Troubleshooting Lack of Control with GMC Canyon When Towing Trailer with WD System

Published 03/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(175)

$408.16

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

(178)

$404.86

Replacement Round Spring Bar for Fastway e2 Weight Distribution Systems - 1,000 lbs TW

(215)

$82.94

Question:

Chris we have the FA 94 00 0800

asked by: Cheryl

Helpful Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2017 GMC Canyon and did see that it has a 7,000 pound maximum trailer weight as long as you have the 3.6L V6 engine. For the Canyon models that feature a 2.5L L4 engine, the maximum trailer weight is just 3,500 pounds.

I first recommend making sure that you aren't exceeding this 7,000 pound limit when the trailer is fully loaded. Since the dry weight of the trailer is 5,200 pounds, you will want to verify its weight when you have it loaded and ready for a trip.

Either way, you are likely creeping up close to the truck's limits, so the next thing I recommend verifying is that the weight distribution system you have installed is properly rated. An under-rated system will essentially be a non-factor in limiting trailer sway and helping with the control of your truck. When determining if the system is a good fit, the most important factor to consider is the total tongue weight of your setup. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer, along with any added cargo weight you have stored behind the rear axle of your Canyon. Ideally, this number will fall somewhere near the middle of the operating range for your system. Using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044 is the most accurate method for determining your trailer's loaded tongue weight.

For example, if the total tongue weight of your system is around 800 pounds, the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA94-00-1000 is a great choice, as it features a tongue weight capacity of 600 to 1,000 pounds.

If you are able to tell me what model e2 system you have, I will be happy to verify if it is a good fit for your towing setup. Keep in mind that if you find your system to be under-rated, you should not need a completely new system, as just the spring bars themselves can typically be changed out to upgrade the system.

expert reply by: Chris R

Cheryl

3/9/2018

Chris we have the FA 94 00 0800

Chris R.

3/9/2018

The Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA94-00-0800 that you have installed features a tongue weight capacity of 400 to 800 pounds. It's very possible that this is a bit under-rated for your setup. A trailer's tongue weight should be around 10 to 15 percent of its total weight. With this in mind, we can estimate a dry/unloaded tongue weight on your 5,200 pound trailer of 520 to 780 pounds. If the loaded tongue weight (along with added cargo from the back of your truck) creeps up over 800 pounds, upgrading the system is definitely recommended and should resolve the issues you are experiencing. If you do find that your loaded total tongue weight is over this system's capacity, I recommend replacing your existing spring bars with the Fastway # FA94-02-1099. Doing this will upgrade your system to have a tongue weight capacity of 600 to 1,000 pounds. This comes with one spring bar, so you will want to order two.