Recommendation for Weight Distribution for a 2003 Chevy Blazer Towing a Two Horse Trailer

Question:

I have a 2003 Chevy Blazer and a Sundowner 2-horse bumper pull trailer which weighs about 3,200 lbs. I need to tow this trailer with two horses, total weight would be about 5,500 lbs. I am told with this WDS my Blazer can tow 6,500 lbs. We are also installing an electric brake controller. Will this work safely?

asked by: Rachel I

Expert Reply:

According to the research I have done, the 2003 Chevy Blazer had a max towing capacity of 5,700 pounds (2-door, 2 wheel drive LS model which had the highest). The trailer hitches we offer for the Blazer have a max towing capacity of 6,000 pounds when using weight distribution. I recommend checking the owners manual or contacting a Chevy dealer to determine the official towing capacity of your Blazer before towing.

When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want one that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the tongue weight of your trailer, loaded and ready to tow. The tongue weight of a trailer is usually 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. That would put your tongue weight between 550 and 825 pounds.

I recommend the Reese Weight Distribution System with Shank, # RP61009. This system uses round bars with cam ends. It comes with the required shank so you would just need the appropriate size ball like # 19286 (2-5/16 inch diameter) or # A-90 (2 inch diameter). I have included a link to the installation details for reference.

This system does not come with sway control but I highly recommend it for the horse trailer. Horses have the tendency to move around in the stalls which can lead to trailer sway. If you want to add sway control later, you would need Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control, # RP26002. I have included a link to the installation details for this kit as well.

Or, you can get them all together in one package (you would still need a ball). Take a look at Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, # RP66088. With this system you get the weight distribution with dual-cam sway control and the shank.

expert reply by: Michael H