Towing a Trailer using Weight Distribution and Carry Bikes at the Same Time with 2011 GMC Acadia

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Question:

I have a 2011 Acadia with the factory hitch/tow package. It has a 5200lb tow capacity and a 500lb max tongue weight. Im towing a 2013 Jayco SLX 183BH. The dry weight of the trailer is about 2740lbs but loaded up its obviously more - if I had it full water tank it would probably be close to the 3500lb max weight for the trailer. The water tank is located right up at the front of the trailer. Id like to be able to tow it full of water for boondocking but if I fill it up then, because the tank is at the front of the trailer, the tongue weight on the Acadia gets excessive. Thus Im planning on getting a weight distributing hitch for the trailer. The issue I need help with is that Id like to be able to bring bikes with us camping. Ive looked at the Curtis hitch I think its part D210 which has a ball mount and the raised additional receiver for a bike rack. It looks perfect except Im thinking it wont work with a weight distribution hitch, is that right? Also Im currently using a ball mount with a 4inch and I think that part only has a 2inch . I looked at the dual receiver extender parts but the fact that they reduce the vehicles hitch capacity by half is problematic. I suspect the Acadias hitch itself has a 6000lb/600lb tongue weight capacity. Dropping that to 3000/300 would mean Id be over-capacity right away. The trailer is a very lightweight model so only has a lightweight bumper and, I expect, a lightweight frame at the rear so Id be hesitant to add any racks/hitches at the back. Any thoughts/suggestions? Im trying to avoid having to lift 4 bikes up on to the roof of the Acadia on to the roof racks every time we go camping! Thanks!

asked by: Steve B

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Expert Reply:

First, using a weight distribution system only maximizes what the hitch and vehicle can tow but it does not increase the tongue weight capacity rating of the hitch or vehicle. If the vehicle is rated for a maximum of 600 pounds with or without weight distribution then that is the max capacity you have to go by. You can potentially lower the tongue weight by moving weight rearward on the trailer if possible.

At 3,500 pounds the tongue weight could be 350 to 525 pounds if not more due to that water tank at the front. If the hitch and/or vehicle maxes out at 600 pounds then you would be limited to that 500 pounds.

The Curt multipurpose ball mount # D210 cannot be used with weight distribution. To carry the bikes you might be able to use the Bike Bunk, # CC-275, for A-frame trailers. It has a 100 pound capacity and can be used with RV/Trailer approved bike racks with 2 inch shanks. I have included a link to the bike racks that fit this description.

Another option is to install a front mount trailer hitch # C31045 as long as your Acadia is not a Denali model. then you could use a hitch mount bike rack and carry the bikes at the front of the vehicle. Please note that the bikes loaded at the front can limit driver visibility, reduce airflow to the motor, and potentially block the front lights.

For a weight distribution hitch I recommend # FA92-00-0800 from Fastway. This system is rated up to 800 pounds tongue weight (still limited to the 600 pound capacity though) and it bolts to the sides of the frame. You will just need to add a ball, # A-90 for a 2 inch or # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Towing a Trailer using Weight Distribution and Carry Bikes at the Same Time with 2011 GMC Acadia

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