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I have been reading a number of posts in which there seems to be some confusion between weight distributing hitches and anti-sway devises. A weight distributing hitch is designed to transfer some of the weight on the rear axle to the front axle thereby distributing the weight of the trailer onto both axles (thus the name weight distributing hitch). This weight transfer results in a more level tow vehicle and perhaps less up and down movement (bounce) going down the road. The weight transfer is accomplished through the use of robust steel 'arms' that act as springs to transfer the weight, through the tow vehicle frame, from the rear to hte front axles. These WD hitches may sometimes incorporate special anti-sway devises but most do not. These are commonly used for travel trailers.

An anti-sway devise is designed to minimize the trailer sway that occurs when towing. This swaying is usually increased when being passed by a semi truck or in cross winds. Most, but not all, anti-sway devises use friction to minimize swaying. Anti-sway devises also use 'arms' and this may be the source of the confusion.

However, a WD hitch and an anti-sway devise are different and perform different functions.