Selecting Weight Distribution Hitch for 4400-lb Travel Trailer Towed by 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
Updated 03/13/2018 | Published 03/12/2018
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Question:
Hi , I have a 2012 Chevy Silverado with 5500 towing capacity and looking for a weight distribution System for Towing a 21 Ft Travel Trailer with a dry weight of 3650 expected loaded weight of around 4400 lbs, any recommendation? Thanks
asked by: Norm P
Helpful Expert Reply:
We can help you choose a correctly-rated weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) hitch setup for your Silverado that will be towing a 4400-lb loaded 21-foot travel trailer.
The right way to choose a system is to load your trailer for a trip, with all your usual gear and supplies in place, and to measure the actual loaded trailer tongue weight (TW). The etrailer scale # e99044 makes this process easy and easily repeatable. Plus, using the scale regularly means that over time you will learn how various loading strategies affect the trailer's TW. Ultimately this leads to better trailer loading and so better handling from the trailer.
To this actual loaded trailer TW you will add any cargo weight in the truck that sits behind the rear axle, such as loaded cooler, a generator or a load of firewood. This cargo weight needs to be considered along with the trailer's own loaded TW.
Once you know the total TW of the towing system you can choose a WD/SC hitch so that your total TW falls near the middle of its operating range. Typically a properly-loaded 4400-lb trailer will have TW in the range of 525-lb to 625-lbs. For this example TW you would ideally choose a system rated for between 400- and 800-bs, such as the excellent Reese Strait-Line Trunnion Bar system # RP66083 (along with a hitch ball like 2-inch # A-90 or 2-5/15-inch # 19286).
If you do happen to carry a bit of cargo in the truck and have a total TW closer to 800-lbs then a better choice is the Equal-I-zer system # EQ37100ET which works over a range of 600- to 1000-lbs. The key is to choose a setup so that your actual total TW is near the middle of the operating range. This will ensure the system is stiff enough to do its job without being so rigid that it creates weird handling side-effects from the trailer. This setup includes a 2-5/16-inch hitch ball so all you might add is a thin-walled socket # EQ70-00-4800 for hitch ball installation. I really like this system for its smaller (and easier-to-install) frame brackets.
I suggest checking out the linked article and video, both of which will give you helpful information so you can make the best choice for your specific trailer.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Round - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Round Bar
- Fits 3 Inch Frame
- Fits 4 Inch Frame
- Fits 5 Inch Frame
- Fits 6 Inch Frame
- Includes Shank
- Top-Mount
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
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