How to Select Proper Weight Distribution/Sway Control System for 2009 Silverado  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The weight distribution systems that use a friction bar for sway control, like # PS49583 with # 83660 from Pro Series, do not allow you to back up your trailer without first disconnecting the bar. If left in place when reversing the trailer this mechanism would suffer damage.

The systems like the Equal-i-zer 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37140ET and the Reese Steadi-Flex # RP66560, which use an integrated anti-sway system that does not rely on a separate friction bar, do not have this limitation on backing up the trailer. The same applies to the Reese Strait-Line system that you referenced, part # RP66074. All of these allow backing up.

The key to choosing the right WD/SC system is to know your trailer's fully-loaded road-ready tongue weight (TW). To this loaded trailer TW you need to add the weight of anything that sits behind the rear axle in the truck bed, as this too will act like TW. Examples of such items are a fully-loaded cooler or generator, which could easily weigh a few hundred pounds.

This total effective TW will let you choose a system that is stiff enough to provide the shift of trailer weight to the tow vehicle's front axle, but without being so stiff that it creates weird handling effects from the trailer. The easiest method to measure TW is to use a scale # e99044 but other methods are outlined in the linked article.

The linked page will display all WD/SC systems for 2-inch hitches that work with electric drum brakes (that you'll power with a P3 # 90195) and that allow you to back up the trailer. Just click on your total TW figure to see suitable options. You'll notice that some systems like the Equal-i-zer # EQ37140ET feature smaller frame brackets than some others; this can mean easier installation on trailers that may have limited available space along the a-frame.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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