Towing a 7500-lbs GVWR Trailer with 2021 Chevy Suburban and Do I Need Weight Distribution

Updated 01/11/2021 | Published 01/08/2021

Question:

I have a new 2021 Chevy Suburban with max trailering package. Specification attached. I am thinking of buying a Forest River Wildwood 273QBXL specifications attached. I am concerned because once I add the vehicle curb weight, passenger weight, gasoline weight, tongue weight 5844+700+236+760=7540lbs not even counting cargo,my car will be over the GVWR of 7500. How big of a problem is this? Trailer will be within towing rating. Tongue weight of trailer 760 is within the 830 tongue rating on vehicle but it seems it will put us slightly over the GVWR please advice?? Thank you.

asked by: Susana T

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'll start out by saying that the curb weight of the vehicle typically includes a full tank of gas and the driver of the vehicle (typically 150-lbs for the driver), so those shouldn't be included in your calculation. You're still going to be relatively close, but you'll be under the GVWR of the vehicle and will likely want to put most of the cargo into the trailer if possible. Additionally, you'll really want to pay close attention to the Gross Combined Weight Rating to make sure that you're not above that. It looks like the towing capacity is between 7400-7800lbs, so the trailer when loaded to the max will be right at your towing limits; the good news is that the dry weight of the trailer is about 6100-lbs, so you'll just want to make sure you're not overloaded with cargo and you'll likely be fine.

For a trailer this size, it's likely going to be a good idea to use a weight distribution hitch; we typically recommend this any time the trailer is more than 50% of the vehicle's curb weight. You'll want to choose your weight distribution system based off the tongue weight and you'll want it to fall somewhere in the middle of the weight range for the hitch. I recommend using the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW # FA92-00-1000 because it's right in the sweet spot for the tongue weight of your trailer and also provides you with sway control built in.

I've linked a review video of this system for you to check out, but it's a great system and a good price.

expert reply by: Erik B