Weight Distribution Hitch Recommendation for 7,000 lb Trailer

Published 08/18/2017

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2621)

$24.09

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.42

Question:

I am interested in a leveling hitch for a 2016 GMC Suburban style vehicle with an 8000 towing capacity. It will tow a sailboat on a custom built Loadmaster Trailer. What can you recommend? We ramp launch even though the boat is 7000#+ so we need to be able to back up with the hitch. Please advise.

asked by: George L

Expert Reply:

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

If your trailer will be around 7,000 lbs that means the tongue weight will be between 700 and 1,000 lbs. The best system for that would be the Reese Strait Line part # RP66084 which has a tongue weight range of 600-1,200 lbs and features the only sway control on the market designed to fight sway before it starts.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

expert reply by: Jameson C