Weight Distribution and Sway Control Recommendation to Tow 4.5K Trailer with 2018 Chevy Colorado
Published 02/21/2019
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Question:
Background.... I have a 2018 Chevy Colorado Z71 package that is rated to tow up to 7000 lbs. I pull around a Coachmen Apex Nano 213rds that has a dry weight of 3806 lbs and a payload capacity of 2194 lbs for a total of 6000 lbs GVWR. We actually weighed our camper fully loaded with water tank full and it came in at 4500 lbs. I HAD a 2013 Ford F150 that I used to tow this trailer with that had a Reese Pro Series hitch capable of up to 1000 lbs tongue weight. It towed like a dream and I experienced little if any noticeable sway when towing or passed by by a semi. I sold the Ford to buy the Colorado and re-setup the Reese weight distribution hitch for the Colorado. The first time we towed with this setup the sway when passed by a semi was so bad that I purchased a second friction-type anti sway bar and installed it that day. It helped a little but I still cringe when a semi passes us as the truck and trailer seem to be sucked or pushed by the draft so bad that I am almost afraid of interstate driving now. I would like to get an expert recommendation as to what steps I should take now. I am considering both a new WD hitch setup and electronic measures like the Lippert Sway Command that will apply my trailer brakes. What do you think?
asked by: James M
Expert Reply:
Since your 2013 Ford F-150 was heavier than your 2018 Chevy Colorado Z71 it helped in giving you a better towing experience. The Reese Pro Series weight distribution (WD) system that uses the friction sway control bar, like part # 49570 with # 83660, is an entry level WD system which is why you have such a drastic change in towing performance with the lighter pickup.
I recommend swapping out your WD system with a higher-end option that has the sway control integrated into it. Not only is this an upgrade in the strength and ability of the sway control but it also allows you to backup without disengaging the sway control. Since the Pro Series 1,000 lb system worked great with your F-150 I recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET. This has a tongue weight range of 600 lbs - 1,000 lbs and has an integrated 4-point sway control that many consider to be the best on the market. If you check out the reviews of this product you can see that it has nearly a perfect 5 star rating.
The Equal-i-zer comes with a 2-5/16" hitch ball but it is recommended to use a 1-7/8" thin walled socket like part # ALL643216 due to the low clearance inside the head of the unit. I have attached a review video for you to check out for the both the Equal-i-zer and the socket.
Although this should improve your towing experience tremendously there isn't any harm in adding an electronic sway control like the Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control # 335TSC-1000. It may not be necessary though so what you may want to do is try out the Equal-i-zer by taking your trailer out (fully loaded) for a test run and then deciding if you'd like to add the additional sway control or not.
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