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

5 Best Weight Distribution Hitch To Use With Airbags in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Weight distribution hitch options for trucks with airbags: one complete VEVOR kit plus four spring bar and retainer parts, with setup cautions.

By Bowen HigginsRV Editor at RV Gear Lab5 products comparedSpec-sheet researched

Rear airbags or helper springs level the back of a truck, but they do not return load to the front axle, so a weight distribution hitch is still needed for steering and braking feel. No listing here states that it is made for use with airbags, so each description sticks to its own ratings.

Only VEVOR 10000 lb is a complete kit; the other four are spring bars and retainers for CURT hitches. Air pressure changes alter how a weight distribution hitch sets up, so tension must be checked again after any pressure change.

RV Gear Lab field notes

The Rig Fit Check

Start with the job: VEVOR Weight Distribution Hitch leads this shortlist for Complete kit. 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 10,000 lb GTW, 1,000 lb TW, Replacement trunnion spring bar, Replacement MV round spring bar. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
Trade-off to plan for: Little detail on bar type or sway control

Before you buy

What Matters Before You Choose a Weight Distribution Hitch To Use With Airbags

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

01
Airbags do not restore front load
Airbags or helper springs level the rear of the truck, but the front axle still carries less weight than unhitched. A weight distribution hitch moves some tongue weight forward to the front axle. Keep the hitch even if the rear looks level.
02
Pressure changes alter setup
Raising or lowering airbag pressure changes ride height and therefore how the bars sit. Recheck tension and level after any pressure change. Record settings for each load.
03
Maker's allowance at to use with airbags
Check the tow vehicle's manual for whether weight distribution is allowed with airbags. Some makers have rules about added helper springs. Do not assume compatibility.
04
Replacement part fit
CURT 17337 Bar fits 17333 and 17422, CURT 17073 Bar fits 17052 and 17062, and CURT 17115 Bar fits 17002 and 17022. A bar for the wrong model is not safe. Match the part number.
05
Ratings on complete kit
VEVOR 10000 lb states 10,000 lb GTW and 1,000 lb tongue weight. Spring bar ratings are for the pair and must cover the loaded tongue weight. Weigh the trailer loaded.

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 5 best weight distribution hitch to use with airbags, explained

Best Complete Kit · 1 of 5

VEVOR Weight Distribution Hitch

10,000 lb GTW, 1,000 lb TW
2 in shank, 2-5/16 in ball
Carbon steel head

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Best for: Complete kit

Our take

VEVOR Weight Distribution Hitch makes the shortlist because includes a 2-5/16 inch ball rated 1,000 lb tongue weight.

Why it made the shortlist

The head is solid carbon steel and the ball is chrome plated.

It includes a shank and ball, unlike the other four, which are parts. It makes no mention of airbags.

What works

Includes a 2-5/16 inch ball rated 1,000 lb tongue weight
Rated for up to 10,000 lb GTW
Carbon steel head with chrome-plated ball

Watch out for

Little detail on bar type or sway control
Brand support is thinner than established names

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Best Trunnion Bar · 2 of 5

CURT 17337 Replacement Short Trunnion Weight Distribution Spring Bar

Replacement trunnion spring bar
28-3/8 inch, 15,000 lb GTW
Fits 17333 and 17422

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Best for: Trunnion replacement

Our take

Best for replacing a damaged bar on a CURT trunnion hitch.

Why it made the shortlist

CURT's 17337 is a 28-3/8 inch short trunnion bar rated 15,000 lb GTW for CURT 17333 and 17422 hitches. CURT's 17337 is a replacement short trunnion spring bar, 28-3/8 inches long and rated 15,000 lb GTW.

What works

Replacement for CURT trunnion bar hitches
Pre-assembled with spring bar chain
Fits the 17333 and 17422
Rated 15,000 lb GTW

Watch out for

A single replacement bar, not a hitch
Fits only the listed CURT models

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Best Round Bar · 3 of 5

CURT 17073 Replacement MV Round Weight Distribution Hitch Spring Bar

Replacement MV round spring bar
Up to 10,000 lb GTW
Fits 17052 and 17062

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Best for: Round bar replacement

Our take

Best for replacing a bent MV round bar.

Why it made the shortlist

CURT's 17073 is an MV round bar rated up to 10,000 lb GTW for CURT 17052 and 17062 hitches. CURT's 17073 is a replacement MV round spring bar rated up to 10,000 lb GTW that fits CURT round bar hitches 17052 and 17062. It comes pre-assembled with a spring bar chain.

It costs less than CURT 17337 Bar and fits round bar models. It is a single replacement bar.

What works

Replacement for CURT round bar hitches
Pre-assembled with chain
Rated up to 10,000 lb GTW
Fits 17052 and 17062

Watch out for

A single replacement bar, not a hitch
Fits only the listed models

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Best Older Round Bar · 4 of 5

CURT 17115 Replacement Round Weight Distribution Hitch Spring Bar

Replacement round spring bar
31-5/8 inch, 10K
Fits 17002 or 17022

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Best for: Older round bar

Our take

Best for owners of the older 17002 or 17022.

Why it made the shortlist

CURT's 17115 is a 31-5/8 inch round bar rated 8,000 to 10,000 lb GTW for CURT 17002 and 17022. CURT's 17115 is a replacement round spring bar, 31-5/8 inches long, rated 8,000 to 10,000 lb GTW and 800 to 1,000 lb tongue weight, limited to the lowest-rated towing component. It fits CURT round bar hitches 17002 and 17022.

