Recommended Weight Distribution Towing Setup for a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71

Updated 06/13/2016 | Published 06/09/2016

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2594)

$18.45

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM

(482)

$19.50

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6430)

$179.89

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2707)

$137.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3789)

$16.19

Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(171)

$856.63

Question:

Have a 2002 Tahoe z71 with a v-5 talon hitch, is it safe to tow a gross dry weight camper of 5,800lb?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

I was able to check your owner's manual and depending on whether you have a 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive model you will be able to tow the 5,800lb camper just fine.

If you have a 2WD you will have a maximum trailer weight of 7,800lbs and for the 4WD 7,600lbs. The maximum tongue weight when using a weight distribution system is 1,000lbs (2WD) or 1,200lbs (4WD).

To choose the right weight distribution it will be based on loaded tongue weight which is typically between 10-15% of the trailer and anything in addition to that loaded behind the rear axle.

The Strait-Line weight distribution # RP66083 you were looking at would be good if your trailer has a tongue weight of 400-800lbs; if you find that you are closer to the 600-1,200lbs then you will want the # RP66084. According to your owner's manual on page 4-59 you will not be capable of carrying more than that.

Both systems mentioned above will require a hitch ball with the 1-1/4 inch shank for your trailer. Two of the most common sizes of hitch balls are the 2 inch # A-90 and 2-5/16 inch # 19286.

If you have a trailer with brakes you will need a brake controller to control the brakes. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because of its easy user interface. The P3 is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but doesn't have the display of the P3.

If you have a factory 7-way on your vehicle you will need the # 3025-P brake controller adapter to plug into your vehicle and complete your wiring.

I have linked all the above mentioned products to this page for your convenience.