Is a Weight Distribution System Recommended for a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 with 7,000 Lb Trailer
Updated 06/12/2018 | Published 06/09/2018
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Question:
Hello, I have a 2015 1500 Chevy Silverado with 3.42 gears and a tow capacity of 9200. I will be towing a 20 ft trailer with a gvwr of 7000 lbs. i have some air lift air springs installed to withstand 5000lbs. Do i still need a weight distribution hitch or is it not necessary? I attached a picture with everything hooked up and i didn’t notice much sag. Will a WDH improve anything? Does this allow backing up and can this fit on a 2-5/16 trailer coupler? C17002
asked by: Ray
Expert Reply:
A weight distribution system is recommended if the gross trailer weight (GTW) of the trailer is more than 50% of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Therefore, yes I would recommend using a weight distribution system on your 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 even though you already have a set of airbags. The reason for this is that not only will the system work to improve braking and handling, most of them have built-in sway control which is an extremely useful added bonus. Trailer sway may not be a problem for you currently but if it is a really windy stretch of road or a semi flies by you, you are going to wish you had sway control.
In order to select the correct system you will need to add the loaded ready to tow tongue weight of the trailer by any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. This is referred to as total tongue weight (TTW) and as long as this does not exceed 1,000 lbs, the Curt Weight Distribution System part # C17002 will work for you. It will allow you to reverse so long as you are relatively straight as with all weight distribution systems. If you however find yourself needing to make a sharp turn while in reverse with the trailer attached then you will want to unhook the springs bars from each side via the chain hanger brackets. You can use this system with a 2-5/16" trailer coupler with part # C40030.
Although the Curt Weight Distribution System will work for you, it does not have sway control and it would not be the system I recommend. Instead, I recommend taking a look at the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System part # FA92-00-1200 which does have sway control. You can use the same hitch ball part # C40030 listed above to make this system work with a trailer that has a 2-5/16" coupler.
Please note that you will want to set the airbags up first then the weight distribution system. I have attached a review video on the e2 for you as well.
