Recommended Weight Distribution System and Transmission Cooler for 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

Question

Question:

Hi. I am looking to figure out what would be the best weight distribution hitch with some kind of sway control to purchase. The tow truck will be a 2006 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. It has 4 wheel drive, the extra cab not quad cab, the cab with the suicide doors. It is a 6 foot bed. It has the 6.1L engine. I am looking to tow a toy hauler that has a dry/unloaded weight of around 6500 lbs. It would be loaded, at max, with about another 1500 lbs for a total of around 8000 lbs up to 8500 lbs at the top end. I am being judicious here with regards to the weights. I have read on line that with a weight distribution hitch this truck should be able to handle around 10K lbs. My main concerns are: 1 Being able to safely pull this beast as best as possible. 2 Not tearing up my transmission and engine. Any thoughts you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Jonathan C

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Expert Reply:

For your 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, I have checked your owners manual and with a weight distribution system of proper size you should be within the manufactures guidelines for your vehicle. When considering which system, the total tongue weight is the biggest determining factor which includes any weight behind the rear axle of your truck and the loaded tongue weight of your toy hauler. Normally the tongue weight is 10-15% of the gross towing weight of the trailer. With the information you provided, I have a good picture of what to suggest.

My recommendation for a weight distribution system to allow you to pull your toy hauler with this vehicle would be the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, # RP66084. I really like this system because it proactively keeps your trailer from swaying with its trunnion spring bars and dual-cam sway control. It applies constant pressure to both sides to keep you in a straight line, but allows you to automatically overcome it to give you a controlled, full radius turn. It also allows you to back up without disengaging the system. It allows for fine tuning to suit your preferences.

This system does require a hitch ball like # C40085.

To address your concern about your transmission and engine, I'd recommend a transmission cooler because the vast majority of transmission failures are a direct result of overheating . Installing a cooler can significantly increase the life of your transmission by ensuring your transmission is operating within the correct temperature limits. For your 2006 Silverado 2500 HD with a 6 liter, I'd recommend the Derale Series 8000 Plane-Fin Transmission Cooler, # D13503. This will prolong the life of your transmission as well as improve the overall performance whether towing or not. This kit will include everything you need to install it.

I've attached a couple videos along with a help article to further assist.

expert reply by: Jason S

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