CPC B60D 1/247 (2013.01) [B60D 1/065 (2013.01); B60D 1/345 (2013.01); B60D 1/465 (2013.01)] | 17 Claims |
1. A weight distribution hitch system, comprising:
a vehicle attachment member comprising:
a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and
a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising:
an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and
a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar;
a tension member comprising:
a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and
a bottom end, and
a moment bar, the moment bar comprising:
a first end configured to either be attached the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member or to be supported by the bottom end of the tension member,
a second end also configured to either be attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member or to be supported by the bottom end of the tension member,
a first major face configured to face either generally upward or generally downward,
a second major face opposite the first major face and also configured to face either generally upward or generally downward, and
a bend between the first end and the second end;
wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the end of the moment bar that is supported by the tension member, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and
wherein a preload on the moment bar is varied depending on whether the first major face faces generally upward or generally downward.
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