Weight Distribution and Sway Control for 3500 lb. Jayco Feather Lite Trailer on 2004 Chevy Colorado

Expert Reply:

There are two types of sway control used with weight distribution systems, friction sway control and dual cam system. The friction sway control works by using the down force of a spring bar to apply friction resistance to brackets on the trailer tongue to stop sway, once it has started. The dual cam system will stop the sway from starting by forcing the vehicle and trailer to go in a straight line. In tight turns it has a dual cam that will lift the outside spring, which makes the tow vehicle and trailer lean into the turn.

On your 2004 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab, I would recommend the dual cam system, which works well with a smaller tow vehicle.

Also another thing you should check is the GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating)on your vehicle. The GCVWR is the maximum weight allowed by the manufacturer for towing with your vehicle. It includes the weight of your truck, trailer, and contents. It is in your owners manual or you could check with the Chevrolet dealer. So you need to make sure that you do not go over what GCVWR is recommended.

I recommend the Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch for the Chevrolet Colorado, 2004, # 87458, which is a Class III hitch and with weight distribution system will give you a gross towing weight of 7,500 and tongue weight of 750 lbs.

The ball mount you would need is Convert-A-Ball Ball Mounts, # AMSC2, and the hitch ball is Curt Hitch Ball with 2 inch Diameter and Medium Shank, 8,000 lbs GTW - Chrome, # A-90.

The weight distribution system with dual cam sway control you would use is Reese Round Bar Strait-Line Hitch 800 lbs. TW / 10,000 lbs. GTW, # RP66077, and you would need a Weight Distributing Shank - Cushioned, # AMAC1.

I am sending you links to the trailer hitch instructions and a video of a installation. Also a link to some good info on weight distribution and sway control.

expert reply by: Jeff D