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B&W Hitches WDHH4500 Continuum Weight Distribution Head Unit - 16,000 lb GTW - 2-Inch Shank

B&W Hitches WDHH4500 Continuum Weight Distribution Head Unit 16000 lb GTW 2-inch shank, 48 lbs, shown from front angle
 
: $234.00
Part Number: WDHH4500
Manufacturer: B&W Hitches

Quantity in Stock :34

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B&W Hitches 16,000 lb GTW Continuum Series B&W Continuum Weight Distribution Head Unit -- 16K GTW, 2-Inch Shank (WDHH4500)

The B&W Continuum WDHH4500 is the head unit assembly for B&W's Continuum weight distribution system, rated for up to 16,000 lb gross trailer weight. Whether you're replacing a worn head unit or upgrading to the Continuum's continuous-spring-bar design, this is the component that mounts directly to your ball mount shank and manages the load transfer across your tow vehicle's axles. Built in the USA with B&W's precision machining standards, this head unit delivers consistent, repeatable weight distribution without the sway chain setup required by older friction-style systems.

Continuous-Tension Weight Distribution, Built for Heavy Hauling

The B&W Continuum system is built around a continuous spring bar design that applies weight distribution force evenly and progressively -- no chains, no hooks, no hammers. The WDHH4500 head unit is the heart of that system, housing the pivot mechanism and spring bar retention that defines the Continuum's clean, tool-friendly setup.

At 16,000 lb GTW capacity, this head unit is sized for serious towing -- fifth-wheel-comparable loads on a conventional receiver, large travel trailers, toy haulers, and horse trailers commonly found in the 12,000 to 16,000 lb range. The 2-inch shank fits standard 2-inch receiver hitches rated for the appropriate tongue weight and GTW.

16,000 lb GTW Rating

Handles heavy travel trailers and horse trailers up to 16,000 lb gross trailer weight with appropriate tongue weight distribution.

Continuum Spring Bar Design

No chains or hooks -- the continuous spring bar engagement means faster hookup and more consistent load leveling every time.

2-Inch Receiver Shank

Fits standard 2-inch square receiver hitches. Verify your hitch receiver's GTW and tongue weight ratings before installing.

USA Manufactured

B&W fabricates the Continuum line at their Humboldt, Kansas facility -- the same shop that builds their gooseneck and fifth wheel products.

Where This Part Fits in the Continuum Lineup

B&W offers the Continuum weight distribution system as a complete kit and also sells individual components for owners who need to replace a specific part. The WDHH4500 is the head unit only -- it does not include spring bars, a ball, or a sway control device. If you are replacing only the head on an existing Continuum 16K setup, this is the correct part. If you need spring bars, order them separately as B&W Continuum spring bar sets matched to the 16K capacity.

The Continuum system is distinct from B&W's Tow & Stow and standard ball mount products. The head unit pivot and spring bar retention are proprietary to the Continuum family, so Continuum spring bars are not interchangeable with non-Continuum heads.

Clean, Fast Hookup -- The Continuum head does not require a separate tilt bracket, hammer, or spring bar chains. The spring bars are inserted and locked directly into the head unit, making solo hookup straightforward even on a heavy trailer.

Compatibility and Fitment

The WDHH4500 head unit is designed to work with B&W Continuum 16,000 lb-rated spring bars. It fits any tow vehicle with a 2-inch receiver hitch rated for the appropriate tongue weight. Common applications include:

  • Large travel trailers in the 12,000 to 16,000 lb loaded weight range
  • Toy haulers and fifth-wheel-sized conventional trailers
  • Horse trailers and livestock trailers with high tongue weights
  • Any tow vehicle (pickup truck, large SUV) with a 2-inch receiver rated at 16,000 lb GTW
Heads-Up: The 2-inch receiver on your tow vehicle must be independently rated for 16,000 lb GTW and the corresponding tongue weight. The head unit rating does not override your vehicle's or hitch's rated capacity. Always match all components to the lowest-rated link in your tow chain.

What Is and Is Not Included

This listing is for the WDHH4500 head unit assembly only. Verify what you need before ordering:

  • Included: Continuum WDH head unit with shank, pivot mechanism, and spring bar retention hardware
  • NOT included: Spring bars (sold separately as B&W Continuum spring bar sets)
  • NOT included: Ball (sold separately -- standard 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch ball depending on your trailer coupler)
  • NOT included: Sway control device (the Continuum system provides some inherent resistance but a dedicated sway bar is a separate component)
  • NOT included: Drop/rise shank extensions
Maintenance Tip: Inspect the pivot bushing and spring bar latch mechanism annually or every 10,000 towing miles. Apply a light coat of B&W-approved grease to the head pivot points to prevent corrosion and binding, especially if you tow in wet or salty conditions.

Installation Notes

The WDHH4500 installs into a standard 2-inch receiver using the included shank and hitch pin. Set the ball height by adjusting the shank insertion depth to achieve a level or very slightly nose-down trailer attitude when loaded and hitched. B&W recommends setting the spring bar tension so front axle weight is restored to at least 90 percent of the unhitched measurement.

Pro Tip: Weigh your tow vehicle's front axle before hitching, then adjust Continuum tension until front axle weight is within 10 percent of that baseline. This is the most reliable indicator of correct weight distribution engagement, regardless of ball height or trailer brand.

Part Identification

ManufacturerB&W Hitches
Part NumberWDHH4500
UPC843233011449
SeriesContinuum Weight Distribution System
Country of ManufactureUSA (Humboldt, Kansas)

Capacity and Ratings

Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)16,000 lb
Shank Size2-inch (fits standard 2-inch receiver)
System TypeContinuous spring bar weight distribution
Sway ControlIntegral friction resistance (add-on sway bar sold separately)

Physical Specifications

Unit Weight48.0 lbs
Package Length20.0 inches
Package Width12.5 inches
Package Height6.5 inches

Compatibility

Receiver Size Required2-inch square receiver
Compatible Spring BarsB&W Continuum 16K spring bar set
Ball Size2-inch or 2-5/16-inch (ball sold separately)
Compatible TrailersConventional trailers up to 16,000 lb GTW
Not Compatible WithNon-Continuum B&W spring bars; Reese, Equal-i-zer, or Hensley spring bars

Typical Applications

Large Travel Trailers12,000 - 16,000 lb loaded weight
Toy HaulersMid to large class, 14,000 - 16,000 lb range
Horse and Livestock TrailersHeavy gooseneck-style on conventional hitch
Tow Vehicles3/4-ton and 1-ton pickups with rated 2-inch receiver
Important Information -- Read Before Ordering
  • This is the HEAD UNIT ONLY. Spring bars, hitch ball, and sway control components are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
  • Your tow vehicle's receiver hitch, frame, and trailer coupler must all be independently rated for 16,000 lb GTW before using this head unit at full capacity.
  • The Continuum head unit is only compatible with B&W Continuum-series spring bars. Do not attempt to use spring bars from other WDH brands with this head.
  • Improper weight distribution setup can cause loss of vehicle control. Always verify front and rear axle weights with a certified scale after initial setup.
  • Check your state's towing laws -- trailers above certain GTW thresholds may require trailer brakes, specific lighting, or a commercial driver's license.
  • At 48 lbs, this head unit requires two-person handling or a floor jack assist during installation on most vehicle heights.


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