Weight Distribution for a 2010 Chevy Silverado Towing a 5,100 Pound Travel Trailer

Updated 03/24/2016 | Published 03/22/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 6K GTW, 600 TW

(238)

$722.27

2-5/16" Hitch Ball for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 10,000 lbs

(215)

$29.94

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(178)

$405.79

Question:

I have a 23 foot 2005 Surveyor trailer I want to pull with my 2010 Chevy Silverado. Forest River has told me it has a tongue weight of 350lbs. The GVWR of the trailer is 5100 LBS. Ill usually have at least a couple hundred pounds of cargo in the bed of the truck. Id like a setup that allows me to backup without disconnecting anything. What product would you recommend based on this info

asked by: Matt T

Expert Reply:

That 350 pound tongue weight is likely the dry tongue weight. If the gross trailer weight is 5,100 pounds when loaded and ready to tow then the tongue weight would be 510 to 765 pounds (10 to 15 percent of he gross trailer weight). Then to that you would add the weight of anything carried in the bed behind the rear axle of the 2010 Chevy Silverado.

The Fastway e2 system # FA94-00-0800 is rated for 400 to 800 pounds tongue weight so it covers the range above. You would also need ball # EQ91-00-6100. But if the total tongue weight ends up being over 800 pounds use # FA94-00-1061 which is rated for 1,000 pounds tongue weight (this system comes with a ball).

These systems come with built-in sway control and allow backing up without having to disconnect anything. I have included some helpful links on weight distribution and determining tongue weight for you.

expert reply by: Michael H