Setting Up Weight Distribution Hitch on 2015 Yukon XL SLT with Air Shocks  

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Expert Reply:

Different manufacturers sometimes have different philosophies about the set-up process of a weight distribution system on a vehicle with factory air shocks. I can share with you the process we have found to work well for us when setting up a weight distribution system in this situation.

First, with the vehicle and trailer level, take the measurements of the vehicle hitch receiver height and the trailer coupler height. You will want to take these measurements while the vehicle and trailer are both on level ground and not hitched to each other. The hitch receiver height is measured from the ground to the top of the hitch receiver. The coupler height is measured from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler. I have attached a help article on finding the correct ball mount, which will further explain these measurements for you.

You will want to use these measurements to do the initial set-up of the weight distribution system's rise/drop. The difference between the vehicle's hitch receiver height and the trailer's coupler height will let you know at what rise or drop the hitch system needs to be set.

Then, you can install the weight distribution system in the vehicle's hitch receiver and hitch the trailer to your Yukon XL. Don't yet install the weight distribution system's spring bar arms, only hitch the trailer to the vehicle.

Next, let the air shocks on your Yukon level the vehicle as they are designed.

Once the air shocks have done their job to level the vehicle, then install the spring bar arms of the weight distribution system. This will distribute the trailer's tongue weight as this system is designed. Depending on how much weight is shifted when the spring bar arms are installed, it is possible that the shocks will adjust again. As your Yukon XL owner's manual stated, now that the vehicle's air shocks have had time to level the vehicle with the trailer hitched, you can make any fine tune adjustments necessary to the system.

Keep in mind, a weight distribution system should be chosen based on the trailer's loaded and ready to tow tongue weight. If you find your trailer's loaded and ready to tow tongue weight, plus the weight of any cargo carried behind the rear axle of the Yukon XL to be more than the 1,000 pound tongue weight rating of your existing system, a larger system will be needed to be effective.

I am a fan of the Equal-I-zer Weight Distribution and Sway Control systems, and they offer a system with a 1,200 pound tongue weight capacity # EQ37120ET that will work well for you if you need to step up your system.

I have attached a help article on frequently asked questions regarding weight distribution for you. I have also linked all of the weight distribution systems we offer.

expert reply by: Victoria B

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