Weight Distribution for a 2010 Chevy Silverado and 7,000 Pound 2016 Passport Trailer

Updated 05/19/2015 | Published 05/17/2015

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2621)

$23.85

Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - 12 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(76)

$874.39

Question:

I am looking at what hitch you recommend for my set up. I have a 2010 silverado with the tow package, can tow up to 9500 lbs with wd hitch, Max tongue on 1100 lbs. My trailer is a 2016 Passport with a gvw of 7000 lbs, hitch weight about 515 lbs. I want a hitch that has good clearance, prevents sway from starting, and i am able to backup without unhooking any thing. I want the best that is out there?

asked by: Donald W

Expert Reply:

To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

For a trailer that weights 7,000 pounds the tongue weight will likely be 700 to 1,050 pounds (10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight). To cover this entire range I recommend a system rated for 600 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight.

Reese Strait-Line system # RP66074 is the system I would use. It comes with dual-cam sway control that prevents sway and allows you to back up the trailer without disconnecting anything. I do believe it is the best system we have available.

This system does not come with a shank so you will need to add one with the right rise or drop needed to tow the trailer level. I have included a link that explains how to measure for rise or drop and a link to the compatible shanks.

And you will need a properly sized ball for the system. Use # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch ball. I have also included some links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H