Weight Distribution Recommendation for a 2009 Chevy Tahoe and 2004 Keystone Springdale 189FL

Question:

I have a 2009 Tahoe LT 2WD and pull a 2004 Keysone Springdale 189FL. The 189FL has a Gross Dry Weight of 3780 and TW of 460. If you typically take 10-15 of the Gross Dry Weight and add it to the TW, I come up with 10 being 838 and 15 being 1027. These weights are before adding any cargo. What size weight distribution hitch should I get? Around 1200lb TW?

asked by: Travis H

Expert Reply:

You are right about the general rule of 10 to 15 percent. However, you do not add that to the tongue weight that is listed. That 460 pounds is already about 12-1/4 percent of the gross dry weight you provided, 3,780. What you need to do is go by the gross trailer weight when loaded and ready to tow and then determine the tongue weight. I have included a link to an FAQ article on how to determine tongue weight.

After you get the actual tongue weight of the trailer you will add to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. Your trailer is more likely to be in the 400 to 800 pound range so I recommend a system like # RP66153 which is rated for 400 to 800 pounds tongue weight.

This system is similar to the one you have referenced with the exception of the tongue weight capacity range. You will just need to add a properly sized ball to match the coupler on the trailer. use # A-90 for a 2 inch diameter or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter.

I have included a link to the instructions and a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution for you.

expert reply by: Michael H