Weight Distribution for a 2013 Forest River Wildwood and 2001 Chevy Silverado 2500HD

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Question:

I have an 01 Silverado 2500hd 8.1 l w Allison trans 4x4. I am buying a 13 forest river Wildwood 30qbss. Dry ship weight of 6575 with cargo cap of 4527 . The dry hitch weight is 980. I have up graded the prop and tanks to 2 30 lbs units. Also upgraded to power tongue jack. The tongue is were the battery stores. And this unit does have a large pass thru storage compartment in the front. I was considering the Reese 1200 model. Do you think that should be good or what do you recommend. Also value is a concern also. Thanks

asked by: Don M

0

Expert Reply:

To determine the best weight distribution system for you, you will first need to know the total tongue weight. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and then adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

Trailer tongue weight is typically 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight, higher when there are items mounted on the trailer tongue. If loaded to the max the trailer would weigh 11,102 pounds. The tongue weight would then be 1,110 to 1,665 pounds. I have included a link to an FAQ article on determining tongue weight for you.

I would go with a system rated for 700 to 1,400 pounds tongue weight to be on the safe side. For a Steadi-Flex system that would be # RP66561.You would need to add a ball to this system using # 63840 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter. I have linked instructions for you.

Once you get into the upper weight capacities the systems cost more because of the capacities they need to reach so there is no real entry-level system at the weight of your trailer. I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

Yes, the Strait Line part #RP66130 with the shank #RP54970 would be a solid weight distribution and friction sway control unit for your 2022 Coachmen Catalina Legacy 343BHTS based on it's GVWR you mentioned of 10,800 lbs.

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Answer 2

The important factor to consider when choosing a weight distribution system is the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer. You must also consider the weight of any cargo that will be loaded in the bed of your truck behind the rear…

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Answer 3

The weight distribution system that you selected, Reese Weight Distribution, part #RP66561, is a friction sway control system. A friction sway control will help to stop trailer sway, but does not start working until the trailer has already begun to…

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Answer 4

For your 2007 Chevy 2500HD and 7,000 pound travel trailer, the Reese Stead-Flex Weight Distribution System, #RP66560, will work. But I recommend the Reese Trunnion Bar Strait-Line Hitch with Shank, #RP66084. Both systems have the same capacity.…

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Answer 5

The information stamped on your trailer tongue is the maximum capacity of the coupler, not the actual tongue weight of the trailer. In order to choose the weight distribution that'll work best for you, you'll need to first determine the fully…

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Answer 6

A Reese weight distribution system is going to have a tongue weigh capacity range. The 1,200 pound systems are rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds of tongue weight. The tongue weight will increase once you load the trailer. But, you also have to add the…

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Answer 7

With a basic mechanic background and basic hand tools, you should be able to install a weight distribution system on your own. The instructions are pretty thorough and chances are one of the weight distribution install videos we have on our site will…

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Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

Weight distribution works to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle so that it will sit more level and handle/brake better. That being said the systems do not "reduce" tongue weight or allow you to…

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Answer 12

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Weight Distribution for a 2013 Forest River Wildwood and 2001 Chevy Silverado 2500HD

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