clearance is confirmed.

Why it made the shortlist

The Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401 states 14,000 lb and 1,400 lb tongue weight with four-point sway control, and the title says no shank is included. The Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401 is a four-point sway control weight distribution hitch rated 14,000 lb trailer weight and 1,400 lb tongue weight.

Buy a compatible shank at the same time.

What works

Four-point sway control
Rated 14,000 lb and 1,400 lb tongue weight
Combines sway control and weight distribution
Established e2-family design

Watch out for

Title says the kit does not include a hitch shank
Needs a shank bought separately

The catch: The title states it does not include a hitch shank.

Check price on Amazon

TruTrack Option · 2 of 6

CURT 17499 TruTrack 4P Weight Distribution Hitch with 4-Point Sway Control

TruTrack 4P with 4-point sway
Four points of sway control
Trunnion-style forged bars

Check price on Amazon

Best for: TruTrack 4P

Our take

Best after the seller confirms the ratings and bracket fit.

Why it made the shortlist

CURT's 17499 TruTrack 4P is a trunnion hitch with four points of integrated sway control. CURT's 17499 is a TruTrack 4P weight distribution hitch with four-point sway control, a welded head with cast pieces and trunnion-style forged steel spring bars.

It states no rating and costs less than Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401. Its brackets mount on the frame.

What works

Four points of sway control work together
Integrated sway control levels vehicle and trailer
Welded head with cast pieces
Trunnion-style forged steel bars

Check price on Amazon

Clamp Sway Option · 3 of 6

Camco Eaz-Lift Elite 1

1,000 lb kit with sway control
Manually adjusted clamp
Pre-installed ball and U-bolts

Check price on Amazon

Best for: 1,000 lb Elite

Our take

Best for a lighter trailer after U-bolt clearance is checked.

Why it made the shortlist

Camco's Elite 1,000 lb kit has manually adjusted sway control, a pre-installed ball and pre-installed U-bolts. Camco's Eaz-Lift Elite 1,000 lb weight distribution hitch kit has manually adjusted sway control disengaged by a clamp and a pre-installed 2-5/16 inch ball and sway control ball. The U-bolts and chain package are pre-installed.

It states a 1,000 lb class and costs less than the other kits. Its U-bolts need space on the frame.

It is a ready-to-tow kit for 1,000 lb tongue weight.

What works

Manually adjustable sway control
Pre-installed 2-5/16 inch ball and sway ball
U-bolts and chain package pre-installed
Ready-to-tow setup

Watch out for

Sway control is a separate friction bar

Check price on Amazon

Shank Part · 4 of 6

CURT 17124 Replacement Weight Distribution Hitch Shank

Replacement shank, 2-inch receiver
8-3/4 inch drop
15,000 lb GTW, 1,500 lb TW

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Shank part

Our take

Best for adding drop to a CURT head.

Why it made the shortlist

CURT's 17124 is a replacement shank with an 8-3/4 inch drop rated 15,000 lb GTW and 1,500 lb tongue weight. CURT's 17124 is a replacement shank for 2-inch receivers with an 8-3/4 inch drop, rated 15,000 lb GTW and 1,500 lb tongue weight.

It is a part, not a hitch, and helps with a head you already own. Its drop is fixed.

What works

Adjustable mount for CURT weight distribution heads
Rated 15,000 lb GTW and 1,500 lb tongue weight
Multiple holes for head height

Watch out for

Not a complete hitch
Drop is fixed at 8-3/4 inch

Check price on Amazon

Bracket Part · 5 of 6

Replacement Weight Distribution Hitch Hookup Bracket

Replacement hookup bracket
Heavy steel
Bolt-on design

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Hookup bracket

Our take

Best for replacing a damaged bracket.

Why it made the shortlist

POOWEE sells a replacement hookup bracket made of heavy-duty welded steel. POOWEE sells a replacement weight distribution hookup bracket made of heavy-duty welded steel with a bolt-on design.

It is a part, not a hitch, and fit depends on the hitch. It costs far less than a kit.

What works

Stronger connection for the spring bars
Heavy-duty steel with welds
Bolt-on installation

Watch out for

Not a hitch, just a bracket
Fit depends on the hitch model

Check price on Amazon

Retainer Part · 6 of 6

17109 Replacement Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch Retainers for CURT

Replacement retainers, 2 pieces
For CURT 17109 systems
For RV and travel trailers

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Retainers

Our take

The strongest case for 17109 Replacement Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch Retainers for CURT is two retainers included.