It is for older CURT models and costs about the same as CURT 17073 Bar.

What works

Replacement for CURT 17002 and 17022
Rated 8,000 to 10,000 lb GTW
Pre-assembled with chain
Multiple links for tension

Watch out for

A single replacement bar, not a hitch
Fits only the listed models

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Best Retainer Set · 5 of 5

C CLINK Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch Retainers Replacement for #17600 or #17601

Round bar retainer set
Fits 17600, 17601, 17109
Clips, pins, rivets

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Best for: Retainer set

Our take

C CLINK Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch Retainers Replacement for #17600 or #17601 makes the shortlist because includes two clips, two locking pins and two rivets.

Why it made the shortlist

C CLINK sells round bar retainers with clips, locking pins and rivets for 17600, 17601 and 17109. C CLINK sells round bar weight distribution hitch retainers with two clips, two locking pins and two rivets, compatible with 17600, 17601 and 17109. The pin is high-strength steel with a zinc coating.

It is a low-cost part that keeps bars on the bracket and has nothing to do with airbags.

Best for replacing lost retainers. It is a replacement part.

What works

Includes two clips, two locking pins and two rivets
High-strength steel pin with zinc coat
Compatible with 17600, 17601 and 17109

Watch out for

Not a hitch, just retainers
Third-party part

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Methodology

How We Built This Shortlist

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

Airbag claims

No listing states airbag compatibility, so none is claimed.

Kit or part

A complete kit and four parts were separated.

Stated ratings

Gross trailer weight and tongue weight figures were compared.

Model fit

Replacement bars and retainers were matched to their stated CURT models.

Price

Spare parts were priced against their jobs.

Decision guide

Match a Weight Distribution Hitch To Use With Airbags to Your RV

By What You Own

Your situation	Recommended pick	Why
No hitch yet	VEVOR 10000 lb	Complete kit.
CURT 17333 or 17422	CURT 17337 Bar	Replacement trunnion bar.
CURT 17052 or 17062	CURT 17073 Bar	Replacement round bar.
CURT 17002 or 17022	CURT 17115 Bar	Replacement round bar.
Round bar missing a retainer	C CLINK Retainers	Retainer set.

By Budget

Budget	Recommended pick
$10 to $90	C CLINK Retainers or CURT 17115 Bar
$90 to $100	CURT 17073 Bar or CURT 17337 Bar
$250 to $260	VEVOR 10000 lb

Airbags vs Weight Distribution

Airbags

Airbags level the rear and absorb load but do not restore front axle weight, which is why even a VEVOR 10000 lb owner still needs weight distribution.

Weight distribution

A hitch like VEVOR 10000 lb moves tongue weight to the front axle and trailer axles.

Use VEVOR 10000 lb for weight distribution, with airbags only if the maker allows both.

By Part Type

Part	Recommended pick
Trunnion bar	CURT 17337 Bar
MV round bar	CURT 17073 Bar
Older round bar	CURT 17115 Bar
Retainers	C CLINK Retainers

For Trucks With Rear Helper Springs Specifically

Look for

Look for stated ratings and plan to re-tension after any pressure change.

In this comparison

VEVOR 10000 lb states its ratings, and the CURT bars state GTW only.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more for a documented kit, where VEVOR 10000 lb beats parts.

Save if

Save by replacing only the worn bar, such as CURT 17073 Bar.

FAQ

Before You Bring One Home

Do I still need a weight distribution hitch with airbags?

Yes, usually. Airbags level the rear but do not move load to the front axle.

Can I use airbags and a weight distribution hitch together?

Many owners do, but check the tow vehicle maker's manual first. Re-tension the bars after changing pressure.

Is VEVOR 10000 lb airbag-compatible?

Its listing does not mention airbags. It states 10,000 lb GTW and 1,000 lb tongue weight.

How do I set up with airbags?

Level the trailer at normal pressure, tension the bars, and record the setting. Re-check after pressure changes.

How do I maintain spring bars?

Inspect the bars for cracks and wear before each trip. Replace bars in pairs if one is damaged so the tension stays even.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more weight distribution hitch to use with airbags 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.

5 Best Weight Distribution Hitch To Use With Airbags in 2026: A Practical RV Guide

Our top picks

The Rig Fit Check

What Matters Before You Choose a Weight Distribution Hitch To Use With Airbags

Airbags do not restore front load

Pressure changes alter setup

Maker's allowance at to use with airbags

Replacement part fit

Ratings on complete kit

Why You Can Trust RV Gear Lab

The 5 best weight distribution hitch to use with airbags, explained

VEVOR Weight Distribution Hitch

CURT 17337 Replacement Short Trunnion Weight Distribution Spring Bar

CURT 17073 Replacement MV Round Weight Distribution Hitch Spring Bar

CURT 17115 Replacement Round Weight Distribution Hitch Spring Bar

C CLINK Round Bar Weight Distribution Hitch Retainers Replacement for #17600 or #17601

How We Built This Shortlist

Airbag claims

Kit or part

Stated ratings

Model fit

Price

Match a Weight Distribution Hitch To Use With Airbags to Your RV

By What You Own

By Budget

Airbags vs Weight Distribution

By Part Type

For Trucks With Rear Helper Springs Specifically

When to Spend More

Before You Bring One Home

Do I still need a weight distribution hitch with airbags?

Can I use airbags and a weight distribution hitch together?

Is VEVOR 10000 lb airbag-compatible?

How do I set up with airbags?

How do I maintain spring bars?

The short version

Bowen Higgins

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