Why it made the shortlist

Yayapig's retainers replace CURT 17109 round bar retainers and come as two pieces. Yayapig's 17109 retainers are a direct replacement for CURT 17109 round bar retainers, sold as two pieces.

It is a part, not a hitch, and costs far less than POOWEE Hookup Bracket. It adds no rating.

What works

Two retainers included
Direct replacement for CURT 17109 retainers
Simple swap

Watch out for

Not a hitch, just retainers
Third-party part

Check price on Amazon

Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

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

Clearance

Bar length and bracket position were noted, since short tongues leave little room.

Stated ratings

Gross trailer weight and tongue weight figures were compared.

Fit claims

No listing states V-nose fit, so none is claimed.

Sway design

Four-point friction and clamp sway were separated.

Parts

A shank, a bracket and retainers were separated from hitches.

Decision guide

Match a Weight Distribution Hitch For Short Tongue V Nose Trailer to Your RV

By What You Need

Your situation	Recommended pick	Why
Heavy trailer, stated ratings	Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401	14,000 lb and 1,400 lb.
TruTrack with four-point sway	CURT 17499	Four-point sway.
Lighter trailer, ready to tow	Camco Elite 1,000	Pre-installed ball.
More drop for a CURT head	CURT 17124 Shank	8-3/4 inch drop.
Replacing a damaged bracket	POOWEE Hookup Bracket	Replacement bracket.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
$0 to $60	Yayapig 17109 Retainers or POOWEE Hookup Bracket
$100 to $340	CURT 17124 Shank or Camco Elite 1,000
$590 to $690	CURT 17499 or Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401

Clamp Brackets vs U-Bolts

Clamp brackets

Clamp brackets avoid U-bolts on the frame. Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401 uses its own clamp design.

U-bolts

U-bolts need frame space. Camco Elite 1,000 comes with pre-installed U-bolts.

Check clearance before choosing Camco Elite 1,000 or Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401.

By Part Type

Part	Recommended pick
Shank	CURT 17124 Shank
Bracket	POOWEE Hookup Bracket
Retainers	Yayapig 17109 Retainers
Complete kit, four-point	Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401

For Trailers With Propane Tanks Specifically

Look for

Look for bracket positions that clear the tank and a stated bar length.

In this comparison

None of Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401, CURT 17499 or Camco Elite 1,000 states V-nose or tank clearance, so measure first.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more for stated ratings, where Equal-i-zer 90-00-1401 beats CURT 17499.

Save if

Save with Camco Elite 1,000 for a lighter trailer.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Can a weight distribution hitch fit a V-nose trailer?

It can if the bars and brackets clear the frame. None of these listings states V-nose fit. Measure before buying.

What is the biggest short-tongue mistake?

Buying a hitch without checking bracket and tank clearance. A kit that does not clear is unusable.

Is Equal-i-zer worth more than CURT here?

It states 14,000 lb and 1,400 lb. CURT 17499 states no ratings.

How do I set up on a short tongue?

Level the trailer and tension the bars until the front axle recovers about half the height lost. Recheck loaded.

What are the parts for for short tongue v nose trailer?

CURT 17124 Shank adds drop, POOWEE Hookup Bracket replaces a bracket and Yayapig Retainers replace retainers. None is a hitch.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more weight distribution hitch for short tongue v nose trailer on Amazon →

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.

6 Best Weight Distribution Hitch For Short Tongue V Nose Trailer in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Our top picks

The Rig Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose a Weight Distribution Hitch For Short Tongue V Nose Trailer

Bar length and bracket position

Propane tank and frame clearance

Ratings stated

Shank included or not (short tongue v nose trailer)

Parts versus kits (short tongue v nose trailer)

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 6 best weight distribution hitch for short tongue v nose trailer, explained

Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch

CURT 17499 TruTrack 4P Weight Distribution Hitch with 4-Point Sway Control

Camco Eaz-Lift Elite 1

CURT 17124 Replacement Weight Distribution Hitch Shank

Replacement Weight Distribution Hitch Hookup Bracket

17109 Replacement Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch Retainers for CURT

How We Built This Shortlist

Clearance

Stated ratings

Fit claims

Sway design

Parts

Match a Weight Distribution Hitch For Short Tongue V Nose Trailer to Your RV

By What You Need

By Budget

Clamp Brackets vs U-Bolts

By Part Type

For Trailers With Propane Tanks Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Can a weight distribution hitch fit a V-nose trailer?

What is the biggest short-tongue mistake?

Is Equal-i-zer worth more than CURT here?

How do I set up on a short tongue?

What are the parts for for short tongue v nose trailer?

The short version

Bowen Higgins

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